The Complete Commercial Tile Guide: From Basics To Specification

Commercial spaces—such as hospitality venues, offices, healthcare facilities, retail stores, and public settings—require surface materials that go beyond appearance, balancing design with safety, durability, hygiene, and ongoing maintenance. That’s why our curated Commercial Tile Collection is tailored to meet the performance needs of real-world projects.

This resource serves as a comprehensive commercial tile specification guide that includes core technical considerations, space-by-space priorities, MSI’s Commercial Flooring Decision Flowchart, and MSI’s porcelain collections engineered for commercial projects—featuring stone, marble, wood, and concrete looks.

Understanding Core Performance Metrics for Commercial Tile

PEI Wear Rating

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) wear rating measures how well a glazed tile resists abrasion. Light commercial spaces typically require tiles with a PEI of 3 or 4, while heavy commercial environments call for Grade 5.

DCOF & Slip Resistance

The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) quantifies slip resistance, especially under wet conditions. For commercial floors exposed to water, ANSI A326.3 requires minimum DCOF thresholds to help reduce slip-and-fall risks in areas like lobbies, kitchens, or restrooms.

Water Absorption & Porosity

Porcelain tile is classified as impervious when water absorption is ≤ 0.5%. This low porosity enhances stain resistance, freeze–thaw performance, and hygiene—essential in high-traffic or moisture-prone commercial settings.

Full-Body vs. Glazed Porcelain & Surface Finishes

Full-body porcelain features consistent color throughout the tile body, which may help conceal minor wear or chips. Glazed porcelain has a decorative surface layer. Common commercial finishes include matte, semi-polished (Lappato), polished, and textured, each with specific performance and maintenance characteristics.

Standards & Testing (ANSI / ISO / TCNA)

Specifiers should verify compliance with ANSI A326.3 (slip resistance), ISO water absorption and abrasion tests, and TCNA guidelines. Manufacturer data sheets help ensure selected tiles meet commercial-grade standards.

Matching Tile Specs to Commercial Environments

Hospitality & Entertainment

Flooring in hotels, restaurants, and event spaces needs high abrasion resistance, slip resistance in wet areas, and support for rolling luggage and furniture. Collections such as Regallo, Caldera, and Cementique offer ideal options.

Office & Corporate

In commercial offices, tiles must handle moderate-to-heavy foot traffic, require minimal maintenance, and support rolling office furniture. The Livingstyle, Legions, and Cordova collections provide compatible visual and technical options.

Healthcare & Assisted Living

In healthcare spaces, hygienic and chemical-resistant tiles help meet performance benchmarks. Durable, low-absorption porcelain from MSI’s commercial collections supports infection control and frequent cleaning.

Retail & Shopping Environments

Shopping environments demand stain resistance, point-load tolerance, and high wear ratings to accommodate fixtures, displays, and continuous foot traffic.

Outdoor & Transitional Spaces

Outdoor tile must meet freeze–thaw, UV, and slip-resistance requirements. Many MSI collections include coordinating pavers and outdoor-rated tile to support continuity between indoor and exterior spaces.

Tile Size, Format & Layout Considerations

Defining Large-Format Tile

Large-format tile typically refers to dimensions like 24" x 24", 24" x 48", or 48" x 48". These reduce grout lines and often simplify maintenance in commercial settings. MSI’s Malahari, Girona, and Soreno collections include a wide range of large-format styles.

Mosaics & Specialty Pieces

Use mosaic tile (e.g., 2" x 2", 3" x 3") to support drainage zones, shower pans, and detailed transitions. Trims and bullnose pieces should be included in specs to complete installations.

Step-by-Step MSI Commercial Tile Specification Process

1. Define space type and traffic level (light to heavy commercial).
2. Identify environmental exposure (wet, grease-prone, outdoor, unheated).
3. Establish performance requirements (PEI, DCOF, water absorption, UV, freeze–thaw).
4. Select visual direction (stone, marble, concrete, wood).
5. Choose formats and sizes (field tile, large-format tile, mosaics, trims).
6. Review product sheets for standards compliance (ANSI, ISO, TCNA).
7. Document tile selections using the commercial worksheet and attach technical data.

Using the Commercial Flooring Decision Flowchart

The MSI Commercial Flooring Decision Flowchart helps specifiers quickly move from concept to final material selection. It turns a complex set of choices into a clear, guided path so you can narrow down options that truly fit the project’s needs.

The tool begins by identifying space type and expected traffic level, then directs you toward the appropriate performance category—such as Grade 4 porcelain for light to moderate commercial use or Grade 5 for heavy commercial applications. From there, it walks you through environmental conditions like wet or slip-prone areas and outdoor or unheated spaces, flagging where enhanced slip resistance, UV stability, or freeze–thaw performance is required.

Finally, the flowchart prompts you to confirm technical specifications—including PEI wear rating, DCOF slip rating, and tile thickness—before finalizing. The result is a flooring package that aligns with traffic demands, environmental exposure, and design goals.

MSI Commercial Tile Collections

Each of the following tile collections and spotlighted products is designed for performance across a variety of commercial installations. Details such as finish, sizes, and wall/floor applications are drawn from MSI’s commercial worksheets and product data.

Malahari Collection

Within the Malahari Porcelain Tile Collection, designers will find a refined quartzite-look design rendered with textured detailing with TileTouch™ and a glazed Lappato (semi-polished) finish in a technical porcelain body. These tiles include 12" x 24" and on-trend 24" x 48" sizes, supported by 2" x 2" mosaics and coordinating bullnose for clean transitions. The dense, low-absorption construction supports installation on floors, walls, and wet areas where commercial traffic and frequent cleaning are standard. Large-format options help minimize grout joints, creating smooth, easy-to-maintain surfaces in public-facing areas.

Malahari White elevates the luxury hotel bathroom scene, where its clean white surface flows across the floor to set a bright, spa-like tone. Subtle movement and a quartzite-inspired dimensional Lappato surface add depth and a gentle sheen without overwhelming the space. Its light-commercial porcelain body is suited to busy interiors and covered outdoor areas that demand long-lasting style.

Girona Porcelain Collection

Engineered for nature-inspired commercial interiors, the Girona Collection features calibrated porcelain in flexible sizes ranging from 12" x 24" up to 48" x 48", complemented by 3" x 3" mosaics for design accents and slip-conscious detailing. The visuals draw from shell stone formed by fossilized seashells and marine life, creating organic patterning and depth with graphic-aligned textures from MSI’s TileTouch™. A refined Lappato finish—a semi-polished surface with a smooth matte feel and subtle sheen—gently reflects light across public concourses, shower floors, and feature walls in hospitality, retail, and office settings.

Girona Marfil brings warm, natural elegance to the coffee shop floor, creating an inviting backdrop for everyday traffic and cozy gatherings. Its creamy shell-stone-inspired veining adds depth and visual interest without overpowering other design elements. As a neutral beige porcelain tile suitable for indoor and outdoor floors and walls, it suits busy commercial spaces that demand both beauty and performance.

Cementique Porcelain Collection

Inspired by the aesthetic of cast concrete, the Cementique Collection uses MSI’s TileTouch™ Surface Technology to synchronize sculptural texture with concrete-inspired graphics. The line delivers a wide range of sizes with 24" x 48" and 40" x 40" porcelain tiles, 2" x 2" mosaics, 1.8" x 24" bullnose, and 2 cm pavers in 24" x 24" and 24" x 48" sizes with matching pool coping. This coordinated system keeps interiors and exteriors—such as plazas, decks, and pool surrounds—visually unified. A robust porcelain body, thicker paver options, and slip-conscious textures make it a strong choice for heavy-traffic venues including restaurants, multifamily amenities, and mixed-use common areas.

Cementique Silver sets a calm, modern mood in the restaurant dining area, where its soft light gray, concrete-look surface grounds the space. The matte finish and TileTouch-enhanced texture align with the graphic pattern, complementing wood, metal, and bold accent colors for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Available in large-format tiles, mosaics, and coordinating pavers, Cementique Silver is made to handle heavy foot traffic indoors and out while maintaining its sleek, contemporary character.

Elbe Porcelain Collection

For projects that demand bold linear veining, dynamic texture, and strong technical performance, the Elbe Porcelain Tile Collection combines a 1 cm-thick porcelain body with large-format 24" x 48" tiles and coordinating 2" x 2" mosaics offered in both matte and Lappato finishes. With ultra-realistic graphic-aligned textures from TileTouch™, the generous panel size supports expansive lobby floors and feature walls with fewer grout joints, while mosaics are ideal for transitions, wet zones, and detailed insets in indoor and outdoor applications. Rectified edges and LEED-compliant porcelain construction provide a practical path to high-end architectural looks in hotels, boutiques, and corporate interiors.

Elbe Obsidian makes a dramatic statement in the hotel lobby scene, where its deep black hue, dynamic textured surface, and semi-polished Lappato finish draw the eye across the floor. The sophisticated palette pairs effortlessly with metallics, natural woods, and plush furnishings for a high-end boutique feel. Offered in large-format tiles, mosaics, and coordinating trim, it supports cohesive wall-and-floor designs while delivering bold style and reliable long-term performance.

Caldera Porcelain Tile Collection

From corridors to gathering spaces, the Caldera Porcelain Tile Collection—part of MSI’s Everlife® indoor–outdoor line—brings wood-inspired design to commercial environments with rectified 8" x 47" and 16" x 47" plank formats. These proportions support classic running-bond and herringbone layouts while maintaining the low water absorption, stain resistance, and dimensional stability associated with porcelain. Coordinating 2 cm pavers and pool coping extend the same wood-look aesthetic to patios and outdoor amenities.

Caldera Blanca warms the outdoor common area scene, where its creamy wood-look surface creates the feel of natural planks in a low-maintenance porcelain paver. Gentle knots and grains add texture and character, enhancing everything from seating zones to pathways. Rectified 16" x 47" 2 cm pavers coordinate with 8" x 47" interior planks, allowing Caldera Blanca to carry its inviting wood aesthetic and durable porcelain performance from common areas out onto patios and walkways.

Soreno Indoor & Outdoor Tile Collection

Across interior rooms and outdoor living spaces, the Soreno Indoor & Outdoor Tile Collection provides a limestone-look aesthetic in coordinated porcelain tiles and pavers. Key formats include 24" x 24" and 24" x 48" matte tiles plus 2" x 2" mosaics, along with 2 cm pavers in matching sizes for exterior use. Warm, neutral colorways help visually connect dining areas, lounges, terraces, and pool decks using surfaces that withstand heavy use and exposure. Durable, easy-care construction is especially beneficial for hospitality, multifamily, and other commercial projects.

Soreno Taupe seamlessly connects this indoor restaurant floor and outdoor patio, creating a unified, open-concept experience with its stone-look matte surface available in 24" x 24", 24" x 48", and 2" x 2" mosaic formats. Soft taupe and beige tones balance modern architecture and comfortable furnishings. With a hardworking porcelain body and coordinating 2 cm pavers, Soreno Taupe is an ideal choice for hospitality and commercial spaces that blur the line between dining room and patio.

Livingstyle Porcelain Tile Collection

For commercial specifications that extend from interiors to select exterior spaces, the Livingstyle Porcelain Tile Collection offers limestone-look tiles and matching pavers in key sizes such as 18" x 36" and 24" x 24", plus coordinating bullnose trim. This format mix supports public interiors and outdoor spaces alike, allowing a single visual to move through multiple zones of a project. A low-porosity body, weather resistance, and straightforward cleaning make it well suited for retail, corporate, and hospitality environments.

Livingstyle Pearl transforms this resort outdoor spa scene, where its gentle gray and pearl tones create a serene, retreat-like setting. Subtle limestone-inspired patterning adds interest without competing with water features, landscaping, or spa furnishings. Available in 18" x 36" and 24" x 24" field tiles, dual-finish options, and coordinating 2 cm pavers and pool coping, Livingstyle Pearl is built for outdoor performance—standing up to moisture, sun, and heavy use while maintaining a sophisticated, resort-style look.

Legions Porcelain Tile Collection

Design teams seeking unified stone-look tiles and pavers can look to the Legions Porcelain Tile Collection, which includes 24" x 24" and 24" x 48" large-format tiles, 2" x 2" mosaics, and coordinating pieces for interior and exterior applications. This modular approach simplifies specification when interior and exterior surfaces must share a cohesive look. Weather-resistant porcelain construction, slip-conscious textures in select options, and low-maintenance performance help maintain a polished appearance in busy commercial settings.

Legions Taja Ivory adds understated luxury to this hotel lounge area, with warm ivory tones creating a soft, welcoming canvas underfoot. The refined surface and stone-inspired movement complement plush seating, rich textiles, and ambient lighting. Offered in matte tiles, mosaics, and 2 cm pavers, Taja Ivory pairs its inviting color with durable porcelain construction to handle daily wear in lobbies, lounges, and gathering spaces indoors and out.

Cordova Porcelain Tile Collection

In busy commercial spaces where stone visuals are desired, the Cordova Porcelain Tile Collection delivers a travertine-inspired look using advanced TileTouch™ Surface Technology across a range of modular sizes suited to floors, walls, and feature surfaces for the ultimate graphic-aligned textures. Light-colored interior tiles coordinate with matching pavers and pool copings to extend the same refined look to patios, walkways, and pool surrounds. Low water absorption, strong resistance to stains and surface wear, and cohesive indoor/outdoor detailing make it a smart choice for lobbies, restaurant dining rooms, and multifamily common areas.

Cordova LaBlanca sets the tone for the resort outdoor kitchen scene, where its soft, light-on-light travertine look brightens the space. The clean, neutral surface—enhanced by proprietary graphic-aligned surface texture—pairs easily with stainless steel appliances, natural wood accents, and lush surroundings. Available as a 24" x 48" matte tile and coordinating 2 cm Arterra® porcelain paver with pool coping, Cordova LaBlanca combines stone-like dimension with a stain-resistant, easy-care surface ideal for commercial outdoor settings.

Regallo Porcelain Tile Collection

Commercial projects looking for a marble- and onyx-inspired aesthetic with modern performance can rely on the Regallo Porcelain Collection, which includes 12" x 24", 24" x 24", and 24" x 48" field tiles plus 2" x 2" mosaics and 3" x 24" trim pieces. These formats support grand entry floors, full-height shower walls, detailed stair edges, and accent bands while maintaining consistent color and pattern control. A low-porosity body and easy maintenance provide an elevated, classic look without the upkeep and variability associated with natural stone. Tiles are offered in both matte and polished finishes for different performance and design needs.

Calacatta Marbella elevates the hotel lounge area, where its warm white background and interlaced gold, silver, and copper veining bring a luxe marble look to floors and walls. The striking pattern becomes a design centerpiece, balancing beautifully with dark metals, rich upholstery, and modern lighting. Available in 12" x 24", 24" x 24", and 24" x 48" sizes with matching mosaics, bullnose trim, and both matte and polished finishes, this Italian-made marble-look porcelain supports cohesive wall-and-floor designs while delivering the consistency, durability, and ease of care busy commercial interiors require.

Bringing Your Commercial Tile Project Together

From understanding technical benchmarks to mapping specs by environment, format, and finish, this commercial tile specification guide is designed to streamline your selection process. With thoughtful product choices and clear technical guidance, MSI makes it easier to deliver both performance and visual impact in commercial spaces. To explore options and finalize your specs, use MSI’s Commercial Flooring Decision Flowchart to quickly narrow your choices to the best-performing options.

If you're wondering where to buy commercial tile, chat with us online, visit an MSI showroom, or explore our wide selection from trusted retailers when you’re ready to shop for premium commercial surfaces.