What You Should Know About Shade Variation

Picture this: One random Tuesday afternoon, you place an online order for a cute light green shirt. One week later, you receive this order, only to find out that the green is not quite as light as it looked online. Why is that? In many different types of products, there can be shade variation. When it comes to light green, there is quite an abundance of greens that could be considered “light.” Shade variation can also be seen in products other than light green shirts.

Shade variation can be seen in many different types of tile products, but it is especially seen in hand-glazed and hand-painted products. While handmade products are bound to have some sort of variation regardless, many machine-made products come with variation on purpose! Many people like the shade variation in these products because it gives the tile depth and creates a unique and personalized look. Similarly to baking cookies - they are all made of the same ingredients but tend to come out looking slightly different!

image via Arto Brick

Let’s dig in a little deeper to what shade variation means and how it is rated in tile products:

What Is Shade Variation?

According to the CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributor Association) Rating System for shade variation among ceramic and porcelain tile, the V1 to V4 rating indicates the level at which a tile’s color, tone and texture will vary from one piece to the next (via). Tile manufacturers purposely create variety or consistency with their products. Many people like for their tile installations to look uniform, an imperfect mix, or somewhere in between. You get to decide how much variety you would like for your space. Every tile product is different but can be defined by its variety on a scale from V1 to V4. But, what do these numbers look like?

Breaking Down the CTDA Rating System

V1 - Uniform Appearance

The difference among tile from the same production is minimal.

V2 - Slight Variation

There are clear distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern with similar colors. However, the overall look is consistent.

V3 - Moderate Variation

There is a significant range in color and/or texture. While the colors or texture from a single tile are to be expected on others, there may be additional colors and/or textures present on each piece.

*It is recommended that the range be viewed before selection.

V4 - Substantial Variation

Random color differences will be present from tile to tile. There may be completely different colors and/or patterns throughout the entire installation.

*It is recommended that the range be viewed before selection.

information via

A Closer Look

Here is a chart to show how each of the categories differentiate:

image via

What Is Best For You?

Like we said earlier, everyone is different and has a completely different idea on what they want for their space. You may want for your tile installation to look pristine and perfect. Or, you may want your bathroom floor to be uniform and your kitchen backsplash to look a little unique. Whatever direction you choose to go, you can find the tile with the right amount of variation for your space. If you have seen our showroom, you know that there are a ton of products to choose from. That is because everyone is stylish in their own way, and we want to accommodate for it all! Contact us if you would like to take a look at the variety of shades, patterns, and styles we have to offer!