1. Not Your Bathroom Tile: The Power of Concrete
When most people hear the word “tile,” they imagine delicate, shiny ceramic squares in a bathroom. However, in the gritty world of construction, there is a tougher cousin: the Concrete Tile.
While ceramic tiles crack under the weight of a dropped hammer, concrete tiles are built to withstand SUVs, monsoon rain, and the scorching Bangladeshi sun. They are the workhorses of exterior flooring. Whether it is the chequered pattern on a garage floor or the red square tiles protecting a rooftop in Dhanmondi, these products are essential for shielding structural concrete from the elements.
This guide focuses specifically on Concrete Parking Tiles (Chequered) and Rooftop Tiles, explaining why they remain the preferred choice over expensive stone or fragile ceramics.
2. Why Choose Concrete Tiles Over Other Materials?
You might ask, “Why not just pour a plain cement floor?” The answer lies in durability and heat management.
2.1. Protection of the Slab
A bare concrete roof slab is vulnerable. Sun expands it; rain contracts it. Over time, this cycle causes hairline cracks, leading to leaks. A layer of concrete tiles acts as a “sacrificial layer.” It takes the beating so your roof slab doesn’t have to.
2.2. Anti-Slip Safety
Smooth cement or ceramic tiles become death traps when wet. Concrete parking tiles are manufactured with deep grooves or rough textures (chequered patterns). This provides immense grip for car tires and pedestrian shoes, even during a heavy downpour.
2.3. Heat Insulation
A white or light-colored concrete tile on the roof reflects sunlight. Furthermore, the tile layer adds thermal mass, preventing the direct heat of the sun from baking the ceiling of the top floor.
3. Types of Concrete Tiles in Bangladesh
There are three primary categories of concrete tiles available in the local market, each serving a distinct purpose.
3.1. Parking Tiles (Chequered Tiles)
These are the classic “grid pattern” tiles you see in driveways and petrol pumps.
- Appearance: Square tiles with a grid of grooves (16 or 25 squares per tile).
- Function: The grooves channel water away to prevent hydroplaning and provide high friction for tires.
- Best For: Garages, ramps, footpaths, and industrial floors.
3.2. Rooftop Tiles (Pavement Tiles)
These are smoother than parking tiles but rougher than indoor tiles.
- Appearance: Usually red or grey, often with a subtle design or plain matte finish.
- Function: Protects the roof from “thermal shock” and weather damage. They are also much easier to clean than a rough stone roof.
- Best For: Residential rooftops, community centers, and drying yards.
3.3. Tactile Tiles (Blind Tiles)
You may have seen yellow tiles with raised bumps on public footpaths.
- Appearance: Bright yellow with raised dots or lines.
- Function: They guide visually impaired pedestrians. Dots mean “Stop/Danger,” and lines mean “Go/Safe.”
- Best For: Public sidewalks, train stations, and mall entrances.
4. Technical Specifications: Size and Strength
Unlike ceramic tiles which are measured in millimeters of thickness, concrete tiles are chunky.
Table 1: Standard Technical Data
| Feature | Parking/Chequered Tile | Rooftop Tile | Tactile Tile |
| Common Size | 12″ x 12″ (300mm) | 12″ x 12″ or 16″ x 16″ | 12″ x 12″ (300mm) |
| Thickness | 25mm – 30mm (1 inch+) | 20mm – 25mm | 30mm |
| Compressive Strength | 3000 – 4000 PSI | 2000 – 2500 PSI | 4000 PSI |
| Weight per Piece | ~5 – 6 kg | ~4 – 5 kg | ~6 kg |
| Abrasion Resistance | Very High | Medium | High |
Pro Tip: For a driveway that hosts an SUV (like a Land Cruiser or Pajero), ensure you buy tiles that are at least 25mm thick. Anything thinner may crack under the vehicle’s weight.
5. Market Price Analysis (2026)
Concrete tiles are sold per piece or per square foot. Prices vary based on the quality of the pigment (color) and the cement ratio.
Table 2: Concrete Tile Price List (BDT)
| Product Type | Color | Size | Price Per Piece | Price Per Sq. Ft. (Approx) |
| Parking Tile (Chequered) | Grey | 12″ x 12″ | ৳ 45 – ৳ 55 | ৳ 45 – ৳ 55 |
| Parking Tile (Chequered) | Red/Black | 12″ x 12″ | ৳ 55 – ৳ 65 | ৳ 55 – ৳ 65 |
| Rooftop Tile (Standard) | Red | 12″ x 12″ | ৳ 40 – ৳ 50 | ৳ 40 – ৳ 50 |
| Large Roof Tile | Grey/Red | 16″ x 16″ | ৳ 70 – ৳ 90 | ৳ 40 – ৳ 50 |
| Tactile Tile (Yellow) | Yellow | 12″ x 12″ | ৳ 90 – ৳ 110 | ৳ 90 – ৳ 110 |
Note: Since a 12″x12″ tile is exactly 1 square foot, the price per piece is roughly the price per square foot.
6. Installation: The Mortar Method
This is the key difference between Pavers and Tiles.
- Pavers sit on sand (Flexible).
- Tiles sit on cement mortar (Rigid).
Because concrete tiles are relatively thin compared to their width, they cannot be laid on sand. If you put a 12-inch tile on sand and step on the corner, it will snap. They need a solid bed.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide:
- Surface Prep: Clean the base concrete (roof or floor). It must be rough. If it is smooth, chip it to create a key for bonding.
- Soaking: Unlike blocks, concrete tiles should be wetted before installation to prevent them from sucking the moisture out of the mortar too quickly.
- Mortar Bed: Apply a 1-inch thick layer of cement mortar (1:4 ratio of cement to sand).
- Laying: Place the tile on the wet mortar. Tap it gently with a wooden or rubber mallet to level it.
- Spacing: Leave a small gap (3mm to 5mm) between tiles. Never butt joint them tightly. Concrete expands in heat; without a gap, the tiles will pop up (buckle) in summer.
- Grouting: Fill the gaps with a cement slurry (often mixed with matching color oxide) to seal the floor.
- Curing: Flood the floor with water or keep it wet for at least 7 days. This is non-negotiable for strength.
7. Application Spotlight: The “Waterproof” Roof
A common question in Bangladesh is: “Can tiles stop my roof from leaking?”
The honest answer is No, not by themselves. Tiles are not waterproof membranes. Water can seep through the grout lines.
However, tiles are the best protector of the waterproofing layer.
- The System: First, apply a chemical waterproofing coating or membrane on the bare roof slab.
- The Shield: Then, install concrete tiles on top of that membrane.
- The Result: The tiles stop people, furniture, and UV rays from damaging the delicate waterproofing membrane. This combination can keep a roof leak-free for 20+ years.
8. Maintenance and Aesthetics
Concrete tiles are low maintenance, but they are not “no maintenance.”
- Moss and Algae: In damp, shaded corners, concrete tiles can turn black with algae.
- Fix: A simple scrub with bleaching powder and water once a year keeps them looking fresh.
- Fading: Over 5-10 years, the red or black color may fade due to UV exposure.
- Fix: You can paint them with specialized floor paint, but most people prefer the natural “weathered” look of aged concrete.
- Cracks: If a heavy object falls and cracks a tile, it is difficult to remove just one tile without damaging the neighbors because they are cemented down. This is the main disadvantage compared to pavers.
9. Pavers vs. Tiles: Which one do I need?
Since your company supplies both, customers will often be confused. Here is the cheat sheet to help them decide.
Table 3: Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Choose Concrete Tiles If… | Choose Interlock Pavers If… |
| Location | Rooftops, Indoor Garages, Balconies. | Driveways, Roads, Garden Paths. |
| Base Condition | You have a concrete slab already poured. | You have raw soil or sand. |
| Water Drainage | You want water to run off the surface to a drain. | You want water to soak into the ground (Eco-friendly). |
| Maintenance | You want a permanent, hard floor. | You might need to dig up pipes later. |
| Thickness | You have limited height (need < 2 inches). | You have plenty of depth (need 3+ inches). |
10. Conclusion
Concrete tiles are the unsung heroes of Bangladeshi architecture. They provide the grip for our cars in the rain and the shield for our roofs against the sun. While they may not have the glamour of imported Italian marble, their rugged durability makes them the smartest choice for exterior and utility surfaces.
When you buy a concrete tile, you are buying peace of mind—knowing that your floor can handle whatever traffic, weather, or weight you throw at it.
Next Step for You:
We have now covered the entire product range: Blocks, Pavers, Kerbs, and Tiles. Would you like me to compile a “Master Product Catalog” summary that you can print as a single-page flyer for your marketing team?
