KW1, KW2, KW3 Ceramic Tiles in Indonesia: Meaning, Price Gap and Checks
In Indonesia, KW1, KW2, KW3 ceramic tiles are not "original versus fake": all three are the same brand, separated by the factory's quality sorting. KW1 passes inspection with no defects, KW2 has minor defects and can be around 20% cheaper, and KW3 has clearly visible defects and can cost half as much as KW1. Choose KW1 for living rooms and terraces; KW2 still makes sense for storerooms, garages and service areas.
What do KW1, KW2 and KW3 tiles mean?
All grades share the same body; during firing some pieces end up imperfect: pinholes that look like small pits on the surface, sizes outside tolerance, or small chips on the edge. The factory then sorts output into grades. Pieces below KW3 are sometimes sold boxless in tied bundles ("iketan").
Differences between KW1, KW2, KW3 ceramic tiles
| Grade | Box label | Physical signs | Price gap* |
|---|---|---|---|
| KW1 | First Grade, Grade 1, Grade A, Export Quality, First Quality | Precise size, uniform colour and pattern, no chips or cracks | Reference price (100%) |
| KW2 | Grade B, Grade 2, Economy Quality | Minor defects: specks, fine scratches, less tidy pattern, 1–2 mm size variation | Up to about 20% cheaper |
| KW3 | KW 3 or a plain unbranded box | Clearly visible defects: uneven joints, hairline cracks, stains | Up to half the KW1 price |
* Indicative price gap for the same tile type, according to Juragan Material; actual prices depend on brand and shop.
The box label: the fastest way to tell the grade
KW1 is marked First Grade, Grade 1, Grade A, Export Quality or First Quality. KW2 is labelled Grade B, Grade 2 or Economy Quality. KW3 usually says KW 3 or comes in a plain, unbranded box. If no grade is shown, ask and have it written on the invoice.
The standard benchmark: 95% of tiles free from defects
"KW" is market jargon, not an official class in any standard. The international standard ISO 13006 (adopted in Indonesia as SNI ISO 13006) requires at least 95% of tiles to be free from visible defects that spoil the appearance. The ISO 10545-2 surface-quality test views tiles perpendicularly from about 1 metre under roughly 275 lux. Cracks, chipped edges and chipped corners count as defects; intentional decorative effects do not.
5 checks for KW1, KW2 and KW3 tiles in the shop
- Read the box label and match the design code, size, grade and production or shade number on every box you buy.
- Measure several tiles with a tape. KW2 may vary by 1–2 mm, for example 39.9 x 40 cm on a 40 x 40 tile, which makes straight grout lines hard.
- Lay out 4–6 tiles on the shop floor and view them from about 1 metre. KW1 colour and pattern should match from tile to tile.
- Inspect the surface under angled light for pinholes, specks, scratches, hairline cracks and dark stains.
- Feel the edges and corners: they should be square and unchipped, because chipped corners are hard to lay tightly.
When is KW2 still a sensible choice?
KW2 suits areas that do not need a perfectly uniform look, such as back kitchens, garages, storerooms or service areas. In living rooms, foyers and terraces, KW2 size and shade variation shows after laying. Buy all tiles, plus spares, from one batch so replacements match. Keep KW3 for temporary work or areas that will be covered.
At the homeX showroom, part of an integrated building materials and furniture platform in Indonesia, you can see tile samples in person and order with warehousing and delivery to Tangerang and Greater Jakarta. Address: Priskilla Tower Lt. 6, Jl. Atang Sanjaya No.21, Benda, Kota Tangerang, Banten 15125. Ask us on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998.
FAQ
Are KW2 tiles fake? No. KW2 tiles are genuine products of the same brand with minor defects found in factory sorting, such as specks, fine scratches or 1–2 mm size variation.
Which box label means a KW1 tile? First Grade, Grade 1, Grade A, Export Quality or First Quality. Grade B, Grade 2 and Economy Quality mean KW2.
How much cheaper is KW2 than KW1? According to Juragan Material, KW2 can be around 20% cheaper than KW1 for the same tile, and KW3 can be as low as half the KW1 price.
KW1, KW2, KW3 ceramic tiles: related articles and products
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- Porcelain vs ceramic tiles 2026: differences and price per m²
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Sources (checked 23 October 2026): Kompas.com — Ketahui Perbedaan Keramik KW 1, KW 2, dan KW 3 (24 Sep 2022); Juragan Material — Mengenal Istilah Kode Keramik KW 1, 2, 3; KERAMIKA Indonesia — Perbedaan Keramik KW 1 dan KW 2; Laporan uji SASO ISO 10545-2 (kualitas permukaan, syarat ISO 13006 Tabel G.1).