Saj Ceramics established its reputation in the Kenyan market by prioritizing structural strength over superficial gloss.
Manufactured at their facility in Athi River, these tiles are engineered specifically to withstand the harsh conditions of high-traffic commercial and residential environments.
While other manufacturers focus on high-sheen finishes for aesthetics, Saj focuses on density and abrasion resistance.
At Tiles Market, we supply this heavy-duty inventory directly to developers who require flooring that survives decades of wear.
By eliminating retail middlemen, we provide factory-direct pricing on the full catalog, from their famous terracotta parking tiles to their wood-effect ceramic planks.
Why Contractors Choose Saj for High-Traffic Floors
Experienced contractors frequently specify Saj products for projects where durability is the primary constraint.
Unlike standard ceramics which may chip under heavy impact, Saj produces a denser clay body paired with a harder glaze. This manufacturing process results in a tile that resists surface wear significantly better than budget alternatives.
This resilience makes their 40x40cm and 50x50cm series the standard specification for institutions like schools, churches, and apartment stairwells. In these zones, foot traffic is constant, and grit from shoes acts like sandpaper on the floor.
A standard glossy tile would lose its shine within months, whereas Saj’s matte and satin finishes maintain their appearance for years with minimal maintenance.
Saj Ceramics vs. Twyford: A Fundi’s Comparison
The most common question we receive at our depot is whether to buy Saj or Twyford. Both are local giants manufacturing in Kenya, but "fundis" (professional installers) recognize distinct differences between them that should influence your buying decision depending on the room.
Aesthetic vs. Practicality
Twyford dominates the market for High Gloss finishes. If your priority is a shiny, mirror-like living room floor that reflects light, Twyford’s "Nano Polished" range is the superior aesthetic choice.
However, Saj Ceramics excels in Matte and Satin finishes. Their glaze is often less reflective but thicker and more scratch-resistant. For this reason, we recommend Twyford for the main lounge where looks matter most, and Saj for corridors, kitchens, and rental units where heavy usage is expected.
The Durability Factor
In terms of physical breakage, Saj tiles have a reputation among contractors for being slightly more forgiving on uneven substrates.
Their ceramic body is robust and handles the thermal shock of outdoor applications (like balconies) exceptionally well. While Twyford makes excellent indoor tiles, Saj is often the preferred specification for semi-outdoor or utility areas due to this "heavy duty" characteristic.
Beyond Standard Sizes: The 50x50cm Advantage
Most local ceramic manufacturers limit their production to the standard 30x30cm and 40x40cm sizes. If you want anything larger, you are usually forced to upgrade to expensive 60x60cm porcelain. Saj Ceramics bridges this gap uniquely with their popular 50x50cm Ceramic Series.
This size offers a strategic advantage for budget housing projects:
- Visual Impact: A 50x50cm tile looks significantly more modern and spacious than the small 40x40cm "landlord tile," mimicking the look of large-format flooring.
- Cost Efficiency: Because it is ceramic (not porcelain), the 50x50cm tile is much cheaper than a 60x60cm porcelain tile. It allows developers to achieve a "big tile" look without paying the premium for porcelain materials or expensive adhesives.
- Installation Speed: Larger tiles mean fewer pieces to lay per square meter, speeding up the installation process and reducing the number of grout lines that need cleaning.
Saj Ceramics Wholesale Price Guide (2026)
One of the challenges when buying Saj products is calculating the total cost, as their box coverages differ from standard imported tiles. For example, while most 50x50cm tiles cover 1.5 square meters per box, Saj packaging often varies. The table below outlines the current wholesale estimates for their most popular series.
| Tile Series | Dimensions | Pieces Per Box | Approx. Coverage | Price Estimate (Per Box) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty Parking | 400x400mm | 12 Pcs | 1.92 sqm | Ksh 1,650 - 1,850 |
| Standard Ceramic Floor | 400x400mm | 12 Pcs | 1.92 sqm | Ksh 1,550 - 1,750 |
| Large Ceramic Format | 500x500mm | 7 Pcs | 1.75 sqm | Ksh 1,700 - 1,900 |
| Wood Effect Planks | 150x600mm | 15 Pcs | 1.35 sqm | Ksh 1,250 - 1,400 |
| Wall Tiles | 250x400mm | 15 Pcs | 1.50 sqm | Ksh 1,200 - 1,350 |
*Prices listed are for "Standard Grade" (Blue Box). "Commercial Grade" (Brown Box) stock is available at lower rates upon request for low-cost housing projects.
Saj Parking Tiles: The Modern Alternative to Cabro
For decades, concrete paving blocks (Cabro) were the automatic choice for Kenyan driveways.
However, we have observed a significant shift in 2026 towards heavy-duty exterior tiles, a segment where Saj Ceramics dominates. Homeowners prefer tiling their parking areas over using concrete blocks for maintenance reasons.
Easier Maintenance
Cabro blocks are porous and have wide sand-filled joints. Oil leaks from cars stain the concrete permanently, and weeds frequently grow between the gaps.
Saj parking tiles feature a sealed surface that repels oil and grease. You can wash a tiled driveway with a hose and broom, restoring it to a "new" look instantly, which is impossible with stained concrete pavers.
Structural Strength
Saj manufactures their 40x40cm Exterior Series specifically for vehicle weight. These tiles are thicker than indoor options and feature a high-friction "Grip" finish to prevent tires from skidding when wet.
They are particularly popular in the "Terracotta" (Red) and "Slate" (Grey) colors, which hide the red dust and mud brought in by car tires.
Common Questions About Saj Tiles
Here are concise answers to the technical inquiries we frequently handle regarding the Saj Ceramics inventory.
Where are Saj tiles manufactured?
Saj Ceramics operates a large-scale manufacturing plant in Athi River, Machakos County. This local proximity to Nairobi ensures that our depot receives fresh stock daily, minimizing wait times for large orders compared to imported brands that rely on shipping containers.
Can I use standard Saj 40x40 tiles for a driveway?
No. You must specifically request the "Heavy Duty" or "Exterior" range. While the dimensions (40x40cm) are the same as indoor tiles, the exterior versions are fired to be denser and often thicker to support the weight of a vehicle. Using standard indoor ceramic tiles on a driveway will result in cracking under the weight of a car.
How many tiles are in a Saj 50x50 box?
Unlike the standard 60x60 packaging (4 pieces), a box of Saj 50x50cm tiles typically contains 7 pieces. This results in a total box coverage of approximately 1.75 square meters.
Always calculate your total price based on this coverage, as the box price will appear higher than a standard 1.44 sqm box simply because it contains more material.
Equip Your Project with Durability
If your project demands flooring that prioritizes structural integrity and abrasion resistance, Saj Ceramics is the correct specification. We maintain a full stock of their heavy-duty catalog at our Nairobi depot.
Do not compromise on the foundation of your building. [Get a Custom Quote] for your Bill of Quantities today or [Browse the Saj Catalog] to see the latest heavy-duty designs.