Roofing

Flat tile or curved tile (Arab/mixed): differences in laying and finishing

The laying and lap system changes a lot between flat and curved tile. What difference there is in material needed and in finishing details.

PT
PresupuestoYa Team
27 July 2026 · 1 min read

Flat tile and curved tile (Arab or mixed) don't just change the final look of the roof: they require different laying systems, with different material consumption per m² and different finishing at the ridge and eaves.

Flat tile: single lap, modern look

Flat tile is laid with a simple lap between pieces, in regular rows, and usually needs fewer units per m² than curved tile. It is the usual option in current construction for its cleaner, more uniform look.

Curved or Arab tile: double piece, more material consumption

The traditional Arab system uses two pieces per course (channel and cover), which means considerably higher material consumption per m² than flat tile, and a more craft laying technique that requires more labour time.

Mixed tile: a middle ground

Mixed tile visually imitates the effect of Arab tile but in a single piece per position, reducing material consumption and laying time compared with the traditional Arab system, while keeping much of its look. It is a usual alternative when you want the traditional appearance without taking on the full extra cost of the Arab system.

Need to calculate the material according to the chosen type of tile? Do it in PresupuestoYa.

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