Why are asphalt-based tiles limited to dark colors?

Asphalt-based tiles are limited to dark colors—specifically black, brown, and dark reds—because of the inherent properties of the asphaltic binder used in their composition.1

When asphalt is utilized as the primary binder in the manufacturing process, its dark pigmentation restricts the range of colors that can be achieved. In contrast, tiles that utilize plasticized resins instead of asphaltic binders are capable of being produced in much lighter colors, including blues, yellows, greens, and reds. While the term asphalt tile is often used in the United States to describe these floor coverings, many modern versions have transitioned to using resin-based or vinyl-based binders to allow for brighter, clearer color options.12