Ceramic Tile Wear Rating

Darker tiles may wear more easily than lighter ones.

Ceramic tile wear rating.

The pei rating categorizes tile by its specific intended use and its ability to resist wear. A pei rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze. Often this is referred to on technical specifications as abrasion resistance durability classification or pei rating. The pei categorization primarily defines the hardness and durability of the various ceramic products that are tested.

While the composition of each tile may differ the most important attribute to a tile is its wear rating. Tiles are graded using a numerical numbering system based on their thickness and quality. Tile with this rating is not suitable for installation on floors. A rating of 1 is the highest quality and thickest tile available 3 4 inch thick and you.

Each tile rating or class includes recommendations for use and installation. Tiles with a wear rating of 0 are not recommended for use on floors and are therefore rated w0. It s a scale of 0 5 that indicates how a floor tile will wear due to the amount of foot traffic and therefore suggest what floor applications if any that the tile is appropriate for. How much foot traffic can your tile handle.

This rating does not measure the overall quality of the tile but the tile s resistance to abrasion and ability to handle foot traffic. The rating system guides appropriate application based on how glaze may wear over time. The wear rating explains how easily abrasions may show on glazed tile. The ratings are as follows.

The porcelain enamel institute pei rates ceramic tiles for wear on a scale from 1 to 5. Most tile manufacturers list the pei rating on the tile s tear sheet and most re sellers include the rating in the product description in their catalog or website. It is important to note that the pei rating is the result of testing glaze wear only and not slip resistance. The porcelain enamel institute has created a standardized grading system for porcelain and ceramic tile.

Tiles technically unsuitable for floors. It does not measure the fracture strength of the entire tile nor does it offer any rating of the slip resistance of the tile. A rating of 1 means the tile can be used on very light wear areas and should only be installed in rooms where people use soft footwear such as sneakers or slipper. A pei tile rating of 2 is designated for light wear mostly in bathrooms or in areas with normal.

All areas are different and you should decide the best tile for your own circumstances. Please note that the examples below are given as general indications only. This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test.