Ceramic Tile Wear Rating

The porcelain enamel institute has created a standardized grading system for porcelain and ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile wear rating.

Darker tiles may wear more easily than lighter ones. A pei rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze. 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. This rating does not measure the overall quality of the tile but the tile s resistance to abrasion and ability to handle foot traffic.

This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test. Please note that the examples below are given as general indications only. The pei categorization primarily defines the hardness and durability of the various ceramic products that are tested. The porcelain enamel institute pei rates ceramic tiles for wear on a scale from 1 to 5.

All areas are different and you should decide the best tile for your own circumstances. Often this is referred to on technical specifications as abrasion resistance durability classification or pei rating. Tile with this rating is not suitable for installation on floors. Tiles with a wear rating of 0 are not recommended for use on floors and are therefore rated w0.

Tiles are graded using a numerical numbering system based on their thickness and quality. 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. The results of this test will determine the proper usage of a product. A pei tile rating of 2 is designated for light wear mostly in bathrooms or in areas with normal.

The rating system guides appropriate application based on how glaze may wear over time. The ratings are as follows. The pei rating categorizes tile by its specific intended use and its ability to resist wear. While the composition of each tile may differ the most important attribute to a tile is its wear rating.

Pei ratings are only used for glazed ceramic tiles. It does not measure the fracture strength of the entire tile nor does it offer any rating of the slip resistance of the tile. The wear rating explains how easily abrasions may show on glazed 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.

It is important to note that the pei rating is the result of testing glaze wear only and not slip resistance. How much foot traffic can your tile handle. A rating of 1 is the highest quality and thickest tile available 3 4 inch thick and you.