Ceramic Tile Wear Rating

The pei categorization primarily defines the hardness and durability of the various ceramic products that are tested.

Ceramic tile wear rating.

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. The porcelain enamel institute pei rates ceramic tiles for wear on a scale from 1 to 5. The pei rating categorizes tile by its specific intended use and its ability to resist wear.

Pei ratings are only used for glazed ceramic tiles. A pei rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze. The wear rating explains how easily abrasions may show on glazed tile. 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 should be noted that the pei rating involves testing of only the surface wear layer of a tile s enamel glazing. It is important to note that the pei rating is the result of testing glaze wear only and not slip resistance. The ratings are as follows. This rating does not measure the overall quality of the tile but the tile s resistance to abrasion and ability to handle foot traffic.

A rating of 1 is the highest quality and thickest tile available 3 4 inch thick and you. Tiles are graded using a numerical numbering system based on their thickness and quality. All areas are different and you should decide the best tile for your own circumstances. A pei tile rating of 2 is designated for light wear mostly in bathrooms or in areas with normal.

Darker tiles may wear more easily than lighter ones. The results of this test will determine the proper usage of a product. Please note that the examples below are given as general indications only. How much foot traffic can your tile handle.

Tiles with a wear rating of 0 are not recommended for use on floors and are therefore rated w0. The porcelain enamel institute has created a standardized grading system for porcelain and ceramic tile. Tiles technically unsuitable for floors. 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 does not measure the fracture strength of the entire tile nor does it offer any rating of the slip resistance of the tile. 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 hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test.