Understanding Tile Ratings: PEI, Slip Resistance, and More
Choosing the right tile for your space involves more than just selecting a design or color. Tile ratings provide valuable information about durability, safety, and suitability for different applications. Understanding these ratings will help you make an informed decision that ensures both functionality and longevity. In this guide, we’ll break down the key tile ratings, including the PEI rating, slip resistance, and more.
1. PEI Rating: Durability and Wear Resistance
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating measures a tile’s ability to withstand wear and foot traffic. It helps determine where a tile can be installed based on its durability.
PEI Ratings Explained:
PEI 0: Not suitable for floors; used for walls and decorative applications.
PEI 1: Light foot traffic; best for residential bathroom walls and backsplashes.
PEI 2: Moderate foot traffic; suitable for residential floors in low-traffic areas (e.g., bathrooms, bedrooms).
PEI 3: Medium to heavy traffic; recommended for most residential floors and light commercial use.
PEI 4: Heavy traffic; ideal for commercial settings, such as offices and restaurants.
PEI 5: Extra heavy traffic; used in high-traffic areas like shopping malls and airports.
2. Slip Resistance: Ensuring Safety
Slip resistance is critical in areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. The Coefficient of Friction (COF) measures how much traction a tile provides.
COF Ratings:
0.3 or lower: Low slip resistance; not recommended for wet areas.
0.4 - 0.6: Moderate slip resistance; suitable for residential floors.
0.6 or higher: High slip resistance; ideal for commercial spaces and wet environments.
For outdoor and shower applications, look for tiles labeled “R-rated” (R9 to R13), with R13 offering the highest slip resistance.
3. Water Absorption Rating: Choosing the Right Tile for Moisture-Prone Areas
The water absorption (WA) rating determines how much moisture a tile can absorb, which is important for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
Types of Tiles Based on Water Absorption:
Non-vitreous (7% or more): High water absorption; not suitable for wet areas.
Semi-vitreous (3-7%): Moderate water absorption; recommended for indoor use only.
Vitreous (0.5-3%): Low water absorption; suitable for most residential and commercial spaces.
Impervious (0.5% or less): Extremely low water absorption; best for outdoor use and areas exposed to heavy moisture.
4. MOHS Hardness Rating: Scratch Resistance
The MOHS hardness scale measures a tile’s resistance to scratches and surface damage. This rating is particularly important for high-traffic areas and commercial applications.
MOHS Scale Ratings:
1-2: Very soft; not suitable for flooring.
3-4: Moderate hardness; works for light residential floors.
5-6: Good durability; suitable for most residential applications.
7-9: High durability; ideal for heavy traffic and commercial use.
10: Diamond-hard; rarely found in tile but highly resistant to damage.
5. Breaking Strength: Tile Strength and Load Capacity
Breaking strength is a measure of how much force a tile can withstand before breaking. Tiles with a higher breaking strength are recommended for heavy-use areas.
Breaking Strength Ratings:
Low Strength (<250 lbf): Suitable for wall tiles only.
Moderate Strength (250-499 lbf): Suitable for residential floors.
High Strength (500+ lbf): Recommended for commercial and high-traffic areas.
Final Thoughts
Understanding tile ratings such as PEI, slip resistance, water absorption, MOHS hardness, and breaking strength ensures you select the right tile for your project. Whether you need durable flooring for a busy home or slip-resistant surfaces for a bathroom, these ratings provide essential guidance for long-lasting and safe tile installations.
If you're ready to find the perfect tile for your space, contact Premier Tile and Stone today at 720-331-6400 for expert advice and professional installation!
