The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is a standard measure of a tile's resistance to wear and tear. It ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 being the least durable and 5 being the most durable. Different PEI ratings are suitable for different levels of foot traffic, so it's essential to choose the rating that matches your specific needs.
Lower PEI ratings, such as 1 or 2, are ideal for areas with light foot traffic like bathrooms or bedrooms. Higher ratings, like 4 or 5, are recommended for high-traffic areas like entrances, kitchens, or commercial spaces. By understanding and considering the PEI rating, you can ensure that your tile selection will withstand the demands of your space for years to come. So, before embarking on your floor tile journey, dive into the mystery of PEI ratings and unlock the secret to a durable and long-lasting floor.
What is a PEI rating?
Simply put, PEI ratings are used to described the tiles level of abrasion and hardness of the surface of a tile. This gives an indication of how a tile will wear and age over time due to foot traffic and possible other factors.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute have conducted a test which is a standard test throughout the tile industry, this test involves a rotation of steel bearings on the surface of the tile which then determines the glazes' hardness and suitability for certain uses and locations.
The PEI rating scale runs from 1 to 5, with the lower numbers representing lower levels of abrasion and hardness, and the higher numbers representing higher levels.
What do tile PEI ratings mean?
PEI 1 - means that this tile is not suitable for floors and should only be used on walls.
PEI 2 - tiles are only suitable for light foot traffic, meaning they can be used on bathrooms floors for example, but are not advisable to use in other locations.
PEI 3 - tiles are suitable for normal foot traffic areas, can be used on walls and floors, and are great for general residential use.
PEI 4 - tiles can be used for both residential and medium commercial use, indoor and outdoor.
PEI 5 - tiles are able to cope with heavy footfall in commercial settings, indoor and outdoor .
Which is the best PEI rating for my home?
When adding tiles to your home, you can use a tile with a PEI rating of 3 or higher in pretty much any space you wish.
Areas with a low footfall can typically cope with PEI rating floor tiles of 2, with bathrooms and wet rooms usually ok for this.
Any tile with a PEI rating of 1 should only be used on walls.
Tips for maintaining tiles with different PEI ratings
Lower PEI ratings will require a lot more care, for instance tiles with a classification of PEI 2 it would be recommended not to wear external shoes and use only a soft brush and mop to clean them down.
PEI 3 & 4 rated tiles still require some care as grit on the surface of a shoe could still scratch the tiles if dragged accross the surface. It is still recomended that you protect any polished surfaces in high straffic areas with matts and put felt pads underneath chair legs, as overtime the surface of the tile could wear. You can lightly hoover and mop the surface.
PEI 4 & 5 will take more heavy traffic and footfall, especially in entrance areas and outdoor areas, howver heavy furniture should still not be dragged accross the surface.
As with any flooring product such as real wood or carpet, external shoes and moving furniture can mark the surface, so care needs to be taken to avoid these situations.
What tiles do Stone Tile Company have available?
Many of the tiles we stock are PEI 4, providing you with peace of mind when it comes to installing tiles you know will be able to cope with what you throw at them and stand the test of time.
Our porcelain tiles range contains porcelain floor tiles and porcelain wall tiles that help draw together a room and create a smooth and sophisticated aura.
Take Florence Ivory polished porcelain tiles for example. With a PEI rating of 4, these tiles are suitable for use in any domestic setting and for medium commercial use. Aesthetically they are smooth and sleek and have a mirror shine finish. This brings the best of both worlds together in a single tile.
Our porcelain tiles come in a selection of different shades and styles. We stock polished porcelain, as well as porcelain tiles with different effects. These include wood, concrete, marble and stone effect porcelain tiles.
It is also worth taking a look through our porcelain tiles guide to find out more about ‘R ratings’ for porcelain tiles. This represents the slippiness of a tile and is well worth knowing about when selecting your tile of choice. There is also a host of additional information that could be of benefit to you in this guide, so don’t miss out.
Shop With Stone Tile Company today
We hope this has offered some clarity around PEI rating tiles and now know what to look for when choosing tiles.
Take a look too at our delivery options and if you have any additional questions, simply contact us, we will be happy to offer any further advice.
