How is porcelain tile rated for hardness?
Reputable lines of porcelain tiles are rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). The test provided is recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The scale determines the resistance of a surface in relation to the traffic and wear the surface can endure.
Consumers can rely on the PEI Scale and refer to in order to determine which tiles to buy. This scale indicates the tile hardness while the ratings are valuable in order to help in tile choices. Please keep in mind that the wear rating of the tile does not influence the quality or price. It only impacts durability. Expensive and luxurious tiles can fall in group I or II.
We present you information based on the Porcelain Enamel Institute’s guide to rate the overall durability of ceramic tile:
Group 0: presents tiles technically unsuitable for floors since these are typically used as wall tile.
Group 1 or PEI 1: is suitable only for locations where softer footwear is worn or where shoes are not frequently used, as for residential bathroom or interior commercial and residential walls.
Group 2 or PEI II: is suitable for general residential traffic, areas that are walked on by soft footwear with very small amounts of scratching dirt. It is not suitable for heavy traffic locations like kitchens, entrance halls or stairs.
Group 3 or PEI 3: is suitable for all kind residential and light commercial areas such as offices, reception areas, boutiques, interior walls, countertops and residential bathroom floors. Those are not recommended for commercial entryway.
Group 4 or PEI 4: is suitable for regular traffic from medium commercial and light institutional uses, such as restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors.
Group 5 or PEI 5: suitable for areas with heavy traffic, abrasive dirt and moisture like shopping malls, public buildings, building entrances, or swimming pools.
Keep in mind that how your space will be used is an important factor in your decision. By looking at the porcelain tile’s PEI rating, you are on the right track of choosing the tile which suits your desires.
What PEI rating will work best for your space?
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