PEI Rating Explained
Understanding the durability and suitability of glazed tiles.
The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is a system that classifies glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles based on their durability and resistance to abrasion. It's a crucial factor to consider when selecting tiles to ensure they are suitable for their intended application.
The PEI Classes
The rating is given on a scale from 0 to 5:
- PEI 0: Not suitable for floors. These tiles are for wall use only.
- PEI 1: Wall use only in residential and commercial settings. Not suitable for foot traffic.
- PEI 2: Suitable for walls and light-traffic residential floors, such as bathrooms where soft-soled footwear is worn.
- PEI 3: Suitable for all residential floors with normal foot traffic, including kitchens, hallways, and living rooms. Also suitable for light commercial applications.
- PEI 4: Suitable for all residential applications as well as medium-traffic commercial and light institutional settings, such as restaurants, hotel lobbies, and offices.
- PEI 5: Suitable for all residential, commercial, and institutional applications with heavy foot traffic, such as shopping centres, airports, and public buildings.
Why is the PEI Rating Important?
Choosing a tile with the correct PEI rating for your project will ensure its longevity and appearance. Using a tile with a low PEI rating in a high-traffic area will result in visible wear and tear much more quickly than a tile that is appropriately rated.
Contact Us
If you need assistance in choosing a tile with the right PEI rating for your needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.