Understanding PEI Ratings: Selecting the Perfect Tiles for Various Spaces

Understanding PEI Ratings: A Guide to Tile Durability

The PEI rating system, developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI), acts as a benchmark for assessing the durability of both ceramic and porcelain tiles. This rating is determined through a standardized abrasion test that evaluates a tile’s resilience to wear and tear resulting from foot traffic.

Understanding the Connection Between PEI Ratings and Tile Abrasion Resistance

The PEI test is performed using a device known as the Abrasimeter. In this process, the tile surface is exposed to a rotating abrasive load made up of various sizes of steel ball bearings and alumina powder, a material renowned for its hardness. This mixture is placed in a test chamber and spun at a designated number of revolutions. After the test, the sample is examined for any visible signs of wear. The number of revolutions completed before these signs appear determines the tile’s PEI rating.

The greater the PEI Rating, the more resistant a tile is to abrasion. Our Slip-Stop tiles, designed for both residential and commercial applications, all possess a minimum PEI rating of 3 to guarantee their appropriateness for these environments. Please consider the following list of PEI ratings along with their corresponding applications:

Making Informed Tile Selections Using PEI Ratings

Choosing tiles based on their PEI rating is vital for ensuring durability. Opting for tiles with a lower PEI rating than necessary for their intended purpose can result in scratches and surface wear over time. It’s important to remember that the PEI rating only indicates a tile’s suitability for a specific application, not its overall quality or worth. In fact, some of the most beautiful and costly tiles may have a PEI rating of just 1 or 2.

The PEI rating acts as a guideline to help you select tiles capable of withstanding the demands of their environment. When choosing tiles, it’s crucial to take this classification into account to ensure they provide the necessary durability for the intended space, leading to long-lasting and appropriate installations.