The PEI rating is designed to showcase the tile’s resistance to abrasion; PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute. This rating system plays a vital role in determining the stability and durability of porcelain and ceramic tiles used in different applications, specifically flooring.
The PEI rating helps homeowners, designers, and professionals determine and select the correct kind of tile based on their usage level, foot traffic, and wear. This rating system consists of ratings that go from 0 to 5, in which each PEI rating detects the ability of a tile to withstand foot traffic, abrasion, and wear, along with their usage in both indoor and outdoor areas such as cobblestone paving.
So to help you make an informed decision on which tile with what rating to choose, we have included everything you need in this blog. Here’s a breakdown of the PEI ratings:
Understanding PEI ratings
Below is a detailed explanation of all PEI ratings, which are determined through a standard abrasion test and indicate how well a tile is performing in different conditions. The below scores show the pei rating tiles and their abilities from a low to high range scale.
PEI 0:
This tile pei rating is not good enough to take high-foot traffic or any load. These tiles are primarily used for decorative purposes, such as on wall panels or areas that require minimal contact. They are a good choice to use as backsplashes and creative finial walls to enhance the overall look of an interior.
PEI 1:
In the PEI rating chart, tiles with a PEI rating of 1 are suitable for use in areas with less foot traffic and wear, such as light-duty residential areas. These tiles can be used in guest bathrooms and bedrooms with limited wear.
PEI 2:
PEI rating tiles with a rating of 2 are suitable to handle a little to moderate foot traffic, such as those areas that are walked on by normal footwear with a little scratched dirt. The best place to use the PEI 2 rating is in residential areas like kitchens and entryways where there is a bit more activity.
PEI 3:
Tiles with a PEI 3 rating are also named Group 3 tiles, which are designed to withstand medium to heavy foot traffic. In the PEI rating chart, these indoor floor tiles and ceramic tiles are best suited for all light commercial and residential areas, which include boutiques, countertops, residential bathrooms, reception areas, offices, and interior walls.
PEI 4:
PEI rating tiles 4 are more robust and can easily withstand regular levels of foot traffic. These tiles are best recommended for use in light institutional and medium commercial spaces such as hotels, shops, and restaurants to enhance their overall functionality and durability.
PEI 5:
Tiles with a PEI rating of 5 are best suited for areas that require very heavy foot traffic, wear, abrasive dirt, and moisture. These outdoor porcelain floor tiles are commonly found in places such as public buildings, airports, shopping centers, swimming pools, and leisure centers.
Factors Affecting PEI Ratings
Some factors majorly impact the choice and use of tiles. So when it is asked, what is a good PEI rating? It depends on specific facts, which are listed below:
1. Location
Location intends to influence the factor of purchase of tile with different pei ratings. If you are looking for tiles for walls or decorative purposes, you can go for the many tiling options, but places with high foot traffic and wear must-have tiles with a good PEI rating.
2. Infrastructure
According to the PEI rating chart, tiles with good ratings such as 4 and 5 are good to use in infrastructure such as roads where there is regular commute and high traffic. So infrastructure is another factor influencing which tile is used, as mostly granite slabs stone is used for road structures as it is a hard stone.
3. Amenities
In places such as schools and hospitals where there is high foot traffic and regular commutes, using porcelain tiles with a 3 to 5 PEI rating will be a great idea. You can use PEI 5-rated tiles for outdoor pavements and floors and rest on wall walls, indoor floors, and washrooms.
Benefits of High PEI Ratings
There are many advantages of high PEI rating tiles to consider before making a purchase, which include:
1. Increased property values
Tiles with a good PEI rating increase the overall functionality and durability of a place and can be used in various application areas, which in turn increases the overall property value. Additionally, these tiles can also be used for decorative purposes in living rooms and bedrooms that enhance the look and aesthetics of any place as well.
2. Enhanced Durability
Places with high foot traffic and load bearing require tough tiles like limestone floor tiles, and using good Pei rating tiles adds to the overall durability as they are crafted to withstand these conditions with normal wear and tear, which increases the life span of tile and reduces the chances of replacement, which decreases the overall cost.
3. Increased Versatility
In the Pei rating chart, tiles are rated from 0 to 5, which indicates their best use according to their rating, which offers versatility of uses in various application areas accordingly, including using them in residential and commercial spaces, which offers design flexibility to designers and homeowners.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Before a purchase, if you look for a tile PEI rating, it may cost you slightly more upfront, but in the long run, it will be a cost-effective option as the durability and low maintenance it offers reduce the cost of maintenance and regular upkeep, as well as the cost of any repairs and replacements, making it a worthy investment for any project.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the PEI rating primarily assesses a tile’s resistance to abrasion and wear. Other factors, such as the tile’s water absorption rate (often denoted by its “water absorption percentage”) and its slip resistance, should also be considered when choosing tiles for specific applications.
When selecting tiles, it’s crucial to match the PEI rating with the intended use of the tile to ensure that it will perform well and maintain its appearance over time. Using tiles with an appropriate PEI rating for the intended level of foot traffic can help prolong the life of the tile installation and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
And if you are looking to buy a tile for your project requirements, then MPG Stone is the best place for you. We offer tiles and porcelain slabs to use in various applications for distinctive project needs. You can also explore our wide range of products on our website and choose the one that best suits your requirements.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Purnima Kaushik is a seasoned content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the stone and real estate industries. As a leading voice at MPG Stone, she shares insights on installment processes, project insights, design guides, and much more
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