demystifying pei rating for tile: balancing beauty and strength

what is pei rating for tile?

pei rating is a classification system developed by the porcelain enamel institute (hence the name) to measure a glazed tile’s durability and resistance to abrasion. the higher the rating, the higher the resistance to abrasion.

the pei rating has historically been used to classify glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles specifically, while unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles do not receive a pei rating. you’ll see similar systems used to classify brick, terracotta, cement, and natural stone tiles. these systems may be referred to as the wear rating or the floor rating.

the pei tile rating scale explained

the pei rating system ranges from 1 to 5 and is especially relevant for floor tiles. a low rating indicates that a tile cannot handle much foot traffic and is therefore better suited for wall installations. a high rating indicates that a tile can withstand heavy foot traffic and even be installed in commercial spaces.

pei 1: no foot traffic

if a tile has a pei rating of 1, it is best for walls and areas that see no foot traffic. you might install this type of tile on an accent wall, shower surround, or kitchen backsplash, depending on other specifications like water resistance.

pei 2: light foot traffic

tiles with a pei rating of 2 are slightly more resistant to abrasion and can generally be installed in spaces that see a little foot traffic. these tiles can be installed on walls too, of course, and may also be installed on, say, a guest bathroom floor, depending on how much foot traffic the guest bathroom will see.

pei 3: light to moderate traffic

if a tile has a pei rating of 3, it can be used in almost any area of the home, from fireplace surrounds and backsplashes to mudroom, bathroom, and kitchen floors. on the flipside, it is not ideal for a commercial space that sees anything beyond moderate foot traffic.

in addition to checking a tile’s pei rating, always check the tile’s other technical specifications to ensure it’s a good fit for your project.

pei 4: heavy foot traffic

tiles with a rating of 4 in the pei system can see moderate to heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for all residential areas and some commercial areas. if you want an especially durable tile for a heavily trafficked kitchen or entryway, this is a great tile rating to look for.

pei 5: heavy to extra heavy traffic

5 is the highest rating in the pei rating system and refers to tiles that can withstand heavy foot traffic, in residential and commercial spaces alike. these types of tiles tend to lean more functional and therefore may not be as suitable for more decorative applications like accent walls and laundry room backsplashes.

how pei rating is assessed

remember that the pei rating refers to how resistant a glazed surface is to abrasion. glazed tiles undergo a series of standardized tests that mimic everyday footfall and wear in order to assess this.

one example involves a machine known as a rotary abrasion resistance testing machine (say that five times fast). this machine uses steel ball bearings that press down and roll over a tile’s glazed surface. an observer takes note of how many revolutions occur before visible scratches appear on the tile, then assigns the tile a rating accordingly.

why tile pei rating matters

pei ratings give you much-needed insight as you narrow down tile options for your project, especially if that project involves installing ceramic or porcelain tile on the floor. you might, for example, choose one highly rated tile for your busy entryway and then save a lower rated tile you love for a wall installation elsewhere in your home.

all that said, it’s important to remember that the pei rating is only one factor you should use to find the right tile option. other factors worth considering include the tile’s stain resistance, how much traction it offers, and how well it fits into your aesthetic. you’ll also want to check the tile’s color, texture, and size variation, so you know what to expect when you order your tile.

if you’re planning to install any tile outdoors, be sure to look at the tile’s uv resistance and freeze/thaw rating as well.

tile selection: balancing beauty and strength

whatever your functional needs or aesthetic preferences, there is a tile that offers both the beauty and the strength you’re looking for. here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you select tile for your next project. (spoiler alert: pei rating is just one factor to consider.)

level of foot traffic

if foot traffic is a major factor, start by checking the tile’s pei rating for porcelain or ceramic tile, or floor rating for a different type of tile. this is usually noted in the tile’s technical specifications or material guidelines.

here at clé, we include a floor rating for every type of tile we offer, found in the tile’s material guidelines. let’s say you’re looking for a functional white tile for your bathroom floor: comparing floor ratings might lead you to choose porcelain penny rounds or herringbone mosaic marble tiles, which are both great options for this space.

location of installation

where you’re choosing to install tile can also determine how you balance beauty and strength. (and again, you can have both.) if it’s flooring, you’ll want to assess the tile’s durability against foot traffic using the pei or floor rating. porcelain, terracotta, brick, natural stone, and cement all come in beautiful options that are suitable for floor applications.

if you’re installing tile on a vertical surface, there are other factors to consider. for wet areas like backsplashes and bathroom walls, look at the tile’s technical specifications to better understand the tile’s water resistance—and what the tile might need in terms of maintenance. for areas that see heat, such as fireplace surrounds, check the specs for heat resistance.

durability requirements

aside from foot traffic, water resistance, and heat resistance, you may have other durability requirements to think about. let’s say you’re installing tile on an outdoor patio floor, a pool wall, or an outdoor shower wall. these are all areas that call for uv resistant tile. if your region sees cycles of freezing and thawing, the tile should be freeze/thaw rated as well.

beauty and aesthetics

with all of the above in mind, take note of your aesthetic preferences as you explore tile options. every tile material offers its own brand of beauty, and what you choose is entirely up to you.

cement, for example, is available in a wide variety of patterns and develops a love-worn patina as it ages. unglazed terracotta and brick can lend a rustic or earthy vibe, also developing a lived-in look with time. if you’re someone who values consistency and uniformity, you might be drawn to glazed tile, be it ceramic, porcelain, brick, or zellige.

beauty and durability: you can have both

the beautiful thing about tile is, well, it’s both beautiful and durable. (cultures around the world have been adding it to their walls and floors for millennia, after all.) as you compare tile ratings and specifications in your search for that just-right tile, you can rest easy knowing that you have a world of hardworking options to choose from—and stunning ones at that.