Using PEI ratings to select tiles that won't wear out in your space
Understanding tile specifications is an important step in avoiding issues down the road. The last thing you want is to find scratches after a few uses or have a shiny floor that doubles as an ice rink. However, there is a lot of conflicting information and advice out there.
That's why we launched these guides, to explain these terms so that you can confidently move forward with your interior design vision.
What is PEI durability rating?
With the advent of digital printing technology for tile, much of the porcelain and ceramic tile that you see in stores is glazed. This means that there’s a thin layer of glass-like coating applied to the surface of the tile, often for decorative purposes.
But not all glazes are the same, and perhaps the most important consideration for you is how resistant to repeated abrasion and traffic that glaze is going to be. Will it be durable enough to use in the part of my home or business than I’m planning to use it in?
Thankfully, there’s a standardized way that tile manufacturers test and classify the strength of their glazes: the Porcelain Enamel Institute’s abrasion rating, or as you’ll more commonly see, a tile’s PEI rating for tile floors.
The PEI Durability Rating is the industry standard measure that indicates how resistant a glazed tile is to visible marks caused by repeated wear on the tile. This actually takes into account both the strength of the glaze as well as its colour -- you’ll find that deep, dark colours may have lower PEI ratings than lighter colours, even when the tiles use glazes with the same strength.
The most important takeaway for you is to make sure that the tile surface will be able to withstand the traffic in the space that you’re planning to install your tile, whether that’s a floor, entry hallway, or even a commercial space like a restaurant.
One thing to call out is that you don’t always need to try to buy the tile with the highest PEI rating, just the tile with a high enough rating for your intended use. A lot of beautiful decorative wall tiles are made in a way that results in a more delicate glaze, which is perfectly fine for most walls.
How are these tiles rated?
All of the tiles assessed for a PEI rating for tile floors go through rigorous testing that adheres to the International Standards Organization (ISO). Since the purpose of the rating is to show how resistant the tile will be to long-term wear and tear, the test involves rubbing the tile with an abrasive cloth to simulate foot traffic. The tiles are abrased up to 12,000 times, and then checked to see if they show a visible mark. The more rubbing the tile withstands without showing wear, the higher its rating.
The 5 PEI Levels
PEI Rating 1 Tile has very low resistance to wear, and really should only be used for interior commercial and residential walls.
Some wall-specific tiles, such as our Bars tiles, won't be tested for their PEI rating since they're expected to not encounter foot traffic. Similar to a PEI 1 tile, these unrated tiles should only be used on interior walls.
PEI Rating 2 Tiles are used mostly on walls, and can also potentially be installed on floors with extremely light traffic where only bare feet or soft-soled slippers are used. Examples of such areas might be residential bathrooms and bedrooms.
Our Matisse wall tiles have a PEI 2 glaze.
PEI Rating 3 Tiles are what most people need for their homes, and are suitable for all residential floors and walls, such as kitchen floors and backsplashes.
The tiles like Tangram Oak and several of our Decorative Patterns, such as Chex, are PEI 3 rated and perfect for residential use .
PEI Rating 4 Tiles are durable enough to be not only be installed in residential spaces, but also some light commercial uses, such as retail stores, restaurants, and offices. Many of our stone look tiles have PEI 4 rating, including our Vogue collection or our stone look Clay series.
Now that I understand PEI durability rating, where do I find this when shopping tiles?
Most tile manufacturers list the PEI Rating for tile floors on the tile’s tear sheet and/or its packaging. If you're visiting a digital store like us here, you can find the PEI durability rating in the specifications tab of any product page.
In short...
PEI ratings for tile floors helps you assess whether a tile is resistant enough to long-term wear for the space that you're planning to use it in. There are 5 different levels:
PEI Rating |
Definition |
| PEI Level 1 | This is the least resistant and is suited for interior residential and commercial walls |
| PEI Level 2 | These tiles are also generally best on walls though can also be used on light traffic residential floors |
| PEI Level 3 | These tiles are suitable for any residential floor or wall. This is the PEI rating that most people need in their homes. |
| PEI Level 4 | These are very durable tiles and can be used in any residential space, as well as light commercial floors. |
| PEI Level 5 | This is the highest durability rating that a tile can get and is appropriate for heavy commercial spaces like airports |
You can find a tile’s PEI durability rating in the "Specification" tab for any of our products in our online store.
Hope this has helped you better understand PEI durability ratings and given you confidence that you're choosing the right tile for your space!
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3 comments
Great article! Using PEI ratings to select tiles for your space is a smart strategy to ensure durability and longevity. PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) ratings provide valuable information about a tile’s resistance to wear and tear, helping you make an informed choice. By considering the PEI rating that aligns with the level of foot traffic and usage in your area, you can confidently select tiles that will withstand the demands of your space without wearing out prematurely. Whether it’s a high-traffic commercial area or a residential space prone to heavy use, PEI ratings act as a reliable guide to choose tiles that will maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come.
Thank you for laying your the PEI levels so clearly. Great article!
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Really informative summary – thanks!