Understanding the PEI Rating: What It Means and Why It Matters
Understanding the PEI Rating: What It Means and Why It Matters
When selecting tiles for your project, it’s important to consider more than just colour and finish. One essential factor that impacts long-term performance is the PEI Rating, which measures surface durability and resistance to wear.
What is the PEI Rating?
Developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, the PEI rating system evaluates the hardness of a tile’s glazed surface. It helps identify how well a tile will hold up under foot traffic, making it especially useful when choosing tiles for different areas of the home or commercial spaces.
| PEI Tile Rating Scale | Traffic Suitability |
|---|---|
| PEI 0 | No foot traffic. Suitable for walls only. |
| PEI 1 | Very light traffic. For areas with minimal use, like powder rooms or feature walls. |
| PEI 2 | Light traffic. Ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms with light foot traffic. |
| PEI 3 | Moderate traffic. Suitable for most residential areas, including kitchens and hallways. |
| PEI 4 | Heavy traffic. Good for all residential spaces and light commercial use. |
| PEI 5 | Very heavy traffic. Suitable for high-traffic commercial areas like shops, lobbies, and public corridors. |
Why Does It Matter?
Choosing a tile with the right PEI rating helps ensure it performs well over time. Tiles that aren’t suited to high-traffic areas can show signs of wear, lose their finish, and need replacing sooner than expected. By matching the rating to the demands of the space, you can avoid these issues and get the most out of your tiles.
What About Unglazed Tiles?
PEI ratings apply only to glazed tiles. Unglazed tiles such as full-body porcelain or natural stone are not rated using the PEI system and are instead assessed based on other criteria such as slip resistance, water absorption, and overall hardness.
Builder - Pelligra
Architecture + Interiors - PACT Architects
Photography Sam Noonan
Make the Right Choice!
Always take into account where the tile will be installed. A bathroom floor experiences different levels of use compared to a busy café or retail space, so the tile selected should be appropriate for the demands of that environment.
Ready to choose tiles that suit your space and project needs? Visit our award-winning Italia Ceramics showroom at 55 Glynburn Road, Glynde, South Australia, call our team on +61 (08) 8336 2366, or click here to submit an enquiry. Let us help you bring your vision to life!