Choosing tiles is not an easy matter. To begin with, we focus more on appearance - style, color, size and price are important criteria. However, these are not the only requirements to be taken into account. A tile chosen only by visual considerations may not necessarily be the best choice for the room being designed. Let's see what else needs to be taken into account to ensure that our interiors will last for many years.
Tiles used on the floor should have a higher abrasion class
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Tile, and abrasion class
When it comes to wear and overall hardness, not all manufactured tiles are the same. Those used on walls would, in most cases, immediately deteriorate on a busy floor. The surface hardness of glazed porcelain or ceramic will indicate the areas where this product can be safely used, without any damage or cracks.
Characteristics of PEI abrasion classes
The primary indicator of tile abrasion resistance is thePorcelain-Enamel Institute's PEI test. It occurs on a 5-point scale. The higher the PEI number, the higher the level of abrasion a tile can withstand before visible signs of deterioration develop. Therefore, a higher PEI means better suitability for higher traffic areas. The rating system for porcelain and ceramic tiles, for example, depends on the thickness of the tile, which has a big impact on how it performs in different areas, depending on the amount of traffic. Note that a thinner tile does not mean that it is a low-quality tile - it simply means that this tile is best suited for a different application than a thick tile. With the appropriate wear class, we will be able to determine which tiles are suitable for the space we are decorating.
Tiles of grade one or two are ideal for use on bathroom walls
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PEI 1 - No foot traffic
A ceramic t ile recommended for interior wall applications only. It is the least durable type of tile on the market, but this simply means that it should not be used in high traffic areas such as the floor or bathroom countertop. These tiles are the optimal choice for shower stalls, bathroom walls or kitchens. Although they are the least durable tiles, they have really good stain and water resistance and are available in a variety of patterns and colors.
PEI 2 - Light movement
A ceramic tile for interior wall applications in residential and commercial buildings and for floor applications in residential but not commercialbathrooms. Laying it as flooring in a master bathroom or in a restroom that many household members walk through several times a day can lead to tile damage. Some people use Class 2 tiles for floors in small utility rooms.
PEI 3 - Low to medium traffic
Tiles with a PEI 3 rating can be used throughout the home, including busy areas such as kitchens, hallways, rooms and apartment building walls. This is the most popular class of floor tiles for private homes and apartments. The choice of colors and patterns will be much wider for tiles in this class than higher ones.
PEI 4 - Medium or heavy traffic
These tiles are ideal for residential use and can also be laid in "light" commercial spaces such as offices, bars and restaurants. These tiles are durable enough for outdoor use in both private and commercial homes!
PEI 5 - Intense traffic
PEI 5 rated tiles are tough, highly durable. They are ideal for busy public spaces, such as shopping malls and airports, where they are exposed to very heavy foot traffic. We can install these tiles in any space, regardless of the amount of foot traffic in the room.
