To offer one means for determining the proper tile for your application, the tile industry provides a PEI rating based on testing by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. Headquartered in Norcross, GA, the institute is “dedicated to advancing the common interests of porcelain enameling plants and suppliers of porcelain enameling materials and equipment.” The PEI categorization primarily defines the hardness and durability of the various ceramic products that are tested. It should be noted that the PEI rating involves testing of only the surface wear layer of a tile’s enamel glazing; it does not measure the fracture strength of the entire tile, nor does it offer any rating of the slip-resistance of the tile.
How PEI Ratings Are Determined
The PEI rating is essentially a measurement of the surface enamel’s resistance to abrasion. It is measured by the use of a machine known as a rotary abrasion resistance testing machine, in which steel ball bearings are pressed down and rolled over the surface of the tile while an observer watches the effect. The ratings are issued based on how many revolutions of the machine’s head are required before visible abrasions appear on the tile.
Understanding the PEI Ratings
A tile is given a PEI hardness rating on a 5-point scale, in addition to a 0 or NR category. The assigned PEI class is based on how many revolutions of the testing machine are required before noticeable abrasions are seen. In addition to (or instead of) the PEI rating, tiles can be designated as floor or wall tiles based on other criteria. Tile designated for installation on a wall receives no foot traffic and, in fact, almost no wear of any kind. As such, this tile can be thinner and smoother, since safety is not a concern. Wall tile can also have complicated designs, such as reliefs, that don’t work well on floors. Tiles designated as floor tiles, on the other hand, often have a mat or textured finish to make them less slippery underfoot, especially in locations likely to experience moisture. There is no central database of PEI ratings for tiles made by major manufacturers. Instead, you need to look at each tile’s manufacturing details, often found in the fine print on the sales sheet or product specification sheet. All companies provide some form of information on where the tile can be installed, either in the form of a PEI rating, a location specification (wall, floor, wall/floor), or both. Beyond wall/floor distinctions, some companies go so far as to even list the rooms where the tile is recommended for installation—kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, etc. Some companies, such as American Olean and Ann Sacks, omit PEI ratings entirely, giving only location/room recommendations. Other companies, such as Arizona Tile and Bedrosian’s, publish PEI ratings for some of their products while listing recommended locations for other products.
