Porcelain Tile

​When shopping for tile, it's important to be familiar with the term “P.E.I.” 
 “The Porcelain Enamel Institute developed a wear abrasion testing procedure in the 1940's that is still used today. This test is used to classify tile according to its field of use and the expected type of traffic and abuse the tile is likely to experience. It is a wear rating specifically for glazed ceramic tile surfaces.

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PEI 0 is specifically designed to identify those tiles that have a wear rating unsuitable for use on floors.

PEI 1 and 2 are for use in areas with softer, abrasive dirt-free footwear (bathrooms, bedrooms). Many times these are high gloss or intensive coloured tiles.

PEI 3 is for areas in contact with normal footwear including heavier residential traffic, but without dirt and grit action (hallways, kitchens).

PEI 4 is for most all residential floor areas and tiles suited to public areas where moderate to heavier traffic occurs (hotel lobbies, restaurants, supermarkets, and even banks).

PEI 5 is for where there is probable concern over the wear required for the busiest commercial traffic floors. PEI 5 is chemically more resistant as well and is categorized as a hyper-resistant glaze.”

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– “What does the PEI rating mean?” Materials & Methods Standards Association Frequently Asked Questions. http://mmsausa.com/faq/ Viewed April 12, 2016.

 

Important information on porcelain versus ceramic tile:

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At Topp Tile, we carry a large selection of commercially-rated and very designer-friendly porcelain tiles.

Stop by our showroom today!

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