Choosing the right tiles is particularly important as the demand for durability and aesthetics in commercial spaces and public areas continues to grow. For high-traffic areas, a tile’s abrasion resistance is one of the key factors in determining its long-term performance. This article will guide you through how to assess the wear resistance of tiles and help you select the most appropriate tiles for your project.
What is tile abrasion resistance?
Tile abrasion resistance is the ability of a tile surface to resist wear and tear. Choosing tiles with high abrasion resistance is crucial for areas where people walk around a lot or heavy objects are moved, such as shopping malls, hotel lobbies, and restaurants. Abrasion resistance is usually measured by the Mohs hardness rating or PEI rating.
How to assess the abrasion resistance of tiles?
Mohs Hardness Scale: The Mohs Hardness Scale is a standard used to measure the hardness of a material. For ceramic tiles, this standard helps you understand how well a tile resists scratches.
PEI Rating: The PEI rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute) is a standard widely used in the tile industry to evaluate the abrasion resistance of tiles.The PEI rating ranges from 1 to 5, with larger numbers indicating better abrasion resistance:
PEI Grade 1: For walls and lightly used floors.
PEI Grade 2: For lightly to moderately used floors, such as residential kitchens.
PEI Grade 3: Suitable for floors with moderate use, e.g. busy domestic areas.
PEI Class 4: For heavily used floors, such as stores and offices.
PEI Level 5: For extremely used floors, such as large shopping centers and airports.
Choosing the right tile for high-traffic areas
When you’re ready to shop for tile for high-traffic areas, consider the following:
Choose a high PEI rating: Select tiles with at least a PEI 4 or 5 rating to ensure they can withstand frequent foot traffic and heavy loads.
Choice of materials: Ceramic and polished tiles are beautiful but may not be hard-wearing enough, while fully glazed and antique tiles are better suited to high-traffic areas.
Color and pattern: Darker or textured tiles can better hide signs of wear and tear.
Size and shape: Larger tiles reduce the number of seams, which reduces the chance of wear and tear.
Slip resistance: Consider safety, especially in wet environments, and choose tiles with a non-slip finish.
Understanding a tile’s wear resistance is a crucial step when choosing the right tile for high-traffic areas. By referencing PEI ratings and considering the above recommendations, you can find tile solutions for your project that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.