Know Your Tiles

Did you know there is a tile specifically made for different spaces?

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) came up with classes for the different tiles available and the space that is most suitable for them. This was in accordance to manufacturers’ recommendations. They came up with 6 classes that are discussed in detail below;

PEI 0

These are tiles that are not suitable for floors because they are not made to withstand traffic. Consider buying these tiles for your walls or places where there is little traffic. These are recommended for the bathroom where soft soled footwear is worn or where people walk with bare feet.

PEI 1

Tiles in this class cannot withstand much traffic or rough footwear.  This makes them best suited for walls or spaces such as individual bedrooms where only soft soled footwear is worn and traffic is very little.

PEI 2

These are for general traffic where normal footwear is worn. However they are not suitable for high traffic areas like entrance halls or corridors. In commercial spaces, they may be used for the walls and not for the floors.

PEI 3

Class 3 consists of tiles that are suitable for all residential and light traffic commercial areas such as offices, boutiques or residential bathroom floors.

PEI 4

Tiles in this class are most suitable for regular traffic and can be used for medium traffic commercial areas. They can also be used for light industrial floors such as restaurants, hotel lobbies and even hospitals.

PEI 5

PEI 5 comprises of tiles that are made to withstand heavy traffic, abrasive dirt and even moisture. They are recommended for use in areas where safety is the foremost concern. This includes areas such as swimming pools, public buildings entrances and shopping malls to mention some.

Happy tiling! Now that you are well informed, you can choose your ceramics wisely.

Picture Credit: Tile Market