Pei is the abbreviation for porcelain enamel institute.
What is porcelain tile pei rating.
A pei rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze.
The pei rating can help you determine exactly where certain types of tile should be installed.
The best type of tile would be a full body darker porcelain tile with a pei rating of 4 or 5.
This is crucial because not all tile can be used in all areas.
It is commonly used on walls and shower surrounds on counter tops and on floors.
Pei porcelain enamel institute ratings help you determine the hardness and durability of tile.
So why is this important.
The pei rating class begins with a 0 rating which is best suited for light duty applications in homes.
This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test.
The pei rating is essentially a measurement of the surface enamel s resistance to abrasion.
The pei or porcelain enamel institute has established a rating scale that helps consumers determine the durability and hardness of different types of tile.
The results of this test will determine the proper usage of a product.
Pei ratings act as a kind of shortcut to figure out where the tile can be installed.
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.