What does the wear value of ceramic tiles mean and why is it important?

The wear resistance of the surface of ceramic tiles is measured according to the PEI (Porcelaine Enamel Institute) standard. This standard measures the wear class in which a tile falls and how well it is resistant to scratching dirt. The PEI value in tiles is examined by means of a tester, which runs over the surface of the ceramic tile with a rotating gear wheel. Using steel balls and aluminum powder as an abrasive, it is determined after how many revolutions there is visible damage. Based on this research, ceramic tiles can be divided into five different classes.

PEI 1: These tiles are the most sensitive and suitable for places where people always walk barefoot . Think, for example, of a bedroom . You can also use these tiles as wall tiles. > 600 revolutions

PEI 2: Suitable for areas where people walk with soft footwear, with minimal presence of abrasive dirt. > 900 revolutions

PEI 3: Suitable for normal use and footwear, with a minimal amount of abrasive dirt. These tiles are, for example, very suitable for the hallway or the kitchen . > 1200 revolutions

PEI 4: Suitable for heavy-traffic and dirty areas. Examples include hospitality establishments and showrooms . > 1500 revolutions

PEI 5 : Tiles of this class are suitable for very intensive use indoors and outdoors. These tiles are also frost-resistant, making them suitable for a terrace or garden . >10.000 revolutions

See an example of the test device in the above image from Ceramic Instruments!