As outlined in our previous post, there are two contradicting definitions of Porcelain and Ceramic, which can lead to confusion as you try to discern the overall quality of the tile you are looking to purchase and install. In this post, we here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath in North Vancouver will outline the testing and rating process for tile, hopefully providing you with a clear understanding of how tile quality is rated.
The rating standards attempt to discern how a tile functions. These standards are all performance standards, thereby, the tile gets rated as to how if performs regardless of the material that it is made from. Tile is subject to numerous tests, these include slipperyness, resistance to cold/heat, breaking strength, stain resistance, chemical damage, wear resistance, and water absorption.
This allows the consumer to make numerous critical decisions regarding a tile’s use. A tile that absorbs a great deal of water should not be used outside where it is likely to freeze and crack. A tile that wears easily is not suitable to use on the floor, but could be a reasonable choice as a backsplash.
The two tests that are used to test resistance to surface wear and resistance to water penetration are the rating method’s developed by the “Porcelain Enamel Institute” (PEI Scale) and the “American National Standards Institute” (ANSI) respectfully. Each has their respective rating system to discern what tile is appropriate in what conditions. The categories for both the PEI and ANSI are listed below.
PEI: Resistance to Surface Wear
Group I: Soft tile, suitable for walls and backsplash
Group II: Soft tile, good for use in residential areas with very little foot traffic, would not be suitable for a kitchen.
Group III: Good for all residential settings, would work in low density commercial settings.
Group IV: Good for any interior setting, can work as a heavy commercial tile.
Group V: The sturdiest tile. Good for use in high density, high traffic, commercial settings.
ANSI Rating: Resistance to Water
Non-vitreous: Tile for areas that are not exposed to any moisture. Typically used for walls and fireplace surround’s.
Semi-vitreous: Tile that works for areas that may be exposed to moisture once in a while.
Vitreous: Suitable for any indoor application, this includes shower walls, floors, and outdoor areas that do not freeze.
Impervious: Can be used in any outdoor or indoor application.
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we hope that this assists you as you look to purchase and install tile in your kitchen and/or bathroom renovation.
The rating standards attempt to discern how a tile functions. These standards are all performance standards, thereby, the tile gets rated as to how if performs regardless of the material that it is made from. Tile is subject to numerous tests, these include slipperyness, resistance to cold/heat, breaking strength, stain resistance, chemical damage, wear resistance, and water absorption.
This allows the consumer to make numerous critical decisions regarding a tile’s use. A tile that absorbs a great deal of water should not be used outside where it is likely to freeze and crack. A tile that wears easily is not suitable to use on the floor, but could be a reasonable choice as a backsplash.
The two tests that are used to test resistance to surface wear and resistance to water penetration are the rating method’s developed by the “Porcelain Enamel Institute” (PEI Scale) and the “American National Standards Institute” (ANSI) respectfully. Each has their respective rating system to discern what tile is appropriate in what conditions. The categories for both the PEI and ANSI are listed below.
PEI: Resistance to Surface Wear
Group I: Soft tile, suitable for walls and backsplash
Group II: Soft tile, good for use in residential areas with very little foot traffic, would not be suitable for a kitchen.
Group III: Good for all residential settings, would work in low density commercial settings.
Group IV: Good for any interior setting, can work as a heavy commercial tile.
Group V: The sturdiest tile. Good for use in high density, high traffic, commercial settings.
ANSI Rating: Resistance to Water
Non-vitreous: Tile for areas that are not exposed to any moisture. Typically used for walls and fireplace surround’s.
Semi-vitreous: Tile that works for areas that may be exposed to moisture once in a while.
Vitreous: Suitable for any indoor application, this includes shower walls, floors, and outdoor areas that do not freeze.
Impervious: Can be used in any outdoor or indoor application.
Here at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we hope that this assists you as you look to purchase and install tile in your kitchen and/or bathroom renovation.
