What is PEI?

"PEI" is the abbreviation for Porcelain Enamel Institute. A PEI Rating is given to a tile product based the hardness of its glaze. This hardness is determined by the manufacturer using a standardized test. The results of this test will determine the proper usage of a product.

It is important to note that the PEI Rating is the result of testing glaze wear only, and not slip-resistance. For example: imagine old carpet on a kitchen floor. There would be noticeably more wear in front of the sink, the cook top/oven and the refrigerator than other areas of the kitchen. These are known as "pivot-points" and they affect glazed tile products as well - although at a significantly slower rate than the majority of other floor coverings.

Please keep in mind these PEI ratings when you are selecting a tile for your home project.

NR	Natural Stone and other unglazed products are not glazed and are therefore not rated.
Group 1	Suitable only for residential / commercial walls. Not suitable and/or recommended for foot traffic. examples include bathroom walls, backsplashes and accent walls
Group 2	Suitable for general light residential traffic. examples include bathrooms, formal dining rooms, formal living rooms, etc. NOT suitable for residential areas subjected to continuous foot traffic.
Group 3	Suitable for all residential and light commercial areas. examples include residential kitchens, foyers, laundry rooms, commercial offices, reception areas and boutiques
Group 4	Suitable for residential, medium commercial and light institutional applications. examples include restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors
Group 5+	Suitable for heavy traffic in both residential and heavy commercial applications. examples include mass transit, airports, malls, schools, etc.
NA	A PEI Rating for this tile is not available.