(Newswire.net — February 28, 2024) — Tile is popular because it can combine a beautiful appearance with the durability of stone. That makes it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that need to look presentable while also enduring heavy use. On the other hand, not all tiles are created equal. Some of them will last much longer than others. The good news is that there are a few indicators that buyers can use to make sure they get tile products that will last for years.
1- Check the PEI Rating
The Porcelain Enamel Institute created a system to test the durability of porcelain and ceramic tiles. Each tile gets a PEI rating, which buyers can use to find tiles that suit their intended use. The PEI rating is a number that ranges from zero to five. In general, lower numbers indicate tiles that are less durable than the alternatives.
For example, a tile with a rating of zero should not be used on the floor or any other surface that will see significant wear and tear. On the other hand, they will work on walls and other surfaces that do not need to hold up to foot traffic. A tile with a rating of five can hold up to heavy foot traffic, so it is appropriate for use on the floor in a busy commercial setting.
The PEI rating system only assesses glazed tiles. That covers the vast majority of tile products, but there are exceptions. Natural stone tiles are the biggest example. People who are considering unrated tiles will need to look up the specific materials used in those tiles to assess their durability.
2- Consider the Application
Some applications expose a tile to much more wear and tear than others. Abrasion from foot traffic or use as a working surface is the most common problem, but it is not the only thing that can degrade a tile. Matching the tile with the application is vital for maximizing its lifespan.
For example, a project that uses small tiles will dedicate more space to grout than a project that uses big tiles. That grout can be hard to clean, which will make the whole installation look less appealing and more unhygienic over time. The tiles themselves could be in perfect shape, but the installation as a whole would look bad from the grime. That sort of degradation motivates people to remove or replace their tiles. That means that buyers who do not have time to clean should lean towards larger tiles to minimize maintenance and make their installation look good for a long time.
3- Choose the Supplier Carefully
Buyers have one way to make sure they are getting durable tile products even if they do not know anything about tiles. The trick is finding a reliable supplier. Age is usually a good indication of quality. An experienced tile supplier that has been around for decades would most likely have gone out of business if they sold shoddy products, so they are a safe bet. It is also wise to look for suppliers that have showrooms or connections with local architects. Suppliers with open, transparent business practices will usually offer the best quality products.