When shopping for bathroom tiles, most people are content to choose a set in the color they like and then call it a day. There is actually a lot more to tile shopping than that, and making an effort to consider the various factors will pay off in tile work that looks good and works great as well.
One of the most important factors to consider is the tile rating. Most boxes of tiles come with four or five rating categories. This will provide you with information regarding the tile’s grade, PEI rating, water absorption capabilities, friction, and tone. All of these factors will have a lot to do with how good your tiles look and how well they perform, so take them into consideration.
Tiles are typically graded with a number from one to three. Tiles of the highest quality are given a grade of one. Grade two tiles may be indistinguishable from grade one tiles, but they are usually much less expensive. Grade one and grade two tiles are durable enough to be used on the floor, but grade three tiles are better suited for installing on walls.
The PEI rating of your bathroom tiles will determine its ability to resist wear and tear. This rating system (the “PEI” stands for the Porcelain and Enamel Institute) only applies to glazed tiles. Those given a rating of “I” or “II” are suitable only for wall installation. If you want a tile for use on the floor, you will have to choose one with at least a “III” rating. Tiles also come in ratings of “IV” and “V”, both of which signify their suitability for floor use.
Also consider the water-absorption rate of your bathroom tiles. This will help you determine the suitability of a tile for indoor or outdoor use. Tiles are usually rated according to the percentage of water they absorb.