COMMERCIAL GRADE TILE
Commercial grade tile is designed to withstand the highest level of foot traffic, all the while maintaining its beauty.
The benefits of commercial grade porcelain tile:
- One of the longest wearing types of floors available in the marketplace.
- Both moisture and stain resistant; fade resistant options are available.
- Quite easy to clean and maintain; as well as safe for the environment.
Ceramic tile is not as durable as porcelain tile, even though it’s a type of ceramic tile. The Tile Council of North America has devised the DCOF AcuTest, a new industry standard measuring the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction which evaluates the appropriateness of the tiles for the commercial setting and the practicability of the application.
RESIDENTIAL GRADE TILE
When purchasing residential grade tile, the two main considerations to be made are budget and durability. Budget determines the ability to obtain the most durable tiles available.
Ceramic tile is graded from 1 to 5, with 5 being the longest wearing tiles.
- Grade 1 tiles are the weakest, with the best application as wall tiles.
- Grade 2 tiles are best used in areas where there is light traffic, such as residential bathrooms.
- Grade 3 tiles can withstand slightly heavier traffic, and is the most common choice for residential applications.
- Grade 4 tiles are better suited for residences, and can accommodate commercial spaces with light foot traffic, such as a dental or doctor’s office.
- Grade 5 – As the strongest grade tile, grade 5 is best suited for commercial applications with heavier foot traffic.
In residential applications, ceramic tile is available in a host of sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns.
PORCELAIN TILE
Porcelain tile is graded on a similar scale. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) has established ratings ranging from 0 to 5, whereas 0 represents the softest tiles suitable for wall applications and 5 represents the hardest tiles suitable for heavy foot traffic. A rating of PEI 2 or 3 is best used in residential applications. Porcelain tiles rated PEI 3 to 5 are better suited for commercial properties.
