Ceramic Tile and Carpet Ratings

The two most popular floorings for the GHM lobby are ceramic tile and wood so on Friday I chose the task of looking up the durability ratings for both of these types of flooring and this is what I came up with. For ceramic tile the rating system was developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) to rate a tile types durability to varying amounts of foot traffic. This scale ranges from 1 for the least durable to 5 being the most durable.

• PEI Class 1 Rating (No foot traffic)
• recommended for wall use in residential and commercial applications
• PEI Class 2 Rating (Light traffic)
• recommended for walls and bathroom floors
• PEI Class 3 Rating (Light to moderate traffic)
• recommended for countertops, walls, and floors where normal foot traffic is expected
• PEI Class 4 Rating (Moderate to heavy traffic)
• recommended for all residential uses, some commercial, and light institutional
• PEI Class 5 Rating (Heavy to extra heavy traffic)
• recommended for all residential, heavy commercial, and institutional uses

Most of the ceramic tile produced today is a 5 rating on this scale however this scale does not take into account wearing from things other than foot traffic such as dirt and other damaging elements.

Carpet performance ratings, like ceramic tile ratings, are used to help select the best carpet for areas with varying amounts of traffic. They also do not take into account soiling, poor maintenance, or other damages. This scale is from 1 being the least durable to 5 being the most durable. However, not all manufacturers provide a performance rating but the ones that do it is found on the carpet label. Usually woven pile carpets are more durable than tuffed carpets

• 4 or 5 will maintain its new appearance longer
• 4 is considered outstandingly durable and is recommended for heavy traffic areas
• 2.5 - 4 is considered normal in terms of durability and will last long if it is properly maintained
• 2.5 - 0 should be used in the lowest possible traffic areas

Sources of information:

http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/selecting-the-right-carpet-or-rug/quality-and-performance/carpet-performance-rating.cfm 

http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Ceramic-Tile-Grades.10844.html

http://www.floorbiz.com/tile/rating-ceramic-tile.htm