After seeing a large number of users searching "Are there different grades of porcelain tile?",  one thing is clear: people are not aware of the different grades of porcelain tile. This is a big deal!

In this blog post, we'll look at how to determine what grade of porcelain tile is best suited for your project and explain why it's important to use the right one.

What Is the Porcelain-Making Process?

There are four parts to the porcelain-making process. This includes forming, glazing, decoration, and firing. Let's discuss each.

Forming

The forming stage in the porcelain-making process requires careful precision and artistry. Clay-based creations are either hand-shaped using techniques such as pinching and coiling, or they are pressed into molds. The clay forms a shape that is then dried to get rid of excess moisture.

Glazing

Glazing is the process of applying liquid glass to the surface of a ceramic or porcelain piece. This is done either by dipping or spraying and then firing it in an oven, which causes the glaze to fuse with the object's surface.

Decoration

Decorating porcelain is a time-honored tradition. It adds color and texture to the pieces while also acting as protection. The most common methods used are hand painting, staining, and transfers. Hand-painting involves painting with brushes or sponges directly onto the piece, while staining involves immersing the piece in dye to achieve a desired color. Transfers involve transferring an image onto the piece using a special process.

Firing

The last step in creating porcelain is firing. This process involves heating the piece at temperatures up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat causes the pieces to become harder and more durable by forming a glass-like layer on the surface.

What Is PEI?

The PEI rating, or Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, is one of the most important factors to consider when considering various porcelain tile grades for your project. This rating tells you the resistance of a tile to wear due to abrasion and determines its suitability for different uses. While the PEI rating system can seem complicated at first, it is relatively easy to understand once you become familiar with it. Plus, you'll be glad you did when it comes to ensuring your project's success.

What Are the Different Grades of Porcelain Tile?

There are five different porcelain tile quality grades. Do all porcelain tiles have a grade? Yes, and each grade has its own characteristics and can be used for different projects. But first, a question we’ve seen a lot: is class the same as grade in porcelain tile? Yes!

Okay, let’s dive into each grade.

Grade 1 Porcelain Tile

So what is grade 1 porcelain tile? And what does grade 1 porcelain tile mean? Grade 1 is the lowest grade of porcelain tile. It's only intended for walls or kitchen backsplashes and light-duty residential floors and is not suitable for areas that will see heavy traffic due to its lower resistance to abrasion.

Grade 2 Porcelain Tile

Grade 2 porcelain tile is an attractive and economical choice that is best used as flooring for rooms that don't get a lot of foot traffic, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. And as wall coverings, Grade 2 tiles provide beauty as well as function.

Grade 3 Porcelain Tile

Grade 3 porcelain tiles are a great choice for residential and light commercial settings. Featuring high shade variation and durability, these tiles can stand up to moderate foot traffic and everyday wear-and-tear, making them suitable for kitchens, family rooms, hallways, countertops, outdoor porcelain tile, and even light commercial applications such as offices or small shops.

Grade 4 Porcelain Tile

Grade 4 porcelain tiles are designed for heavy traffic and are ideal for commercial installations such as restaurants, shops, offices, and other spaces where day-to-day wear and tear is expected. Due to their superior strength and durability, they can also be used in residential settings such as laundry rooms and mudrooms. Grade 4 porcelain tile can also make an excellent choice for patios or outdoor living spaces.

Grade 5 Porcelain Tile

What is the best grade of porcelain tile? Grade 5! Grade 5 porcelain tiles make up the top porcelain tile grade rating and are the toughest type of tile available, making them perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic and where durability is key. Porcelain tile hardness grades of 5 are perfect for commercial spaces such as hospitals, shopping malls, schools, stores, and airports due to their high resistance to wear and tear as well as harsh chemicals. They can also be used in residential homes for stairways, entryways, and other high-traffic areas.

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Other Porcelain Tile Durability Factors to Consider

There are other factors that can affect the durability of porcelain tiles that involve the grades of porcelain tile discussed.

Porcelain Tile Types

When considering the type of porcelain for a project, aside from porcelain grades, it is important to take into account the various types and applications:

• Unglazed Porcelain Tiles: Includes full-bodied and the porcelain tile thin-set type, offering a durable but lightweight option.
• Glazed Porcelain Tiles: Comes in two varieties - printed tiles and color-bodied tiles. Color bodies are easy to clean and offer vibrant colors while printed tiles can create unique patterns and designs.

Suitable Applications

It’s also important to consider the various applications and how they might affect the performance of each type of tile.

• Heavy Commercial: Ideal for areas that see high levels of foot traffic or regular use such as airports, shopping malls, hospitals, and schools;
• Commercial: Best for lightly trafficked areas such as office buildings or retail stores;
• Heavy Residential: Suitable for areas of residential spaces that need to be highly resistant to wear and tear and require a higher level of durability such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction is the measure of a surface's ability to resist slipping when in contact with another surface. Porcelain tile typically has a high coefficient of friction which makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to slip-and-fall accidents such as showers or pool decks.

Forming Method

The forming method of a tile can have an impact on its durability and performance. Porcelain tiles are typically made by the dry-pressed, extruded, or ram-pressed method. Depending on the forming method, porcelain tiles can be either dense and non-porous or porous, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Scratch Resistance

The scratch resistance of a tile should also be taken into consideration when making your selection. Porcelain tiles typically have a higher level of scratch resistance than ceramic tiles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. A-grade porcelain tile and B-grade porcelain tile may offer different levels of scratch resistance, so it is important to compare the two before making your final decision. Porcelain tile grade B is superior.

Slip Resistance Rating

Slip resistance is an important factor to consider when selecting porcelain tile for your project. The American National Standards Institute recommends a rating of 0.60 or higher for commercial floors and a rating of 0.42 or higher for residential bathrooms and laundry rooms. Tiles with a lower porcelain tile grade should not be used in slippery or wet areas.

Water Absorption

The water absorption rating of porcelain tile can also be an important factor to consider. Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles and therefore have a lower water absorption rating. This is especially important when it comes to cleaning porcelain tiles since water and stains can easily seep into porous tiles.

How to Distinguish Porcelain Tile Quality

Many factors must be taken into consideration before choosing which porcelain tile to use in a project. Strength, color, and design are all important elements that influence tile selection. The best way to ensure you have chosen the highest quality porcelain tile for your application is to do research on each product’s properties and source only from reliable manufacturers.

Quality can also vary depending on the type of porcelain tile; glazed tiles tend to offer a higher level of durability than unglazed tiles. Additionally, look for strong colors and patterns in printed tiles, and make sure no chips or flaws exist in the tiles prior to purchase.

Choose the Best Porcelain Tile Supplier in Ohio

Summing up, understanding the various types of porcelain tile and their applications is essential to choosing the right grade for your project. As the top porcelain tile supplier in Ohio, Stone Center has been in the business since 1952. We have all the experience in the world of providing quality porcelain tiles in a variety of grades and styles to fit any budget.