Tile Grades & Ratings: A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing Tile
Picking out tile is exciting—the colors, patterns, and textures are the fun part! But beyond looks, it’s just as important to pay attention to tile grades and ratings, since they determine how well your tile will hold up in everyday life.
This guide breaks down the essential tile ratings every homeowner should know, explains what they mean in plain English, and gives practical tips to help you choose tiles that last.
What Are Tile Grades & Ratings?
When manufacturers and testing bodies rate tiles, they’re describing measurable performance: how hard the surface is, how much wear and tear the glaze will tolerate, how much water the tile absorbs, and how slippery it is when wet. Those numbers (and letters) help match a tile to the right room and the right level of traffic.
Key tile ratings to know:
PEI / Abrasion Class — indicates glaze wear/resistance for floor tiles (0–5). Higher = better for heavy traffic.
Mohs Hardness — scratch resistance on a 1–10 scale (porcelain often sits around 6–8). Useful for knowing how scratch-resistant a finish will be.
Water Absorption (porcelain standard) — porcelain is generally classified as “impervious” with ≤0.5% water absorption (ASTM testing). That’s why porcelain is preferred in wet areas and sometimes outdoors as well.
Slip Resistance (DCOF / COF / R-rating) — for wet floors, look for dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) or an R-rating; higher numbers mean better slip resistance. This is especially important for showers, entryways, and exterior steps.
Shade/Texture Variation (V1–V4) — tells you how consistent color/pattern will be across tiles — this may not be important to most, but is critical if you want a uniform look vs. a natural, varied appearance.
If a vendor’s product sheet doesn’t show these numbers, you can ask for them.
How to Use Ratings When Choosing Tile (room by room)
Bathroom Shower Walls:
Glaze wear isn’t a major issue, but water absorption and tile porosity are. Use impervious porcelain or certified wet-area tiles and confirm manufacturer recommendations.
Bathroom Floors & Entryways:
Prioritize slip resistance (DCOF/R-rating) and a PEI or abrasion rating appropriate for foot traffic. Textured finishes are usually a great option here.
Kitchens & High-Traffic Living Areas:
Choose tiles with higher PEI/abrasion ratings and strong Mohs hardness to resist scratches from dropped items or pets.
Outdoor Patios:
Select tiles rated for freeze/thaw resistance and very low water absorption (porcelain or specially rated exterior tiles). Ask the supplier about frost-proof certification.
Before You Buy…
Find the spec sheet. Confirm PEI/abrasion, water absorption (ASTM C373), DCOF (or R-rating) and Mohs if provided.
Ask about finish & maintenance. Glazed vs. unglazed, matte vs. polished — each needs different care.
Request samples. Bring a sample home to observe in your light and against your grout and paint.
Think grout early. Grout color and width change the visual and performance outcome.
Plan the installation. Proper substrate prep and installation methods matter more than most people expect—professionals follow standards that protect your tile for decades.
Many tile problems aren’t the tile’s fault — they’re installation issues: uneven substrate, improper thinset, wrong grout choice, or missed waterproofing in wet areas. Contractors that emphasize process and preparation help avoid expensive callbacks. That’s why researching both the tile specs and the installer is essential.
Quick, Simple Decision Guide
☛ Always match the tile rating to the room function, not just the look.
☛ For remodels, bring a sample to your installer so they can advise on substrate prep.
☛ If you love a tile but it’s not rated for your intended use, ask about porcelain alternatives that give the same look with better performance.
☛ When in doubt, consult a pro — it’s cheaper than replacing a whole floor.
Keep This Quick Reference List Handy
✔ Powder Rooms & Wall Tile: PEI 0–1 (or wall-rated tiles).
✔ Bathrooms & Kitchens (residential): PEI 3–4, low water absorption (porcelain preferred) and moderate DCOF.
✔ High-Traffic Living Areas / Commercial: PEI 4–5 and high Mohs hardness.
✔ Outdoors / Freeze Zones: Impervious porcelain with outdoor/frost certification.
See, Feel, & Compare In-Person
Want hands-on help? Our tile and bathroom showroom in Glenside, PA is stocked with real samples you can touch and compare, and our team will walk you through PEI, water absorption, slip resistance, and the best tile for your space. You’re welcome to bring your own materials or pick from our selection. We also offer free in-home estimates.