Those little codes on a product page are not just jargon. Learn four simple ratings and you will know in seconds whether a tile belongs on a wall, a busy floor or a wet room.
Quick answer
Four ratings tell you where a tile can go: PEI (durability, 1 to 5), the R value (slip resistance, R9 to R13), water absorption (lower is more water resistant) and shade variation (V1 to V4). For a home floor, aim for PEI 3 or above.
PEI rating: surface durability
The PEI rating grades how well a tile surface resists wear and scratching, on a scale from 1 to 5. PEI 1 and 2 suit walls and very light use. PEI 3 is suitable for most domestic floors. PEI 4 and 5 handle heavier and light commercial traffic, such as hallways and kitchens. As a rule, choose PEI 3 or above for any floor in the home.
Slip resistance: the R rating
The R rating measures slip resistance, from R9 at the lowest to R13 at the highest. R9 and R10 are fine for most indoor domestic floors. R11 and above give more grip and suit bathrooms, wet rooms and outdoor areas. If safety underfoot matters for your project, look for a higher R value.
Water absorption
Water absorption shows how porous a tile is, given as a percentage of its weight. Porcelain absorbs very little, usually under 0.5 percent, which is why it copes with wet areas, frost and outdoor use. Ceramic absorbs more, so it is better kept to walls and dry indoor floors. The lower the figure, the more water resistant the tile.
Shade variation: the V rating
Shade variation describes how much colour and pattern vary from one tile to the next, from V1 to V4. V1 is very uniform, V2 has slight variation, V3 has moderate variation, and V4 has a high degree of variation by design. Higher variation gives a natural, characterful finish, which is common in stone and wood effect tiles. Ordering samples helps you see the range before you buy.
Putting the ratings together
When you choose a tile, match the ratings to the room. A family bathroom floor wants porcelain with low water absorption, a PEI rating of 3 or above and a slip rating of R10 or higher. A feature wall can use a lower rated, more decorative ceramic. Every product page lists these ratings, so you can check at a glance.
New to the materials behind the ratings? Read our guide to ceramic versus porcelain tiles.
Frequently asked questions
What PEI rating do I need for a floor?
Choose a PEI rating of 3 or above for domestic floors. PEI 4 and 5 are better for busy areas such as hallways and kitchens, and for light commercial use.
What slip rating is best for a bathroom floor?
For a bathroom or wet room floor, look for a slip rating of R11 or above for safer grip when the floor is wet. R9 and R10 are fine for dry domestic floors.
What does water absorption tell me?
It shows how porous the tile is. Porcelain absorbs under 0.5 percent, which suits wet areas and outdoors. A lower percentage means a more water resistant tile.
Now you can read the labels, find a tile that fits your room.
