Grade is the numerical ranking that reflects tile quality. Grade 1: Highest quality. Recommended for walls or floors. Grade 2: Similar to Grade 1, but with slight imperfections. Recommended for walls or floors.
The different grades of ceramic tiles – Grade 1 are usually placed on walls, grade 2 are usually for homes flooring; grade 3 is for light to moderate foot traffic; grade 4 is usually for commercial use; grade 5 is for heavy foot traffic.
Unlike other materials that are graded, the tile grading system does not indicate the quality of the tile, it just categorizes the tile by its ideal usage. For example, tile with a PEI grade of 1, which is the lowest, can last for years and look gorgeous when it's installed as a decorative wall tile.
When tiles have size, shade and quality variations in them, they are labelled second, or B grade and come with no guarantees from the manufacturer or retailer. They may be cheaper than a first grade tile, but you need to check each one before installing to avoid any nasty surprises in your finished project.
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.
While all ceramic tiles are essentially made of the same ingredients, the quality and color of those ingredients can make a dramatic difference in the price. For example, to make a tile with a pure white body requires white clay, which is much harder to find than the red or beige clay found in most tiles.
The grades listed above determine your tile's resistance to wear. Grade 1 tiles are the thinnest, while Grade 5 are typically the thickest tiles. Usually, you'll use thicker tiles for places with significant levels of foot traffic. Looking at the edge of the tile can show the amount of glazing on the tile.
B grade used to have some broken selvedge or the flatness is not 100% perfect, or there is some distortion on the shape. While AAA grade everything is perfect, without any flaw. So you can ask the seller or check if there is any mark on the tiles. The most common sales tiles is AAA grade.
Known for their unprecedented strength, durability, affordability, and longevity, porcelain floor tiles are one of our most recommended kitchen, living, and bathroom floor tile options! Porcelain floor tiles are made from dense clay fired at high temperatures and available in many beautiful options like stone and wood.
Grade 3 Porcelain Tile
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.
Tile Thickness
The vast majority of porcelain tiles are 6mm to 10mm thick and a tile in this range will serve most purposes. Wall tiles typically range from 6 to 10mm thick. Mosaics and decorative wall products also range from 6 to 10mm thick to make combining them easier.
Compared to other flooring materials, such as hardwood flooring, natural stone, or vinyl tile, porcelain tile can be less comfortable underfoot due to its hardness. It's colder to walk on, especially in the winter.
Porcelain Tiles
Of all the tile types available, porcelain is the strongest, beating wood and even cement, so it's easy to see why so many households choose it.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are some of the hardest and most durable tiles available. These tiles are made from a mixture of clay and other natural materials, which are fired at high temperatures to create a hard, dense, and non-porous surface.
Floor tiles are given an 'R' rating to show their slip resistance. The 'R' stands for Ramp Test. The 'R' rating has a scale from R9 - R13, with R9 having the least slip resistance and R13 the highest slp resistance. Below is a guide to where each 'R' rating is suitable for use.
Economy grade tiles are generally priced in the cheapest price bracket as they are a mixture of first and second quality products which are graded by the factory at the time of manufacture.
Check the slip resistance: If you're using porcelain tile in a bathroom or kitchen, choosing porcelain tiles with a high slip resistance rating is essential to prevent accidents. Porcelain floor tiles with an R rating of 10 are the most slip-resistant.
Density & Durability
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they're harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use. This doesn't mean that ceramic is not as good however!
The most obvious difference in the two is the finish. Lower quality porcelain may have a flaws in the glazing or glazing that does not cover fully. The most common flaw looks like tiny pinholes.
1. Lower quality materials: The tiles may be made from lower quality materials, which can affect their durability and longevity. 2. Mass production: The tiles may be produced on a large scale, which can lower the cost per unit.
Porcelain floor tile is hard and dense enough that it can even be used outdoors, though it's mostly recommended for mild climates. Porcelain is even more heat-resistant than other types of ceramic, and it's also less likely to chip or crack over time.