Tiles That Are Suitable For Heavy Traffic Areas

The tiles durability is determined by its’ scratch resistance and the hardness it has. This is tested and rated according to a value system that depicts the strength of the tiles to hold different kinds of traffic.

The MOHS tests Ceramic and Porcelain tiles for their density and scratch resistance. This is alongside the rating system that decides the quality of the tiles by using a scale of 1-10. Tiles fall into scales; those in number 1 scale are said to be of a soft quality whilst the hardest and finest quality tiles lie in the number 10 scale. To be certain that you are buying the most suitable tile for your application you should refer to the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) scale, as this gives the tiles ratings.

This scale only describes the areas where tiles can be used and does not actually tell you or certify the quality of the tiles. The scale rating is given by the manufacturer stating which kind of areas the tiles have been designed for. Tiles fall into different catergories dependant on where they are on the scale. A class of 0 shows that tiles are delicate and a class 5 shows these tiles are suitable for heavy traffic areas. The six classes are described as:

Class 0 – No foot traffic. Such tiles are only suitable for interior walls and cannot be used as floor tiles.
Class 1 - Traffic that is light. Interior walls and residence bathroom walls are normally tiled with tiles in this catergory as they are only suitable for barefoot traffic.
Light Traffic - Class 2. These tiles can be used for second level areas such as bathrooms and bedroom floors. This is because they can stand the pressure of soft soled shoes and slippers only.
Traffic that is light to moderate - Class 3. Such tiles can be used for both residential walls as well as floors that can include bedrooms, bathroom tile designs, foyers, family rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. These tiles can provide you good service.
Traffic that is moderate to heavy - Class 4. Tiles which are suitable for residential entrances, countertops, kitchens, balconies are included in this catergory simply because they can withstand abrasions and outside dirt. Semi commercial, floor applications and light industrial areas can also be included in this type; this can include dining areas, hallways, restaurants, shopping malls, showrooms and offices.
Class 5 – Heavy Traffic. Airports, subways, supermarkets, industrial areas and commercial areas can use these tiles; in fact they can be used practically everywhere. They are suitable for any kind of floor or wall tiling.

Taking this rating system into consideration, you can easily locate the type of tile that is suitable for the area where you plan to use it.  Be very careful to look out for these markings or else you might have the wrong kind of tiles that may be ineffective for the area of use. It is important that you contemplate the abrasion resistance of the tile type before you regard the aesthetic beauty of the tiles. Otherwise, you might end up with tiles that look gorgeous in your kitchen, but not quite as suitable for decorating the bathroom.