How to Choose and Buy the
Right Type of Porcelain
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) has
a scale that tests the resistance of the surface in relation to the wear and
traffic the surface can endure without causing damage to its appearance. Rated
from 0-5, the information can help you make sure you are selecting the right
tile for your project:
Group 0
Tiles are technically unsuitable for floors.
These are generally used as wall tiles.
Group 1 or PEI 1
Tiles are suitable only for locations where
softer footwear is worn or where shoes are not frequently used, e.g.,
residential bathroom or other areas with light traffic. Also for interior
commercial and residential walls.
Group 2 or PEI II
Tiles are suitable for general residential
traffic, for areas that are walked on by soft soled or normal footwear with
very small amounts of scratching and dirt. They are not suited for the kitchen,
entrance halls, stairs and other areas subjected to heavy traffic.
Group 3 or PEI 3
Tiles are suitable for all residential and light
commercial areas such as offices, reception areas, boutiques, interior walls,
countertops and residential bathroom floors. Not recommended for commercial
entryway.
Group 4 or PEI 4
Tiles are suitable for regular traffic.
Recommended for medium commercial and light institutional use, such as
restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors.
Group 5 or PEI 5
Tiles are suitable for areas with heavy traffic,
abrasive dirt and moisture, and where safety and maximum performance are
required. Examples are shopping malls, public buildings, building entrances,
swimming pools, or shopping centres.
Based on the scale above, for home renovation needs in
the GTA, porcelain slab can be great for:
- High-Traffic
Floors
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Outdoor
spaces
Porcelain Slab for Flooring
Porcelain is extremely hard and durable and not prone
to scratches, it is an excellent product to consider for flooring. Its sleek,
clean look gives your entryway an elevated, elegant feel. Water on the floor or
spilled drinks are not a concern when you have porcelain, since it is
non-porous.
Porcelain Slab for
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Heat resistance, durability and impermeable nature
make porcelain a first-rate option for kitchens. Unlike other stone
countertops, heat will not damage or crack your porcelain countertop. Using a
higher grade enamel will ensure the porcelain will not crack, and being
impermeable to stains and spills make clean-up a breeze. Plus, you have the
added benefit of it being easy to sanitize and keep germ-free!
Porcelain for Outdoor
Applications
A strong argument for using porcelain tiles outdoors
is that it is UV resistant. It will not fade over time by being constantly
subjected to the rays of the sun. It can be used as an outdoor table, bar-top
or as floor tiles for your patio or outdoor living space. It can also be
manufactured in an array of colours to suit any décor!
For any of these suggestions, plus many more, it
is best to seek the advice of a trained
professional. Consider buying porcelain slabs to give your home in the GTA that
sleek, sophisticated look you have been searching for.