#'s on back of tiles

I cannot remember what numbers on the back of tiles were the high quality tile. I am looking for a high quality floor tile for a cement basement.

Does anyone know? I think it was 4 5 or 6 but I am not 100%.

Re: #'s on back of tiles

no quite sure what you mean by numbers. Do you mean the measurements? You could just measure the tile to get that.

Re: #'s on back of tiles

no not measurements

Floor tiles have numbers on the back that indicate what quality they are.

Re: #'s on back of tiles

I've purchased tiles and have never noticed this #. I know they have the measurements. I know when they refer to tiles as 4, 5, or 6 its the inch square, no?

Re: #'s on back of tiles

I dont know what you are talking about but thats not what I am talking about

I have 6 inch tile yes but the numbers I am referring too are quality not size.

Re: #'s on back of tiles

I was in the tile business for many years ;)


The higher the PEI rating (porcelain Enamal Institute) the higher the wearablity of the tile

Class 0 - No Foot Traffic: Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.

Class 1 - Very light traffic: Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, spa bathroom).

Class 2 - Light Traffic: Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.

Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic: Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.

Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic: High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.

Class 5 - Heavy Traffic: Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.

From this a website (most have similar explainations)

http://www.builddirect.com/Porcelain-Tile/FAQ_6933.aspx#Where%20can%20your%20tiles%20be%20used%20and%20what%20is%20a%20PEI%20rating

Message edited 6/18/2007 2:59:07 PM.

Re: #'s on back of tiles

Re: #'s on back of tiles

you;re welcome ... that is really just the surface wearibility though ... something else to think about is the water absorption rate (outdoor tile should be zero absorption in case of freezing!), material used (red clay vs. whote clay, etc), thickness of tile ...