Pictured: Barcode Crypto 11¾ x12 Glass Mosaic Tile
This blog post is all about the distinctions between floor and wall tile. Plus, scroll to the bottom for an exclusive discount code!
What Sets Floor and Wall Tile Apart?
In general, all floor tile can be wall tile, but not all wall tile can be floor tile.
Most floor tile is thicker and harder than wall tile, as it needs to be able to withstand people walking on it and heavy objects like furniture and appliances being placed on it.
Pictured: Classico Marquina 24x24 Porcelain Tile, which has a PEI rating of three, making it suitable for most residential wall and floor applications
There are a few characteristics that can help you determine whether a certain tile option is suitable for use on floors, walls, or both. These include the tile’s PEI rating and DCOF. Factors like size and texture can also play a part, while cost is typically similar for both floor and wall tile.
Although it can be helpful to check out the PEI ratings and DCOFs for each tile option you’re considering, this information isn’t always available in product descriptions. In addition, PEI ratings only apply to ceramic and porcelain tiles. However, most tile retailers specify whether tiles are suitable for floor use, wall use, or both, so if you’re in doubt, always read through the specifications provided.
Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) Rating
A PEI rating offers information about the hardness and durability of a porcelain or ceramic tile’s surface wear layer. These ratings are determined by testing the tile’s surface enamel to evaluate its resistance to abrasion. PEI ratings range from zero to five, with the most durable tiles earning the highest rating and the least durable tiles earning the lowest rating.
Pictured: Stripes Mix Denim 10x10 Ceramic Tile, which is meant for wall use only
It can be important to note that a low PEI rating does not necessarily mean that the tile is of poor quality. PEI ratings only consider hardness and durability and can serve as a simple way to determine whether tiles are suitable for various applications.
Most commercial tile has a PEI rating of three or higher. Meanwhile, tile that’s suitable for residential applications often has a rating of two or three.
You can explore the specific meanings of each PEI rating below.
PEI 0
Tile that is rated PEI 0 isn’t suitable for any foot traffic and can only be used on walls.
PEI 1
Although slightly harder and more durable than PEI 0 tile, tile with a PEI rating of one should only be used on walls. It’s usually sturdy enough to make a beautiful shower surround or bathroom wall tile, but it’s often still somewhat fragile.
Pictured: Agadir Lava 2.8x11 Bright Ceramic Tile, which is suitable for wall applications
PEI 2
Tile with a PEI rating of two is great for wall applications and can be used for some flooring projects. However, it should be limited to areas that don’t receive much foot traffic, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, rather than living rooms, entryways, kitchens, or hallways. Tile that is rated PEI 2 is not recommended for use in commercial or industrial locations.
PEI 3
The majority of tiles intended for residential applications have a PEI 3 rating, and in general, tile with this rating can be used for any residential renovation project. It’s frequently used for countertops, walls, and floors that receive moderate foot traffic and is often classified as a general-purpose tile for homes.
Sometimes, tile with a PEI rating of three can even be used for outdoor residential applications, as well as light commercial use. For instance, tile rated PEI 3 may be suitable for hallways, small shops, reception areas, and offices.
PEI 4
Tiles with a PEI 4 rating are generally suitable for all residential and most commercial applications. You’ll often see them used in settings like homes, offices, schools, restaurants, and businesses. Tile with a PEI rating of four is excellent for spaces like laundry rooms and mudrooms, where its strength and durability are often necessary.
Pictured: Eiffel Shell White/Lavender 8x8 Porcelain Tile, which has a PEI rating of four and can be used for both wall and floor applications
PEI 5
When tile is given a PEI rating of five, it’s suitable for any residential, commercial, or industrial setting and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Still, it’s important to note that often, tile that is this strong and durable is not particularly stylish or visually appealing. It’s more functional and practical than attractive. Tile with a PEI 5 rating is frequently used in grocery stores, hospitals, and schools–areas with significant foot traffic.
PEI Overview
To review, remember that higher PEI ratings correlate with more durability.
- Tiles with PEI ratings of zero or one are only suitable for wall use.
- A PEI rating of two is ideal for wall use or floor use in a low-traffic area.
- Floor tile for homes should generally have a PEI rating of three or higher.
- Tiles with a PEI rating of five are suitable for use in any location, including commercial and industrial settings.
Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF)
When considering whether tile is suitable for walls and floors, you’ll also want to check its DCOF, or dynamic coefficient of friction. This measures a tile’s slip resistance, with a higher DCOF indicating better traction. It’s especially vital to choose tile with a sufficient DCOF when shopping for bathroom or kitchen flooring, or when looking for flooring options for any area where slip-resistance is crucial.
Pictured: Agora Terrazzo 32x32 Multicolor Porcelain Tile, which has a DCOF of >=0.42 and is suitable for both walls and floors
As you may guess, glass tile typically has the lowest DCOF and is very slippery. Meanwhile, natural stone with texture, such as quarry tile or terracotta tile, often has a very high DCOF.
Commercial and industrial spaces necessitate flooring options with a very high DCOF as compared to tile meant for residential settings.
For the average residential floor, you’ll want to look for a DCOF of at least 0.42. Product descriptions often notate this as “DCOF >=0.42.” Tiles with a lower DCOF should only be used on walls, as they will be too slippery for flooring.
Size
While size doesn’t always indicate whether a tile is meant for walls or floors, most floor tiles are larger than wall tiles. In many cases, tiny mosaic tiles are used on walls, although there are exceptions. Similarly, most large-format tiles, especially those that are multiple feet long and wide, are used on floors, as they are extremely heavy and very challenging to install on walls.
Pictured: Kitkat Grass 4.5x9.1 Mosaic Ceramic Tile, which is meant for wall use only
Texture
Texture can also be a factor in determining whether a certain tile option is suitable for floor or wall use. As mentioned previously, tile that is extremely slippery (and thus has a low DCOF) should only be used on walls. This is usually the case with glass tile.
In general, floor tile has more texture and traction. However, you may also see some tile options with dramatic 3D textures that create a lot of visual appeal. These tiles are usually meant for wall use, even if they are durable and have plenty of traction, because their surface isn’t easy to walk on and can be a tripping hazard.
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Discount Code
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