Everything You Need to Know About Tile Ratings Tiles look simple. But behind each slab is a set of technical ratings that tell you how it will behave. These numbers matter more than the picture on the box. They decide whether a tile is safe in a wet bathroom, durable enough for a busy kitchen, or fit f or an outdoor balcony. This guide explains the key tile ratings you’ll see at a ceramic tile shop, what they mean, and how to use them in real projects. Why ratings matter Ratings are shorthand. They translate lab tests into real - world performance. If you ignore them, you risk slipping, cracking, or early failure. If you use them, you can match a tile to the room’s needs and avoid surprises. Think of ratings as advice from t he material, not marketing. Water absorption and tile type Water absorption tells you how porous a tile is. Lower numbers mean less water uptake. Porcelain tiles have very low absorption and resist stains and frost. Glazed ceramic tiles absorb more water and suit indoor dry areas better. For wet rooms and outdoor spaces, choose low - absorption tiles. Always check the technical sheet at the ceramic tile shop. PEI rating — wear resistance PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating shows how well a tile stands up to wear and foot traffic. It’s one of the most useful guides you’ll see in a ceramic tile shop because it connects lab testing directly to real - life use. Here’s what each level means: • PEI 0 – For walls only. These tiles aren’t designed to handle foot traffic. Use them for backsplashes or decorative vertical surfaces. • PEI 1 – For light traffic areas. Best for spaces with minimal foot contact, such as bathroom walls or powder rooms. • PEI 2 – For light residential floors, like bathrooms or bedrooms. Avoid heavy shoes or moving furniture on them. • PEI 3 – For moderate to normal residential use, including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways. It’s the standard rating for most homes. • PEI 4 – For heavy residential and light commercial areas. These tiles can take frequent traffic — think cafés, lobbies, or large family homes. • PEI 5 – For high - traffic commercial zones like malls, schools, or airports. They handle constant movement and heavy loads without visible wear. When you’re choosing tiles, match the PEI rating to the room’s activity level, not just the design. A tile that looks great but wears out quickly isn’t a good investment. Mohs hardness — scratch resistance Mohs scale measures mineral hardness and shows how easily a tile surface scratches. Higher Mohs values mean harder surfaces. Porcelain often scores higher than glazed ceramic. If you have pets, heavy cookware, or frequent furniture movement, prefer harder tiles to reduce visible scratches. Slip resistance and safety Slip ratings protect people. Two common measures appear: a coefficient of friction (COF) and an R - rating. COF values compare how much grip a surface gives under dry or wet conditions. R - ratings are a European scale for anti - slip properties on floors. For wet areas — showers, pool decks, outdoor balconies — choose tiles with a high slip rating or textured finish. For dry living areas, a moderate rating is enough. Always consider both tile texture and the cleaning regime: smooth tiles can become slippery when wet or soapy. Frost and outdoor suitability Frost rating tells you if a tile can handle freezing and thawing cycles. In tropical climates this may matter less. In temperate or cold regions, use frost - resistant tiles outdoors. Frost - resistant tiles have low water absorption and resist cracking when w ater trapped inside freezes. Ask your ceramic tile shop for tiles marked for exterior use. Breaking strength and bending resistance Tiles must resist impact, especially on floors. Breaking strength or bending strength measures how much load a tile can take before it fails. Large - format tiles and thin slabs need higher - quality adhesives and a flat substrate to meet these demands. If you plan heavy loads or appliances on a tiled floor, check the tile’s strength rating and plan the installation accordingly. Shade variation (V0 – V4) Shade variation tells you how much a tile’s color, tone, or pattern changes from piece to piece. It’s especially important if you’re buying tiles that mimic natural materials like stone or wood. In a ceramic tile shop, you’ll often see this rated from V0 t o V4: • V0 – Uniform appearance: Tiles are consistent in color and pattern. Each piece looks nearly identical. Common in plain white or solid - color tiles. • V1 – Slight variation: Minimal differences in shade or texture. When installed, the floor looks even and controlled. • V2 – Moderate variation: Noticeable variation between tiles, but still balanced. Adds natural depth without feeling random. Good for stone - look tiles or warm, organic spaces. • V3 – High variation: Tiles show strong shifts in tone and pattern. Creates a natural, dynamic look that mimics real stone or handmade surfaces. • V4 – Substantial variation: Each tile can look distinct. Ideal for rustic, artistic, or bold interiors. Expect visible contrast across the floor or wall. Before you buy, ask to see at least a few pieces from different boxes. A small showroom display may not show the full range of variation, especially for V3 and V4 tiles. Chemical resistance and finish Some tiles resist common household chemicals better than others. Glazed porcelain usually resists cleaning agents and food acids. Natural stone may stain or etch unless sealed. If you cook often or use strong cleaners, choose tiles with good chemical resis tance and a durable glaze. Thermal movement and underfloor heating If you plan underfloor heating, choose tiles that tolerate temperature changes. Porcelain is a good match because it conducts heat well and is dimensionally stable. Large tiles can work too, but installation must allow for expansion joints. Your tiler shou ld follow the heating and tile manufacturer’s guidance. Slip test standards and real - world caution Standards and test methods vary across regions. COF values, R - ratings, and test names differ. That’s why you should ask for test reports when safety is critical. Don’t rely on look or texture alone. Test data and certified ratings matter when specifying ti les for commercial or public projects. The role of installation and grout Ratings matter, but installation often matters more. A poor substrate, wrong adhesive, or wrong joint width can negate good ratings. Use the right grout and sealant for the tile and the space. Epoxy grout resists stains and moisture better than cementitiou s grout, but it’s trickier to install. Always pair the tile’s technical data with a skilled tiler’s plan. How to use ratings at the ceramic tile shop Bring a use - case, not just a wish list. Tell the supplier which room, how often it’s used, and whether it gets wet. Ask for technical sheets and look for PEI, water absorption, COF, frost rating, and break strength. Compare products with those factors in m ind. Handle samples. Stand on them. See how they look under your light. Final thought Tile ratings turn technical tests into practical choices. They tell you what a tile will do under feet, water, sun, and cleaning. Read the labels, ask for the data sheets at the ceramic tile shop , and match the tile to the job. Do that and your tiles will behave like they should — safe, durable, and trouble - free for years.