Tile and Ceramic Quality
You have surely heard that some ceramics are labeled Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, and you probably know that these grades indicate the quality, durability, and perfection of the tiles.
Ceramic tiles are classified into four grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4.
Many people assume that Grade 1 tiles are always the best-selling because they have the highest quality — but interestingly, this is not always true!
Most buyers tend to focus primarily on the designs and patterns of ceramic tiles, but depending on where the tile will be installed, it’s essential to determine whether it is suitable for your space.
In this article, we will review the key aspects of tile and ceramic quality — stay with Iran Tile.
Types of Ceramics
Ceramics are generally classified into four main categories.
Glossy ceramics (with a shiny surface layer) are further divided into five subtypes, while matte ceramics are classified into four.
Each tile box contains detailed information about Grade, PEI rating, water absorption (W.A), coefficient of friction, frost resistance, and color variation, which are among the most important technical factors to check before purchasing.
Tile and Ceramic Grade
You have probably heard people say that a certain ceramic tile is Grade 1, while another is Grade 2 or Grade 3.
The first thing you should pay attention to is this grading system — because the lower the grade, the lower the price.
Tiles intended for flooring are usually chosen from Grade 1 or Grade 2, while lower grades are typically used as wall tiles.
It’s worth noting that floor tiles can be used on walls, but the reverse is not recommended — wall tiles should never be used on floors, as they cannot withstand heavy use.
Because floor areas experience high traffic, choosing tiles up to Grade 2 is considered optimal.
Ceramic Tile Abrasion Resistance (PEI)
The PEI rating on the box indicates the tile’s resistance to wear and scratch — this rating applies only to glazed tiles and does not appear on matte ones.
The PEI value shows the durability of a tile’s surface when used as flooring.
For residential areas, PEI III or IV tiles are ideal.
Tiles with a higher PEI rating are more expensive and generally designed for commercial or heavy-duty spaces, not homes.
Water Absorption Rating (W.A)
The Water Absorption (W.A.) rate indicates whether a tile is suitable for moist or dry environments.
There are four main categories based on this rating:
- Non‑vitreous tiles – absorb more than 7% of their weight in water and are not suitable for bathrooms or wet areas.
- Semi‑vitreous tiles – absorb between 3–7% of water; recommended for indoor dry spaces.
- Vitreous tiles – absorb only 0.5–3% of water and are suitable for slightly damp areas.
- Impervious tiles – absorb less than 0.5% of water and offer the best moisture resistance.
Vitreous tiles are an excellent and more affordable alternative to porcelain tiles.
They are, in fact, ceramic tiles that are highly resistant and can also be used for home flooring.
Contact Iran Tile
For further guidance or bulk purchasing of high-quality building tiles, feel free to get in touch with Iran Tile’s professional sales team, your trusted experts in premium-grade ceramics and porcelain.
