Our tile ratings provide insight to a variety of different things you should take into consideration before and after your purchase of bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles and outdoor tiles. If you wish to find out more about our tile ratings simply call us on 1300 265 678.
Shade Variation
The shade (colour, tone, texture and value) of all ceramic floor tiles vary. To help identify the expected variation, the indicators are:
V1 LOW VARIATION: Least possible shade variation among pieces of tile in a box of this product. When installed, this tile shade provides a uniform appearance and give floors and walls an even harmony.
V2 MODERATE VARIATION: Low to moderate shade variation. Like most natural materials, this tile has a subtle variation that adds a refined modulation to floors and walls.
V3 HIGH VARIATION: Considerable shade variation present among pieces of tile in a box of this product. The tiles share the same colours, but with texture variations. It provides a spontaneous shade variation within the same colour range that highlights the lustrous texture variations.
V4 RANDOM VARIATION: Highest possible shade variation. For this colours vary from tile to tile. The luxurious shade and colour shifts create customised floors which allow for rich fashion statements to emerge.
Shade variation is based on production run. Some tiles look the same when they belong to the same production run, but different when they have been produced in different runs. The changes relate to slight temperature or colouring changes.
RECOMMENDATIONS – Once delivered, check the tiles in all cartons to see if they are the same colour. Also check the code numbers of the boxes to see if they are from the same batch.
THE COLORTILE ADVANTAGE – We hold a large amount of tiles and remove batches with low stocks to minimise shade variation.
Slip Resistance
The standards for the selection of slip-resistant pedestrian surfaces in commercial projects are set by the Australian Standard HB197:1999. As a general guide:
R9 – SUITABLE FOR DRY CONDITIONS such as commercial pedestrian walkways that require high wear resistance and are easily cleaned. Venue examples include: entrance halls, corridors, shops and general pedestrian walkways.
R10 – SUITABLE FOR WET CONDITIONS such as internal / under cover commercial pedestrian walkways, which may be wet from time to time. Products with this rating have high wear resistance and a textured surface that aids water displacement and improves slip resistance.
Venue examples include: commercial toilets, ensuites, washrooms and commercial kitchens.
R11 – SUITABLE FOR HYDRO CONDITIONS such as internal and external commercial pedestrian areas that are specifically designed for wet barefoot conditions. Tiles with this rating are frost resistant, have high wear resistance and a textured surface that aids water displacement and improves slip resistance. Venue examples include: shower recesses, pool surrounds and hydrotherapy rooms.
R12 – SUITABLE FOR RAMP CONDITIONS such as wet and dry internal and external pedestrian ramps. Tiles with this rating have high wear resistance and are frost resistant.
Wear Resistance
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) has developed a rating system that assesses the wear resistance and durability for wall and floor tiles, since not all tiles can be used in all areas. The wear resistance measure equates to the PEI rating. The rating ranges from 1 to 5, classifying the tiles according to their suitability for different levels of foot traffic.
The PEI ratings and wear descriptions are:
PEI Class 1 Rating (No foot traffic) – Recommended only for wall use in residential and commercial applications.
PEI Class 2 Rating (Light traffic) – Recommended only for wall use and bathroom floor applications.
PEI Class 3 Rating (Light to moderate traffic) – Recommended for countertops, walls and floors where normal foot traffic is expected.
PEI Class 4 Rating (Moderate to heavy traffic) – Recommended for all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional.
PEI Class 5 Rating (Heavy to extra heavy traffic) – Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications.
