Tile Flooring Buying Guide

Navigate the world of tile flooring: PEI ratings, DCOF slip resistance, grout selection, large-format trends, and how to choose the right tile for every application.

Porcelain vs. Ceramic

Porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures, making it denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water (vs. 3%+ for ceramic), making it suitable for outdoor and wet applications. Ceramic is easier to cut and generally less expensive. For floors, porcelain is almost always the better choice.

PEI Wear Rating

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating measures abrasion resistance. PEI 1–2: wall use only. PEI 3: light residential floors. PEI 4: all residential and light commercial. PEI 5: heavy commercial and industrial. For most residential floors, PEI 4 is the minimum recommended rating.

DCOF Slip Resistance

The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) measures wet slip resistance. The ANSI A137.1 standard requires a minimum DCOF of 0.42 for floor tile in wet areas. Matte and textured finishes generally have higher DCOF values than polished finishes. Always check the DCOF rating for bathroom and kitchen floors.

Large Format Tile

Large-format tiles (24×24, 32×32, 48×48) are trending for their seamless, modern appearance. They require a flatter subfloor (within 1/8" over 10 feet), back-buttering during installation, and a lippage-free setting system. Rectified tiles (precision-cut edges) allow tighter grout joints (1/16") for a more seamless look.

Grout Selection

Sanded grout is used for joints wider than 1/8". Unsanded grout for joints 1/8" or narrower. Epoxy grout is stain-proof and chemical-resistant but harder to work with. Grout color dramatically affects the final appearance — lighter grout shows dirt more easily; darker grout can stain if not sealed. Always seal natural stone and porous grout.

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