Tile Abrasion Resistance Standard: ASTM C1027
ASTM C1027 is the standard test method used to measure a glazed ceramic tile's resistance to visible surface abrasion. In tile specifications and retail guidance, the results are commonly communicated through the five-level PEI rating system, from PEI I for wall applications to PEI V for heavy commercial traffic.
PEI ratings provide general guidance for matching glazed tile to expected traffic levels. They do not confirm suitability for every installation, so the rating should be reviewed together with the manufacturer's approved applications and complete technical specifications.
What ASTM C1027 Actually Tests
ASTM C1027-19, titled Standard Test Method for Determining Visible Abrasion Resistance of Glazed Ceramic Tile, was developed by ASTM International's Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products. The test rotates a measured load of steel balls and abrasive grit across a tile's glazed surface for a set number of revolutions, using a device commonly called an abrasimeter. After each stage, technicians compare the abraded area to an unabraded control tile under controlled lighting to check for visible wear. The highest revolution count a tile withstands before wear becomes visible determines its class.
Because ASTM C1027 evaluates visible abrasion of the glazed surface, it applies to glazed ceramic tile, including glazed porcelain tile. Unglazed tile and through-body porcelain typically do not receive a PEI rating because they do not have a separate glaze layer to evaluate. ASTM C1027 and PEI ratings do not apply to natural stone.
The Five PEI Classes of Tiles
The PEI scale runs from I to V, with each class tied to a general use case rather than a strict guarantee of performance in every installation:
PEI I
Is rated for wall use only. These tiles are not intended for any foot traffic and are common in backsplashes, shower walls, and decorative wall applications.
PEI II
Suits light residential use where bare or stocking feet are typical, such as bathrooms. Areas with regular street shoes or heavier traffic are not a good match for this class.
PEI III
Covers residential floors in all areas of a home, including kitchens and entryways. This is the most common rating for standard floor tile in single-family homes.
PEI IV
Steps up to heavy residential and light commercial use. This includes homes with pets, high-traffic households, and commercial spaces with moderate foot traffic, such as small offices or boutique retail.
PEI V
Is built for heavy commercial and public settings, including airports, shopping centers, and other spaces that see continuous, heavy foot traffic over many years.
Checking PEI class before buying tile is a simple way to avoid a mismatch between a tile and the space it goes into. A wall tile rated PEI I will not hold up on a floor, and a heavy commercial PEI V tile is not a requirement for a quiet residential bathroom. Looking at the PEI class alongside water absorption and slip resistance figures on a spec sheet gives a fuller picture of how a tile will perform once it is installed.
Choosing the Right PEI Class for Your Tile Project
PEI rating and the ASTM C1027 test behind it give a straightforward way to gauge how a glazed tile will hold up to foot traffic over time. Matching the right class to a space, whether that is a low-traffic powder room or a busy commercial entryway, helps a tile installation perform as expected for years. Since PEI rating addresses abrasion resistance specifically and not water resistance or slip resistance, it works best as one part of a broader evaluation that includes the tile's full technical specifications.
How ASTM C1027 Relates to PEI Ratings
ASTM C1027 provides the test method for determining the visible abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic tile. Within tile specifications and retail guidance, the resulting abrasion resistance is commonly communicated using PEI ratings from I to V.
The terms "ASTM C1027 abrasion class" and "PEI rating" are often used together in product documentation, but the manufacturer's technical specifications remain the primary reference for the approved applications of a particular tile. This page references ASTM C1027-19.
PEI Rating: Context and Limitations
What PEI Rating Does Not Measure
PEI rating does not measure a tile's water resistance, stain resistance, or slip resistance. A tile can have a high PEI rating and still be unsuitable for a wet area if it does not have the required slip-resistance and product-use classifications. Review the tile's complete specification sheet rather than relying on PEI rating alone.
PEI V represents the ceiling of the scale
PEI V covers heavy to extra-heavy commercial and institutional traffic, including shopping malls, airports, and hotel lobbies. There is no rating above PEI V. Select a rating appropriate for the expected traffic level and confirm that the specific product is approved for the intended application.
PEI Rating Is One Selection Factor
When selecting flooring, consider the PEI rating alongside slip resistance, water absorption, the manufacturer's approved applications, and the project's design requirements. Slip resistance is evaluated separately through DCOF testing and applicable product-use classifications. A tile exposed to frequent abrasive traffic may show visible wear sooner than the same tile installed in a lightly used room, even when both installations fall within its general use category.
PEI rating measures a glazed tile's resistance to visible surface abrasion from foot traffic, based on the ASTM C1027 test method. Ratings range from Class I, suitable only for walls, to Class V, suitable for heavy commercial traffic.
PEI III tile is recommended for residential floors in all areas of a home, while PEI IV tile is rated for heavy residential use and light commercial settings with more frequent foot traffic.
No. PEI rating measures only a glazed tile's resistance to visible surface abrasion. Slip resistance is evaluated separately through DCOF testing and applicable product-use classifications.
ASTM C1027 was developed by ASTM International's Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products. The PEI classification system itself predates this test and was originally created by the Porcelain Enamel Institute.
No. PEI I tile is rated for wall use only and is not designed to withstand foot traffic of any kind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tile's PEI Rating
About Nova Tile and Stone
Nova Tile and Stone is a direct natural stone importer and tile retailer serving Northern Nevada and Northern California. We carry natural stone slabs, tile, countertops, hardwood and LVP flooring, pavers and exterior stone, and carpet across four showroom locations. Our commission-free team offers free design consultations to help you find the right material for your project, whether you are selecting tile for a single bathroom or sourcing stone for a full home renovation.
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