When you’re shopping for tile, you’re probably thinking about color, style, maybe even grout lines — but what about durability? Understanding Tile Durability is crucial for making an informed choice.
One big reason people choose tile over LVP (luxury vinyl plank) or other flooring types is because of how well tile stands up to wear and tear. It’s tough, long-lasting, and doesn’t need to be replaced nearly as often — which is not only great for your budget, but also better for the planet, especially considering the Tile Durability factor.
So how do you actually measure tile durability? That’s where the PEI rating and the Mohs hardness scale come in. You might have seen one (or both) listed in product specs and wondered, “What do these numbers mean?”
Let’s break it down.
Two Different Scales, Two Different Purposes
Both PEI ratings and Mohs hardness give us clues about how tough a tile is — but they’re not interchangeable. They measure different things, and they’re used in different ways.
But don’t worry — by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for (and where it matters).
Quick note: Most reputable tile manufacturers already categorize tiles by application (floor, wall, shower, etc.), so if you’re not into reading spec sheets, you’re still safe! But if you’re like us and love to geek out on tile data, keep reading.
What is the PEI Rating – and how does it relate to tile durability?
PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute, and it refers to a scale that measures how well the glazed surface of a tile holds up to abrasion from foot traffic.
This test is primarily used for ceramic and porcelain tiles, especially those with a glazed surface.
The PEI Scale (0 to 5):
| PEI Rating | Where It’s Used | Example |
| 0 | No foot traffic | Walls only (e.g., shower walls, backsplashes) |
| 1 | Very light traffic | Guest bathroom floors (rare) |
| 2 | Light traffic | Powder rooms, residential bathrooms |
| 3 | Moderate traffic | Kitchens, living rooms, hallways (residential) |
| 4 | Heavy traffic | Entryways, busy kitchens, light commercial |
| 5 | Very heavy traffic | Commercial lobbies, restaurants, airports |
? Important: PEI only measures the durability of the glaze — it doesn’t tell you anything about slip resistance, water absorption, or how strong the tile is overall.
So while PEI 5 tiles are super durable, you’ll still want to make sure they’re safe to walk on when wet (especially in a bathroom or kitchen).
What is the Mohs Scale – and how does it relate to tile durability?
The Mohs scale is all about scratch resistance — it measures how easily a material can be scratched by another material.
It’s a relative scale, not a linear one. That means a tile with a Mohs rating of 6 isn’t twice as hard as a 3 — it just resists scratches better than materials rated below it.
The Mohs Hardness Scale (1 to 10):
| Rating | Material | Fun Reference |
| 1 | Talc | Super soft — like baby powder |
| 2 | Gypsum | Just above talc (fingernail = ~2.5) |
| 3 | Calcite | About as soft as gold or copper |
| 5.5 | Glass | Scratches most things below it |
| 7 | Quartz | Hard, common in granite |
| 9 | Corundum | Sapphire, ruby |
| 10 | Diamond | Hardest naturally occurring material |
Where does tile land?
- Ceramic tile: Usually around 5–6
- Porcelain tile: 7–8 — very scratch-resistant
- Natural stone: Varies — marble is about 3–4, while granite is around 6–7
Example: If you have pets or kids (or sand tracked in from outside), higher Mohs ratings can help prevent visible scratches over time.
So… Which One Matters More?
Short answer: Both — depending on where you’re installing the tile.
- PEI rating is most important for floors with foot traffic.
- Mohs hardness matters more when you’re concerned about scratching, like in kitchens or entryways where grit might be a problem.
Some tiles will list both — some might not list either. But here’s a cheat sheet that can help:
Residential Tile Applications – PEI vs. Mohs Cheat Sheet
| Application | Typical Tile Type | Mohs Hardness | PEI Rating | Notes |
| Shower Floor | Porcelain, mosaic (textured) | 6–8 | 3–4 | Needs slip resistance; textured tiles are ideal. |
| Shower Wall | Ceramic or porcelain | 4–7 | 0–2 | No foot traffic = lower PEI is okay. |
| Bathroom Floor | Porcelain or glazed ceramic | 6–8 | 3–4 | Needs decent traction and durability. |
| Kitchen Floor | Porcelain | 7–8 | 4–5 | Tough, scratch-resistant, water-friendly. |
| Living Room Floor | Porcelain or durable ceramic | 6–8 | 3–4 | Consider style and traffic levels. |
| Backsplash | Ceramic, glass, or porcelain | 4–7 | 0–1 | Glaze durability isn’t important here. |
| Accent Wall | Ceramic, porcelain, or stone | 4–7 | 0 | Go for design — no need to worry about wear. |
| Laundry/Mudroom | Porcelain or stone-look tile | 7–8 | 4–5 | Needs to handle water, dirt, and daily use. |
| Outdoor Patio (Covered) | Textured porcelain | 7–8 | 4–5 | Also consider slip resistance & freeze-thaw rating. |
Need Help Choosing the Right Tile for tile durability?
You don’t have to memorize specs or read through manufacturer data sheets — that’s what we’re here for!
We love helping homeowners pick the perfect tile for their space, whether you’re renovating your kitchen, redoing a shower, or building your dream patio.
Book an appointment with us today, and we’ll walk you through your best options — with the right durability, look, and feel for your project.
We have some curated tile shower kit options available also…
If you’d rather have us select options for you, maybe our all-inclusive shower kits are a right fit for you! Click here to check them out.