Walk into McKinney, TX and you’ll see hundreds of gorgeous tiles—each with a little white label packed with codes like PEI, MOHS, and Water Absorption Rate. Most shoppers skip right over them.
But those specs are the secret to picking tile that lasts. Let’s make them make sense.
PEI Rating: The Durability Decoder
PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating measures a tile’s resistance to wear:
PEI 1–2: Wall-only tiles. Too soft for floors.
PEI 3: Light traffic—great for bathrooms.
PEI 4: Moderate to heavy residential use (perfect for kitchens).
PEI 5: Heavy-duty commercial areas or high-traffic homes.
For most Texas homes, PEI 4 hits the sweet spot—durable but still stylish.
MOHS Hardness: Scratch Resistance Scale
This measures how hard a tile’s surface is, rated 1–10. Anything above 7 means it’ll stand up to grit, pet claws, and chair legs. Below 5? Best used on walls, not floors.
Water Absorption Rate: The Hidden Hero
Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% of water—making it nearly waterproof. Ceramic absorbs more (3–7%), meaning it’s better for backsplashes and low-moisture spaces.
If you live in humid or spill-prone areas, porcelain wins every time.
COF Rating: Grip Matters
The Coefficient of Friction (COF) tells you how slippery the tile is. For bathrooms or entryways, look for a COF of 0.6 or higher for good traction.
Finish Codes: Glazed, Unglazed, Polished, Matte
These describe the surface texture. Glazed = stain-resistant and easy to clean. Unglazed = more natural and slip-resistant. Matte = subtle reflection that hides wear beautifully.
Understanding Dal-Tile specs doesn’t take a degree—just a few insider tips. At Dungan's Floors, we help homeowners in Mckinney, TX, Allen, TX, Plano, TX, Princeton, TX, Prosper, TX, and Celina, TX choose tile that fits their lifestyle and budget perfectly. Visit McKinney, TX or call today to explore our Dal-Tile collection with expert guidance.
