Are porcelain tiles good for areas with high footfall?

If selecting tiles for a high-traffic commercial space is in your remit, you may have wondered whether porcelain tiles are

the best option.

After all, porcelain has a reputation for being one of the most dependable and robust material types out there – so does this make it suitable for areas such as hotel lobbies, retail units or public transport hubs?

The quick answer is yes – porcelain tiles are a very good choice for areas with high footfall. But what is it about porcelain that makes it so well suited to demanding footfall, and what should you be looking for when choosing the tiles? That’s what we’ll cover in this article.

Let’s run through the reasons why porcelain is ideal for high-traffic areas:

Extreme durability

Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic. This makes it denser, harder, and far less porous. The result is a tile that can absorb the pressure of commercial foot traffic. For long-term installations, this ability to withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear is ideal.

Scratch and stain resistance

Commercial spaces are the first point of contact when it comes to mishaps such as dropped cutlery and plates, everyday spills and heavy loads falling. Porcelain’s composition means it is a durable option for locations in which drops and spills are a fact of life – think commercial kitchens, hallways and entrances.

Low maintenance

Natural stone tiles typically need sealing. Porcelain doesn’t – in fact, it doesn’t need any special treatment at all. It has a low-porosity surface that keeps liquids and contaminants at the surface level. This prevents ingress (unwanted entry of moisture), and keeps maintenance demands low – all it takes is routine cleaning.

Waterproof

Porcelain has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. This means it performs in moisture-heavy environments. Bathrooms, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and spa facilities all benefit from a surface that can handle repeated exposure to moisture while retaining its integrity.

Versatility

Porcelain is available with a wide range of finishes. You can select wood effect, stone effect and a wide range of custom porcelain tile printing designs. With many ‘off the shelf’ options and unlimited possibilities from bespoke designs, there’s no need to sacrifice aesthetic freedom for durability.

Custom ceramic printing on porcelain effectively opens the door to a multitude of artistic possibilities while also meeting the practical requirements demanded by areas with high footfall.

What to look for in high-traffic areas

Let’s move on to the specs. There are some key ratings that you should look for in porcelain tiles for locations with high footfall. Consider the following:

PEI rating

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is a measurement of a tile’s resistance to surface abrasion. For commercial use, look for a minimum of PEI 4 for moderate to heavy traffic environments. PEI 5 is for the highest-footfall settings such as airports, large retail spaces, and high-volume hospitality venues.

Through-body / full-body porcelain

In spaces with very high traffic, through-body porcelain is worth specifying. That’s because the colour and pattern run through the full depth of the tile, rather than being applied as a surface glaze. This means any wear or chipping that occurs over time is far less visible. It’s the most resilient option available and the sensible choice when you want to prioritise longevity.

Slip resistance

Slip resistance is always an important consideration for areas subject to moisture or heavy use. The R-rating system measures surface grip, and for commercial settings, an R10 rating is the baseline. R11 or above recommended for wet commercial environments.

Porcelain is likely to remain the tile choice for architects and interior designers fitting out high-traffic commercial spaces; representing a savvy long-term investment which can satisfy all stakeholders in a project.

Anti-slip custom floor tiles from DC Custom Tiles are designed to meet the exacting requirements of commercial projects. Tick key boxes for safety and durability without compromising on aesthetics.