When it comes to choosing tile for your home or commercial space, it’s important to understand how to tell whether tiles can be used for floors, walls or both. Tiles are classified based on their strength and application suitability. While any tile can be used as a wall tile, only certain tiles are suitable for floors, and the tile you choose will depend on the amount of use the floor receives.

How to tell if a tile is for a floor or wall?

To know a tile’s suitability, each tile is assigned a wear rating. Tiles with a wear rating of 1 are intended for wall use only. Wear rating 1 tiles are popular choices for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls and feature walls. Tiles that have a wear rating of 2 are suitable for walls and residential floor applications that do not have constant or heavy traffic, such as powder rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. Tiles with a wear rating of 3 are suitable for walls and all residential floor applications, including kitchens, family rooms and hallways. Wear rating 4 tiles are suitable for walls plus all residential and most commercial floor applications, such as restaurants and offices. Lastly, tiles that boast a wear rating of 5 are suitable for walls and all residential and commercial floor applications, including shopping malls, schools, and hospitals. For more details on tile wear ratings, click here.

By understanding a tile's application suitability, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your home or commercial environment. Whether you're laying the groundwork with durable tiles suitable for floors or adding character to your walls with decorative tile, Best Tile can help you choose the most appropriate tile options for your project.