How to Choose Floor Tiles: PEI Rating, Water Absorption and SNI ISO 13006
Almost everything you need to know about how to choose floor tiles is printed on the box: the SNI mark, PEI class, water absorption and slip rating.
Why the tile box label matters
Ceramic tile is one of the most purchased finishing materials in Indonesia, from landed houses and shophouses to commercial buildings. Wrong choices usually show up months later: glaze that dulls in busy areas, terrace tiles that crack because they absorb water, or a dangerously slippery bathroom floor. Almost everything you need to avoid these problems is printed on the tile box. This guide explains how to read it.
1. The SNI mark: the baseline
Ceramic tiles sold in Indonesia must comply with SNI ISO 13006:2018 (definitions, classification, characteristics and marking of ceramic tiles), made mandatory by Minister of Industry Regulation No. 36 of 2024. Check that the box carries the SNI mark and the manufacturer's SPPT-SNI certificate number. Tiles without it, especially cheap imports, may fail strength and dimensional tests and expose the seller to legal risk.
2. PEI class: glaze wear resistance
The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating describes how well a glazed surface resists abrasion, tested under ISO 10545-7. General guidance:
- PEI I: walls or areas with no footwear traffic.
- PEI II: light residential floors such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
- PEI III: all residential areas including living rooms, kitchens and hallways.
- PEI IV: light commercial use such as small offices, shops and restaurants.
- PEI V: heavy traffic such as malls, airports and building lobbies.
PEI applies only to glazed tiles. Unglazed full-body porcelain ("granite tile") is rated by deep abrasion and is generally very wear-resistant.
3. Water absorption: group B (dry-pressed tiles)
SNI ISO 13006 groups tiles by water absorption (E):
- BIa (E ≤ 0.5%): porcelain / granite tile. Dense and strong; suitable for heavy traffic and outdoor use.
- BIb (0.5% < E ≤ 3%): dense stoneware for interior and semi-outdoor floors.
- BIIa (3–6%) and BIIb (6–10%): common interior floor tiles.
- BIII (E > 10%): wall tiles. Light and easy to install, but not for floors.
Lower absorption means higher breaking strength and better stain resistance. For terraces, carports and outdoor wet areas, choose BIa or BIb.
4. Slip resistance for wet areas
For bathrooms, pool decks and terraces, look for an anti-slip rating. Many manufacturers use the R scale (DIN 51130) from R9 to R13. R10 or higher suits a home bathroom; R11 or higher suits pool areas and outdoor ramps. Avoid glossy tiles on floors that are often wet.
5. Grade, size and production codes
In the Indonesian market quality is often marked KW1, KW2 and KW3; KW1 has the fewest surface defects and size deviations. Also check the shade (colour tone) and calibre (actual size) codes. Buy one room's tiles with the same shade and calibre so the colour is uniform and grout lines stay straight. Add 5–10% spare for cuts and future repairs, as later batches may differ.
6. Quick pre-purchase checklist
- SNI mark and SPPT-SNI number on the box.
- PEI class matched to the room (at least PEI III for living areas).
- Water-absorption group matched to location (BIa/BIb outdoors).
- Anti-slip surface in wet areas.
- Same shade and calibre for the whole order, plus 5–10% spare.
- A suitable tile adhesive, especially for low-absorption granite tiles.
The homeX team can help you select the right ceramic and granite tiles for your project, including material quantity calculations.
Sources
- Summary of Minister of Industry Regulation No. 36/2024 (mandatory SNI ISO 13006:2018 for ceramic tiles)
- ISO 13006:2018 Ceramic tiles — Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking
- Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
FAQ
Which PEI class suits home floors? PEI II for light residential floors such as bedrooms and bathrooms, PEI III for all home areas including living rooms, kitchens and hallways, PEI IV for light commercial use.
Is SNI mandatory for ceramic tiles? Yes. Tiles sold in Indonesia must meet SNI ISO 13006:2018 under Minister of Industry Regulation No. 36 of 2024; check the SNI mark and SPPT-SNI number on the box.
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