The Top 5 Performance Properties of Materials and How to Read Them
Knowing the main technical properties of the materials you intend to use will help you make an educated decision.
However, once you dive into technical properties and their rating systems, it can become quite overwhelming.
Here is a quick overview of the top 5 characteristics to understand and determine what material to use, where, and why.
1. Abrasion
Abrasion resistance refers to a material's ability to resist surface wear. Within the industry, several different measures for abrasion resistance may be referenced. Mohs is perhaps the most common, but you may also see PEI ratings, ASTM, or ISO ratings, typically used for porcelain or ceramic tile.
The Mohs scale is generally applied to minerals because they are geologically pure and produce consistent results.
Unlike pure minerals, natural stone consists of several different types of minerals and will react less predictably. To accommodate this range of ratings, it is common practice to use a broader scale:
High Abrasion Resistance: Man-made quartz, quartzite, and granite (scoring a 7 or higher on the Mohs scale)
Medium Abrasion Resistance: Certain marble and limestone (scoring between 3.5 and 6.5)
Low Abrasion Resistance: Marble and limestone (scoring between 1 and 3)
2. Absorption
Absorption refers to the relative porosity of a material. Materials with minimal or moderate absorbency are resistant to staining due to low porosity, but they are not impervious. Highly absorbent materials are prone to staining.
Always seal natural stone materials before grouting by applying sealant or impregnator until water beads on the surface. This process must be repeated periodically to extend the stone's longevity.
Porcelain, ceramic, glass tile, and man-made quartz are inherently non-absorbent and are rated as minimally absorbent. Although tests measure both water absorption (ISO 10545-3) and stain resistance (ISO 10545-14), these tests are specific to the porcelain tile industry.
3. Acid Sensitivity
Materials containing calcium or magnesium carbonate (such as marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx) will react to acidic foods (e.g., lemons or tomatoes) and acidic liquids (e.g., some cleaners or acid rain).
This reaction results in a dull surface sheen and a change in texture, commonly referred to as “acid etching.” Acid etching is generally less visible on lighter materials and honed surfaces.
If acid etching is a concern, choose minimally sensitive materials such as granite or quartzite.
4. Freeze-Thaw
Freeze-thaw cycles occur in exterior applications when water seeps into a material's surface and then freezes.
The process of expansion causes the material to crack or spall. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles widen the void until the material breaks.
This characteristic — in combination with absorbency rating, abrasion resistance, color fastness, and tensile strength — determines whether a material is suitable for:
All exterior applications: These materials will patina over time
Vertical exterior applications only: Although frost-resistant, these materials may stain and are unsuitable for exterior paving
No exterior use: Not suitable for outdoor applications at all
5. Traffic
Traffic ratings refer to a material’s ability to withstand the anticipated volume of foot traffic through a space. The industry typically follows this rating scale:
Heavy Commercial Traffic
Medium Commercial Traffic: Shopping malls, airports, etc.
Low Commercial Traffic: Hotels, restaurants, bars
Residential Traffic