When selecting ceramic tiles, laminate, furniture, or bathroom accessories, we often focus solely on the visual appeal. However, the truth about quality lies on the packaging. Small, often overlooked symbols tell us the real story: how durable the product is, what it protects against, and whether it meets international safety standards.
Reading these “hieroglyphics” correctly is the superpower of a smart homeowner. It helps you choose products that last and avoid costly mistakes. Here is your ultimate guide to decoding the symbols on renovation materials in 2026.
1. Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Symbols: Durability Matters
Tiles are a long-term investment. To ensure they don’t crack or fade, look for these indicators:
- Scratch & Wear Resistance (PEI Rating): Usually depicted as a rotating saw or a foot on a surface.
- What it means: This indicates the abrasion resistance (PEI rating).
- Expert Tip: For a hallway or kitchen, never settle for less than PEI IV. For a bathroom, PEI III is sufficient.
- Moisture Resistance (Water Absorption): Often shown as a droplet or a cloud.
- What it means: This shows how porous the tile is.
- Expert Tip: For outdoor use (balconies, terraces), you need porcelain stoneware with water absorption <0.5% to prevent cracking during frost.
- Stain Resistance: Shown as a flask or a cleanable surface.
- What it means: How easily the surface repels chemical agents (wine, coffee, cleaning fluids).
- Anti-Slip Rating (R Value): Depicted as a boot on a ramp.
- Expert Tip: R9 is standard for dry rooms. For shower floors or outdoors, look for R11 or higher to prevent dangerous falls.
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2. Faucets, Showers & Accessories: Efficiency & Safety
Modern sanitary ware is high-tech. Here is what the icons mean:
- Water Saving Technology: Often a leaf with a water drop or an “Eco” sign.
- What it means: The faucet has a built-in aerator that mixes air with water, reducing consumption by up to 50% without compromising pressure.
- Anti-Limescale (Easy Clean): Shown as a hand wiping a nozzle.
- What it means: The silicon nozzles on the shower head are flexible, allowing you to rub off limescale deposits with just a finger.
- Thermostatic Protection: A thermometer icon or “38°C” mark.
- Safety First: This feature locks the water temperature at 38°C, preventing accidental scalding—essential for families with children.
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3. Sanitary Ceramics (Toilets & Sinks): Hygiene First
- Antibacterial Surface: A microbe with a cross through it.
- What it means: The glaze contains silver ions or special coatings that prevent bacteria growth by 99%.
- Easy-Clean Glaze: A sparkle icon on a surface.
- Benefit: The surface is ultra-smooth at a microscopic level, so dirt and water slide off instead of sticking.
- Silent Flush (Noise Dampening): A speaker with a mute sign or a feather.
- Comfort: Indicates a rimless design or special mechanism that reduces flush noise.
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4. Furniture & Lighting: The Hidden Specs
Our catalog also includes furniture and lighting, where symbols are equally critical.
- Lighting IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Shown as “IP44”, “IP65”, etc.
- Crucial Rule: For bathroom lighting (wall lamps, spots), never use standard living room lights. You need at least IP44 (splash proof) near the mirror and IP65 above the shower.
- FSC Certified Furniture: A tree symbol.
- Sustainability: Whether it’s a bathroom vanity or outdoor furniture, this symbol guarantees the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
- Lighting IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Shown as “IP44”, “IP65”, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a wall tile on the floor if the design matches? – Generally, no. Wall tiles usually have a lower PEI (wear) rating. If you walk on them, they will scratch and crack. Always check the “Foot” symbol on the box—if it’s missing, it’s likely for walls only.
What happens if I put a non-waterproof light in the bathroom? – It is dangerous. Moisture can corrode the contacts, leading to short circuits or electric shocks. Always check for the IP44 symbol for bathroom zones.
Is “Anti-Limescale” really necessary? – In regions with hard water, absolutely. Without it, shower nozzles get clogged within months, ruining the water flow.
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