Interiorgrade

Interiorgrade is a term used in the architecture and interior design industries to describe materials and finishes that are rated for use inside buildings. The concept centers on balancing aesthetics with performance and safety in indoor environments. Although used widely in procurement and specification, interiorgrade is not a single formal certification, but a category defined by manufacturers and specifiers.

Common criteria associated with interiorgrade include indoor air quality (low volatile organic compounds or VOCs), durability under normal wear, moisture resistance appropriate for indoor climates, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with indoor climate control. In many cases a product marketed as interiorgrade has to meet certain industry or laboratory test results, such as fire performance, slip resistance, or abrasion resistance, depending on the product type.

Materials typically described as interiorgrade cover a range of finishes and components, including flooring (laminate, vinyl, engineered wood), wall coverings (paints, wallpapers), cabinetry and furniture components (paneling, plywood, laminates), fabrics, and ceiling systems. The standard for performance can vary by application area, such as residential, commercial, or healthcare facilities, each with different environmental and safety requirements.

In practice, interiorgrade is used by designers, builders, and facility managers when selecting materials for interior spaces. It guides decisions about maintenance, life cycle cost, and occupant comfort, while allowing flexibility when formal certification is not available or practical. Because it is not universally regulated, stakeholders typically verify the specific criteria and test results provided by manufacturers for each product.