Tile Slip Ratings Explained

Ensuring safety in all environments is paramount, and determining a tile's suitability for its intended application is made easier through slip resistance ratings. 

Whether you’re looking to buy tiles for a residential, commercial, or outdoor project, this is everything you need to know about tile slip ratings to ensure you make an informed choice on your flooring.

Slip ratings are essential in evaluating tile safety, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. When selling tiles, understanding and communicating slip ratings can help assure customers of the tile's safety and suitability for various environments.

When it comes to residential projects, having high kitchen or bathroom tile slip ratings is crucial to safeguarding against slips and falls in wet environments. While not as crucial, tiles throughout bedrooms and living spaces should also undergo a slip test to ensure they are safe for young children and the elderly.

For outdoor areas, including patios and walkways, tiles with strong slip ratings are indispensable for preventing mishaps in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.  

Whether it's a bustling retail store, restaurant, hotel, or spa, slip-resistant tiles are pivotal in managing high foot traffic and mitigating the risks of spills. Public institutions like hospitals and schools also require slip-resistant tiles to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents. 

Furthermore, adherence to building codes often demands specific slip ratings, ensuring that tiles meet rigorous legal standards. By understanding and selecting tiles with appropriate slip ratings, you ensure optimal performance and safety and provide valuable reassurance to customers about the reliability and suitability of their tile choices.

Tile slip ratings are a collection of tests used to assess the slip resistance of a tile’s surface. The most common slip resistance tests include the pendulum and oil-wet ramp tests.

Below you can see the various ratings and classifications based on the average Australian slip rating standard.

Pendulum tests assess the friction a floor surface offers when a foot comes into contact with it. Pendulum classifications range from P0 to P5. The higher the number, the lower the risk of slipping.

Oil-wet ramp tests assess the degree of slip resistance when coming in contact with a lubricated angled surface. Resistance values range from R9 to R13. The higher the number, the lower the risk of slipping.

The slip rating of your tile determines whether it can be used indoors or outdoors. Lower ratings (P0-P3 or R9-R10) are generally better suited for indoor spaces, while higher ratings (P4-P5 or R11-R13) are ideal for outdoor and pool areas. 

Indoor slip ratings are tailored to meet the needs of various environments, from residential spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to commercial settings such as cafes, shopping centres, and hotels. The slip rating required can vary based on the area’s traffic levels and intended use—for example, a bathroom demands higher slip resistance than a clothing store. Additionally, indoor tiles are generally easier to maintain and clean, which helps preserve their slip resistance over time. 

Outdoor tile slip ratings are designed to meet the demands of external environments and must offer reliable traction despite exposure to factors like UV radiation, temperature changes, and moisture. Outdoor tiles are often harder to clean, and environmental conditions can impact their slip resistance over time, so monitoring the slip rating of outdoor tiles closely is recommended, particularly in conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or high-traffic commercial spaces.

When purchasing tiles, ensure the supplier provides detailed information about the slip rating in the product specifications. If this information is not readily available, inquire before making your purchase. Selecting the incorrect tile could impact warranty coverage and, more importantly, compromise the safety of your loved ones. And remember, if you find a tile you love but has a low slip rating, consider using it as a wall tile instead!

For more information regarding tile slip ratings, visit the Australian Building Codes website.

To keep up to date with the latest in tiles, read The Latest Tile Trends in 2024.