What Are Floor Tile Slip Ratings

Are you looking to add some stylish floor tiles to your spaces but want to make sure they are safe? Look no further! Here we will help you understand floor tile slip ratings and how they can keep your spaces safe. Slip ratings are an essential factor to consider when choosing floor tiles, especially for areas prone to moisture or foot traffic. At The Stone & Tile Company, we prioritize the safety of our customers, which is why our floor tiles undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest slip resistance standards. This blog will provide you with valuable insights into slip ratings, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect tiles for your home or commercial space. From explaining the different types of slip ratings to highlighting industry standards and regulations, we've got you covered. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid understanding of how slip ratings work and how to choose tiles that are not only visually appealing but also safe for your family, employees, or customers. Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets of floor tile slip ratings and empower you to create safe and stunning spaces

Slip ratings are assigned to different floor tiles in order to provide buyers with an understanding of how susceptible they are to causing slips based off the finish and surface of the tile.

Slip ratings are an indication of whether or not a tile is suitable for use in areas where slipping is a possibility. Bathrooms, shower areas or entrances for example, which ideally require a tile with a slip rating that indicates they are less likely to see slips occur.

Within the tile industry, a draft informative index (ISO 10545) classification of Ceramic Tiles is used to determine the slip resistance of a tile. This is calculated through a series of tests in both wet and dry conditions.

The two classes within the ISO Standard are Class 1, which has a lower than 0.4 dynamic coefficient of friction, and Class 2, which are tiles with a dynamic coefficient of friction higher than 0.4.

All slip ratings run from R9 through to R13, here at Stone Tile Company we provide the slip rating in the product key features, where applicable.

R9 – To be used in dry indoor areas. Bathrooms*, Kitchens*, Hallways*, Living Rooms, Bedrooms and studies. Smooth surface gloss or matt tiles that can produce a hazard when wet, as the shoe may slide over the tiles. *Suitable matting should be placed to absorb water splashes.

R10 – Used in indoor or outdoor areas where minimal wetting will occur: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Hallways, Commercial areas. The tile will be generally matt or have slight surface structure, designed to prevent shoes from sliding over their surface.

R11 – Use in areas where they will be subject to heavy wetting of the surface: Wetrooms, exposed balconies, Patios, Commercial areas. This tile will have a heavier textured matt glaze with sometimes a surface structure, designed to prevent shoes from sliding over the surface. Designed for both indoor and outdoor areas.

R12 - Best used in areas subject to heavy wetting of the surface: Patios, swimming pool surrounds, factory production lines. The tile tends to have deep recesses which allow liquids to drain form the surface.

R13 – To be used as steps or ramps: commercial swimming pools, spa surrounds, production lines. Very deep recesses will form part of the structure to allow for liquids and oils to drain.

Often the finish of the tile will play a role in their suitability to certain spaces. For example, a riven finish on a natural stone tile is a surface that lowers the chances of slipping occurring. They are not however ideal as a bathroom floor tile as they can be extremely rough on bare feet. Inspired by real stone, we offer an R10/11 porcelain alternatives which has excellent slip resistance, these are our Calcolo, Sicily and Tuscany Range which can be found in our slip-resistant tiles collection

For those who are looking for more traditional tiles for character or country properties, our brushed slate and limestone tiles are softer to the touch in comparison to that of riven slate and still provide geat slip resistance.

We do find that our R9 polished porcelain tiles for walls and floors are extremely popular in both kitchens and bathroom areas, however it is recommended to use a bath mat where you exit the shower ensure all water is removed from your feet before stepping onto the tiles. Our Calacatta Grande wall and floor tiles are particularly popular owing to their timelessness and luxurious aesthetic, we also offer this in a satin finish as well as a mirror polished finish, for areas susceptible to more water. 

A range that is perfect for both indoor-outdoor areas is our New York 10mm collection as it’s also R11 so you can be assured that slips will be avoided. 

We hope this has helped shed some light on slip ratings and how they are classified and goes towards you being able to make an informed decision when selecting the perfect tiles for your home or commercial space.