Slip ratings explained
Understanding R-ratings, barefoot safety, and choosing safe floor tiles.
At a glance
Quick Checklist
Key points at a glance
- 1R10 minimum for bathroom floors
- 2R11+ for wet room floors
- 3Barefoot ratings (A, B, C) for shower areas
- 4Polished tiles are dangerous when wet
- 5Test by touch - if glossy, it's slippery
Questions to ask your installer
Take these to your next conversation with your fitter
- 1What's the slip rating on the floor tiles I've chosen?
- 2Are these tiles safe for a shower floor or wet room?
- 3What would you recommend for safety?
- 4How does the slip rating change when the tile is wet?
- 5Are there any alternatives that are safer but look similar?
- 6What about slip resistance for elderly users?
💡 Tip: A good installer will welcome these questions. If they dismiss them, that's a red flag.
💡Myth vs Reality
Common Myth
"Matt tiles are always non-slip"
The Reality
Matt just means not shiny. It doesn't guarantee grip. Always check the R-rating.
Common Myth
"Non-slip tiles feel rough and uncomfortable"
The Reality
Modern non-slip tiles have subtle textures that feel comfortable while providing grip.
What to look for
- •R-rating (R9-R13): higher = more grip. R10 minimum for bathrooms
- •Barefoot rating (A, B, C): C is safest for showers
- •Surface texture - matt or textured finishes are safer
- •Pendulum Test Value (PTV) if specified - 36+ is low slip risk
Common mistakes
- •Choosing tiles based on looks without checking slip rating
- •Using polished porcelain on bathroom floors
- •Assuming all matt tiles are non-slip (they're not)
- •Not considering how tiles feel when wet and soapy
Quality considerations
- •Higher slip ratings don't mean ugly tiles - many beautiful options exist
- •Some tiles have micro-texture that provides grip without looking rough
- •Quality non-slip tiles clean easily without harbouring dirt
- •Consider future needs - safe flooring helps with ageing in place
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This guide is written to help you make informed decisions, not to sell you anything. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified installer.