What Are Tile Slip Ratings?

When selecting new floor tiles for your home, it is common to compare the appearance, texture, and cost of different options. It is essential that your new flooring matches the style of your home and stays within your budget. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the safety, performance, and slip resistance of the tiles, especially in areas prone to moisture. Certain areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways require anti-slip floor tiles to prevent accidents, as they are more susceptible to surface water caused by splashes, shoes, wet coats, or pets. Before making a decision, make sure to check the anti-slip ratings of your tiles to ensure they are suitable for the specific area where they will be installed. 

Please be aware that Easy Bathrooms uses 'The Ramp Test' anti-slip ratings across the website which you can find in the product specifications.

The Ramp Test

This Ramp Test is conducted while the subject is wearing shoes. This testing method involves the tester wearing boots with standard soles on an oily floor surface. The floor is gradually inclined until the test subject slips, and the angle at which this occurs is recorded. The recorded angle determines the 'R Rating', which categorises tiles based on their level of slip resistance.

Here are the different ratings and their recommended uses:

• R9 - Tiles with an R9 rating provide minimal slip resistance and are suitable for dry indoor areas like dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen areas. If used in a bathroom, we recommend using a bath mat or towel to step onto from the bath or shower. Discover our selection of tiles featuring R9 anti-slip tile ratings here.

• R10 - Tiles with an R10 rating offer a level of resistance to slipping ranging from minor to moderate and are ideal for areas with a little moisture or minimal surface wetness, such as hallways, kitchens, and other living spaces. Discover our selection of tiles featuring R10 anti-slip tile ratings here.

• R11 - Tiles with an R11 rating provide excellent slip resistance and can be used in all indoor spaces, including bathrooms and wet rooms. They can even be used in outdoor areas and gardens. Discover our selection of tiles featuring R11 anti-slip tile ratings here.

• R12 & R13 - Tiles with an R12 rating or higher are perfect for both commercial and residential spaces, whether indoors or outdoors. These tiles are specifically designed to prevent slipping and are commonly used in areas prone to getting wet, such as pool surrounds, shower rooms, or areas with steps or ramps. Discover our selection of tiles featuring R12/R13 anti-slip tile ratings here.

It is evident that choosing the right tiles for different spaces involves taking into account several factors. For bathrooms and kitchens, it is recommended to opt for floor tiles with an R11 rating. On the other hand, tiles with R9 or R10 ratings are suitable for areas with various functions such as living rooms, dining areas, and hallways. Outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, outdoor kitchens, and pool surroundings require tiles with slip ratings of R11 and above.

For further details on choosing the right tiles, do not hesitate to contact us. Understanding tile slip ratings may pose a difficulty, but our team is on hand to help. When it comes to commercial spaces, we advise reaching out to us to guarantee that the tiles you pick are appropriate for the designated area. We are eager to offer reassurance and support and we are more than happy to provide additional help and assistance.