When choosing tiles, most people focus on colour, texture and style. One important factor that’s often overlooked is slip resistance. Whether you’re tiling a bathroom, kitchen, patio or commercial space, making sure your flooring is safe underfoot is just as crucial as how it looks.
What is a Slip Rating?
A slip rating is a measure of how slippery a tile surface is, especially when it’s wet. It helps indicate whether a tile is suitable for certain environments, like bathrooms, outdoor areas or commercial kitchens, where the risk of slipping is higher.
Not all tiles are created equal when it comes to slip resistance, so understanding these ratings can help you select a tile that’s not only stylish but safe too.
How Are Slip Ratings Measured?
There are a couple of different systems used to assess the slip resistance of tiles:
R Rating (Ramp Test)
Commonly used across Europe and for porcelain tiles, the ramp test grades tiles from R9 to R13. A person walks on a tile surface coated with oil, and the angle at which they start to slip determines the rating.
· R9 Lower slip resistance, suitable for dry, indoor areas
· R10 Moderate slip resistance, good for kitchens and bathrooms
· R11 High slip resistance, ideal for wet rooms, patios or entryways
· R12-R13 Very high slip resistance, typically used in commercial or industrial areas lie kitchens or swimming pool surrounds
Pendulum Test Value (PTV)
The Pendulum test is the UK’s preferred method for measuring slip resistance, using a swinging arm to replicate a foot’s movement on a surface. The result is a Pendulum Test Value (PTV)
· 0-24 High slip potential
· 25-35 Moderate slip potential
· 36+ Low slip potential
A PTV of 36 or above is usually considered safe for most public and commercial areas. To learn more about how this test is done, read our Quality Commitment blog here.
Where Do Slip Ratings Matter Most?
Slip resistance is important in any area prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic. These areas include:
· Kitchens and utility areas
· Hallways and entrances (especially from outdoors)
· Outdoor patios, paths and balconies
· Commercial kitchens, pool areas and public walkways
Always consider both safety and maintenance, higher R-rated tiles tend to have more texture, which can be a little trickier to clean but provide better grip underfoot.
Slip ratings might not be the most glamorous part of choosing tiles, but they’re one of the most important, helping to keep homes, businesses and public spaces safe.
What is a PEI Rating?
While slip ratings focus on how safe a tile is underfoot, especially when wet, another important factor to consider is the PEI rating. This stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, and it measures the tile’s durability and resistance to surface wear and scratching, especially for glazed floor tiles.
PEI ratings are graded from 1 to 5, with 1 being suitable for walls only, and 5 being tough enough for high-traffic commercial spaces like shopping centres and busy restaurants. Here’s a quick breakdown:
· PEI 1 Walls only, no foot traffic
· PEI 2 Light foot traffic, ideal for areas like bathrooms
· PEI 3 Moderate foot traffic, suitable for residential floors
· PEI 4 Moderate to heavy traffic, goods for residential and some light commercial spaces
· PEI 5 Heavy foot traffic, perfect for commercial areas
When choosing floor tiles, it’s important to look at both the slip rating and the PEI rating to make sure they suit your space’s needs in terms of safety and durability.
You can find the slip rating for a tile on our product pages under specifications.
If you’re unsure which slip rating you need for your project, we’re always here to help. Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to guide you to the perfect tile for your space.