When it comes to tiles, one important but often overlooked factor is their slipperiness coefficient, especially for outdoor flooring. As you search for tiles, you may encounter the “R” rating system, which consists of the letter R followed by a number ranging from 9 to 13. These anti-slip tile ratings and grades can guide you in selecting the appropriate tiles to meet your requirements. In this blog, we will clarify the meaning of these ratings and grades, offer recommendations for where to use each one, and showcase examples of China anti slip floor tiles that are popular on the market.
Tile slip ratings are essential because they help to identify the level of slip resistance of different tiles. Slip resistance is a critical safety feature, especially in areas of the home where the floor surface can become wet or slippery.
For instance, bathroom floors are highly prone to moisture, and the risk of slipping is high. In contrast, the living room floor is less likely to be wet and is therefore less slippery. The slip resistance of tiles is determined by testing and assigning them a slip rating.
Understanding slip ratings is crucial when choosing tiles for your home, as it can help you identify which tiles offer more grip underfoot, making them safer to use in areas prone to slips and falls. By choosing tiles with a higher slip rating, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in your home, making it a safer and more comfortable place to live.
R13 is the top-rated non-slip technology available on the market today, making it ideal for wet areas like public showers and indoor pools. If you have a hot tub or walk-in shower, using R13 porcelain tiles can minimize the risk of accidents even on slick surfaces. While R13 anti-slip tiles are the highest rated, tile manufacturers and suppliers don't stock them due to customer feedback on their difficult cleaning. For most domestic and commercial settings, R12 tiles offer sufficient slip resistance.
When it comes to slip-resistant floor tiles, R12 anti-slip tiles are the second highest on the scale, and are commonly used in residential areas. These tiles can be found in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, where porcelain tiles are often used for their stylish appearance. The R12 category includes most unglazed and some glazed tiles, making them safe for use in various areas, including commercial spaces such as communal showers, poolsides, hotel foyers, shopping centers, and airports.
However, it's important to avoid using R12 tiles on excessively steep slopes, as they may not provide sufficient slip resistance. For commercial spaces, it's recommended to opt for R13 tiles to reduce the risk of injury claims.
R11 tiles are a cost-effective alternative to R12 tiles. Both categories provide similar levels of slip resistance and are secure for use in dry and wet environments. This makes them ideal for use in various areas of your home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and living rooms. For office floors, R11 tiles are a durable and sturdy option, saving you money on both floor replacements and injury claims.
To create safe and attractive outdoor areas in your patio and garden, utilize the textured anti-slip finish of R11 tiles. However, avoid using below R11 anti slip floor tiles for wet rooms, as they may not provide sufficient safety when walking barefoot in the presence of water and soap.
Although R10 slip rating tiles have lower slip resistance, they can still serve as a safe flooring option. R10 anti-slip tile ratings are commonly used to prevent slipping in domestic situations and are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms due to their anti-slip properties. They can also be used as external floor tiles or commercial tiles, but only if they are porcelain versions.
Glazed matt tiles with R10 rating will usually act as anti-slip when wet, although some unglazed tiles in this grade may also be available. Along with bathrooms and kitchens, R10 tiles are also suitable for living rooms and hallways where occasional spills and wetness can occur. Do install them in internal domestic settings where the floors are occasionally wet. However, don't use them as a cheaper alternative in areas where increased friction and high slip resistance is required.
YU SHA Series--R10
SILK Series--R10
GRANULAR Series--R10
For more options, view our catalog of R10 anti slip rating tiles.Various styles and budgets are available.
To ensure safety, it is important to know that R9 rated tiles have the lowest slip resistance of any type of indoor flooring, despite their cheaper price tag. These tiles should only be installed in dry areas that are rarely or never exposed to water, such as hallways and corridors. They are also suitable for some commercial environments made of porcelain where anti-slip properties are not necessary.
Shop some of our tiles with R9 anti-slip tile ratings here.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to anti-slip flooring. Different environments require different levels of slip-resistance, so it's important to consider the intended use of the space before choosing the appropriate tile.
For the kitchen, where spills and potential accidents are more likely, porcelain flooring with an R9 or R10 anti-slip rating and A coefficient of grip is recommended.
In the bathroom, where water is a constant factor, an R10 anti-slip rating and A coefficient of grip is ideal for both safety and ease of cleaning.
By the way,check these 10 Design Ideas of Non Slip Ceramic Tile For Bathroom, maybe you can get inspired by it!
For the bedroom, an R9 A coefficient of grip is sufficient, as slipperiness is less of a concern.
Terraces and balconies require an R10A coefficient of slip-resistance for safe and comfortable outdoor relaxation.
For outdoor areas and gardens, consider the intended use, space, and climatic conditions. The appropriate anti-slip rating ranges from R10 to R13, with a thickness of either 9mm or 20mm, depending on the location and conditions.
Remember, the best anti-slip tiles for your space are those that provide a balance of slip-resistance and practicality for your specific needs.
| R9 | R10 | R11 | R12 | R13 | |
| Slip Angle | 6-9 degree | 10-18 degree | 19-26 degree | 27-34 degree | 35 degree |
| Wet Slip Risk | High Risk | Moderate | Moderate | Low Risk | Low Risk |
| Suitable For | Dry areas | Occasional spills and wetness | Wet/Outdoor environment | Wet/Outdoor environment | Very wet commercial areas |
| Recommendation For | Bedroom,Living room,Hallway | Bathroom,Kitchen,Dining room | Bathroom,Toilet,Patio | Swimming pool,Patio,Car porch | Swimming pool,Outdoor settings |
Have you also come across the term PEI rating while shopping for tiles? PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute, and it refers to a standardized measurement used to rate a tile's resistance to abrasion caused by foot traffic. The rating ranges from 1-5, with 1 being the least resistant and 5 being the most.
Here's what each PEI rating means in terms of where the tile can be used:
PEI 0: Wall tiles only. These tiles are not suitable for floors and should only be used on walls.
PEI 1: Light footfall. These tiles are suitable for walls, worktops, and floors that don't see much foot traffic, like bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. It's best to wear softer footwear, such as slippers, on these tiles.
PEI 2: Moderate footfall. These tiles can be used in areas with less traffic, like bathrooms.
PEI 3: Regular footfall. These tiles can be used in most areas of the home, including busy areas like hallways, living spaces, and kitchens.
PEI 4: Intense footfall. These tiles are suitable for use throughout the home and also in light commercial areas like offices, bars, or restaurants.
PEI 5: Heavy footfall. These tiles are incredibly tough and can withstand high foot traffic in busy public areas like airports and shopping centers.
Related Guides：
Anti Slip Porcelain Garden Tiles
Non Slip Floor Tiles For Living Room
Favorable Anti Slip Floor Tiles Price At Sunvin Ceramics
Non Slip Floor Tiles For Commercial Kitchen
Understanding tile slip ratings can be tricky, but don't worry! We're here to help. If you need more information on selecting the right tiles for your home, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to provide advice. For commercial premises, it's best to reach out to us so we can confirm whether a tile is appropriate for the intended location.
