Anti Slip Rating Explained
Understanding the safety of your tiles.
Anti-slip ratings are an important factor to consider when choosing tiles, especially for areas that may get wet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. These ratings indicate how resistant a tile is to slipping.
The 'R' Rating (Shod Foot Test)
The most common anti-slip rating is the 'R' rating, which stands for 'Ramp Test'. This test measures the slip resistance of a tile when a person is wearing shoes.
- R9: The lowest rating. Suitable for dry, indoor areas only.
- R10: Suitable for areas that may get wet, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- R11: A good level of slip resistance, suitable for both domestic and some commercial applications.
- R12: High slip resistance, often used in commercial kitchens and swimming pool surrounds.
- R13: The highest rating, offering excellent slip resistance for areas with a high risk of slipping, such as public wet areas.
PTV (Pendulum Test Value)
Another important measure is the Pendulum Test Value (PTV), which simulates the slip of a shod or barefoot on a wet surface. A higher PTV indicates greater slip resistance.
- PTV 0-24: High slip potential.
- PTV 25-35: Moderate slip potential.
- PTV 36+: Low slip potential. For commercial floors, a PTV of 36+ is generally required by the HSE.
Choosing the Right Tile
When selecting your tiles, always consider the environment where they will be installed. For family bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor patios, we strongly recommend choosing a tile with an R10 rating or a PTV of 36+ to ensure safety.
Contact Us
If you are unsure which tile is right for your project, our team of experts is here to help. Please get in touch for advice.