One of the most important aspects of choosing your new tiles is the Slip Rating. These have been designed to make your life a little bit easier when deciding if a tile is suitable for your new kitchen, bathroom, laundry or even your outdoor area.
Everything you need to know about Tiles
Everything you need to know about Tiles
Tile Slip Resistance Rating
What is a Slip Rating?
A slip rating is the test of a tile's surface and ultimately determines its safety slip resistance. Each specific rating has been developed in line with Australian Standards and can help you with your tile selection when choosing a safe option is necessary.
What is the importance of a Slip Rating?
Slip Ratings make decisions easier when determining whether a tile is suitable in the intended location. It is important to select tiles that are going to function as needed as safety is essential.
Top Tip: Make sure you do your research and choose a slip resistance that is appropriate for your project. Bear in mind that the higher the slip resistance is, the more effort you may need to put in to keep the tiles sparkling clean. Need some tips on how to easily clean your bathroom & shower tiles? - we’ve got you covered!
What are the Slip Resistance Standards in Australia?
When it comes to the slip resistance Australian Standards, keeping everyone safe is the most important!
The Australian Standards and Australian Building Code mandate slip-rated flooring for stair landings, stair nosings and ramps.
See below our simple and easy guide for Slip Resistance Classifications referenced by BCA, NCC & Australian Standards.
What Slip Resistance Tests are there?
Pendulum Test (result between P0-P5)
What is the pendulum test used for?
Well, a ‘Pendulum Test’ exists in order to measure the amount of friction between a wet tile and a standard shoe, and ratings range from P0 to P5 - the higher the number, the lower slip risk.Any tile with a P2 or P3 slip rating is most suitable for indoor flooring, whereas tiles with a P4 or P5 slip rating are most suitable for outdoor use due to their low slip risk when wet. Generally Pendulum Tests are mostly used for residential testing.
Oil-Wet Ramp Test (result between R9-R13)
An ‘Oil-Wet Ramp Test’ is a process that involves laying tiles on a ramp whilst applying a lubricating oil to the surface of the tile. Professional testers walk on the tiles (whilst they are at an incline) to determine the point or angle at which they become unstable and ultimately unsafe. The angle determines the degree of slip resistance and the higher the number, the lower the risk of slipping.
Tiles with R9 or R10 ratings are frequently used inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, whereas, R11 ratings and above are generally used for outdoor spaces.
Barefoot Wet Ramp Test (result is either A, B or C)
The Barefoot Wet Ramp Test involves professional testers soaking their feet in water, and then proceeding to walk over tiles (whilst they are on an incline and sprayed with water) to determine the angle in which they become unsafe.
An A result has the highest slip risk, a B result is a moderate slip risk and a C result is a very low slip risk.
Can you make tiles non-slip?
Do you have a tile that you wish was a little more slip resistant, but don’t want to rip them all up and change them for something new? There may be hope!
Does anti slip tile coating work? The answer is yes, it can improve the grip of the tile from 75%-100%.
This treatment is ideal for ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaic tiles and terrazzo tiles and can last for up to five years.
Appearance Ratings
Tiles may vary in colour, texture, or appearance according to the manufacturer's design for that particular tile series or product line. The ratings have been developed to help you understand the level of unique variation you can expect from your tiles. Tiles that are rated V2 or above will show distinguishable colour, texture or pattern differences between tiles. The higher the number, the more variation between individual tiles.
Tile Variation Rating
Ratings V3 and V4 tiles have the greatest variance, but it is important to note that all of the categories above have some range differences, consequently they should be checked before installation to ensure you’re totally happy with the variation range.
Ceramic tiles should also be selected from several cartons randomly and laid with the bisque logo and or arrow facing the same direction, the latter avoiding aesthetic issues.
V1 - Tiles installed will have uniform overall appearance with minimal texture and colour variation.
V2 - Tiles installed will be similarly coloured with slight variation in texture and pattern.
V3 - Tiles installed will feature moderate variation in appearance of colour and texture.
V4 - Tiles installed will have substantial variation in colour and texture for a unique appearance
Maintaining Tiles
For everyday cleaning, textured tiles are just as easy to maintain as any non-textured tiles. We recommend using Lithofin FK Vitra-Clean with lukewarm water and a damp cloth.
Alternatively, if you wish to make your own tile cleaning solution,
try hot water and a dash of methylated spirits. So, make sure you look after your tiles and they’ll look after you!
