Tile Slip Resistance Explained: Understanding R Ratings

When buying tiles, you may come across something called an R Rating. If you are new to tiling, this can feel confusing. The R Rating is simply a measure of slip resistance. It tells you how much grip a tile has underfoot, which is especially important in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. This guide explains what R Ratings are, why they matter, and what each rating means, so you can confidently choose the right tiles for your project!

What Are R Ratings?

R Ratings are part of a system that measures how slip resistant a tile surface is. The "R" stands for "ramp," because the test is carried out on a ramp where a person walks on tiles at increasing angles to see when slipping occurs. The higher the R number, the more slip resistant the tile. This information helps you select tiles that are safe and practical for your intended space.

Why Do R Ratings Matter?

Different areas of the home have different levels of risk when it comes to slipping. A hallway or living room might not need high slip resistance, but a bathroom floor or outdoor patio definitely does. Choosing the right R Rating ensures that your tiles not only look good but are safe and suitable for the conditions they will be exposed to. It's worth noting, as a general rule the higher the R rating, the harder a tile is to clean.

What Does Each R Rating Mean?

R9 – Standard Residential Use

Tiles with an R9 rating have a standard slip resistance. They are usually smooth and easy to clean, making them ideal for walls or dry indoor areas such as living rooms and bedrooms. While they can be used on floors, they are best for areas where the chance of slipping is very low. Many polished or gloss tiles fall into this category, and R9 tiles are suitable for most general areas in your home.

R10 – General Indoor Flooring

R10 tiles have moderate slip resistance. They are a common choice for flooring in kitchens, hallways, and other indoor areas where people wear shoes that might be wet. They provide a good balance between being easy to clean and offering enough grip for everyday use. R10 tiles are suitable for home projects.

R11 – Wet Areas and Busy Homes

R11 tiles offer strong slip resistance, making them a good choice for bathrooms, utility rooms, and areas that regularly get wet. They are also recommended for homes with children, pets, or elderly people, where extra grip provides added safety. Outdoors, R11 tiles work well for covered patios or pathways that see occasional rain but are not constantly exposed to extreme weather.

R12 – Heavy Duty Indoor and Outdoor Use

Tiles rated R12 have very high slip resistance. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens, workshops, or outdoor areas where water, grease, or other substances could make floors slippery. For domestic projects, R12 tiles are excellent for outdoor steps, pool surrounds, or heavily used patios.

R13 – Maximum Slip Resistance

R13 is the highest rating for slip resistance. These tiles are designed for industrial or specialist settings where safety is critical, such as food processing plants, factories, or constantly wet outdoor environments. In a home setting, R13 tiles may be used for pool edges or steep external steps where maximum grip is essential.

How to Choose the Right R Rating

• Bathrooms: R9 is generally acceptable, but R10 or R11 is usually recommended for bathroom floors to reduce the risk of slipping on water. This is especially true of wet rooms where constant pooling water is likely.
• Kitchens: Again R9 is acceptable, to cover all bases R10 tiles provide a safe and practical option for most domestic kitchens.
• Hallways and Living Areas: R9 tiles are typically sufficient, as these areas are generally dry.
• Outdoor Patios: R11 tiles are typically best, as they offer enough grip to handle rain and outdoor conditions whilst still being easily cleaned.
• Pool Surrounds: R11+ tiles are the safest option for constant wet exposure.

Conclusion: Understanding R Ratings for DIY Projects

R Ratings are an important part of choosing the right tiles for your home. They measure how slip resistant a tile is, helping you match the right product to the right space. R9 and R10 tiles are ideal for most dry or general indoor areas, R11 tiles are better for bathrooms and utility rooms, and R11+ tiles provide the grip needed for outdoor or heavy-duty use. By understanding what each R Rating means, DIYers can ensure their tiles are both stylish and safe for the job at hand.