How to Choose Anti-Slip Porcelain Paving

Porcelain is the perfect choice for tiles or paving which transforms your living space with class and quality. It comes with a number of benefits including durability, low-porosity and low maintenance.

However, when buying porcelain tiles, you need to make sure that they are effectively treated and produced for slip resistance. By default, polished porcelain can be very slippery, which is dangerous. As a result, it’s important that you read up on how properly treated porcelain eliminates this danger, and how you can be sure that the porcelain you purchase will be anti-slip.

Are porcelain paving tiles slippery?

Porcelain paving can be slippery, especially if it’s polished and/or untreated. However, most porcelain tiles are not slippery, because of their slip-resistant finishes and textured design. When buying porcelain paving, you need to consider the area in which your tiles are going to be used, and understand which corresponding slip ratings are suitable for use.

Porcelain paving slip ratings explained

Porcelain slip ratings range from ‘R9’ - ‘R13’, increasing in slip resistance as the number gets higher. The R stands for ‘ramp test,’ which is a simple test used to determine the slip rating of porcelain.

• R9: Low Slip Resistance - A smooth glossy finish, generally only suitable for indoor use on floors that never get wet. Even then, you should be wary when walking on these floors.

• R10: Medium Slip Resistance - Usually a matte finish, R10 slip rating is suitable for indoor areas which experience low to minimal water exposure, and care should be taken on wet floors. These are often used in toilets and kitchens.

• R11: Good Slip Resistance - This is generally the point at which you can use tiles indoors and outdoors in areas that get wet. All of our effect porcelain tiles and colour porcelain tiles at Porcelain Paving Direct have R11 as their minimum slip resistance rating.

• R12: Very Good Slip Resistance - Usually only used in industrial settings where there is likely to be constant exposure to water.

• R13: The Best Slip Resistance - On these surfaces, you can apply static friction and still move forward. This is only necessary for the most heavy-duty industrial settings such as factory floors.

The best non-slip paving for indoors and outdoors

The best non-slip paving for both indoor and outdoor spaces is porcelain paving. Thanks to its extremely low porosity, and textured surface designed for extra grip, combating slips and falls, porcelain is one of the safest options on the market.

Are porcelain tiles less slippery than other materials?

Porcelain tiles with a slip resistance of R11 or higher are less slippery, and therefore safer, than many other materials, especially in wet conditions. Polished natural stones such as smooth limestone, marble, or granite can be very slippery when wet, so buy the porcelain alternatives instead:

• Limestone effect porcelain
• Granite effect porcelain

Also, concrete tiles which are unsealed or sealed without a coating that specifically adds slip-resistance, can be very slippery and dangerous. Buy concrete effect porcelain instead for the same aesthetics with more benefits.

Finally, wooden flooring, especially that which is glossy or smooth, is extremely slippery when dry and when wet. Again, wood effect porcelain tiles are highly slip-resistant, as well as being more durable and much easier to maintain than natural wood.

What paving should you choose for wet conditions?

The best paving for wet conditions is undoubtedly porcelain paving, particularly when it has a slip resistance of R11 or higher. At porcelain paving direct, all of our tiles are rated with a minimum of an R11 slip rating, making them suitable for all indoor areas and outdoor patios alike, without the risk of slipping.

Check out our bestselling porcelain today.

What paving materials withstand freezing conditions?

There are a few types of paving materials which can withstand freezing conditions and the freeze-thaw cycle. For example, concrete pavers can withstand the freeze-thaw cycle without splitting or cracking because it’s very dense. Also, Some natural stones such as granite and slate are also able to survive this cycle, but they are prone to becoming slippery in frost.

Porcelain on the other hand is able to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle thanks to its immensely low porosity, and it is actually one of the least slippery paving materials out there. Whilst no surface can be entirely slip-proof, especially in icy conditions, porcelain with a slip rating of R11 or above is normally ok, even when icy.

How to maintain porcelain paving slip resistance

The primary way to maintain the slip resistance of porcelain paving is by keeping it clean. The beauty of porcelain is that it’s very easy to clean, usually requiring just a gentle sweep with a soft bristled broom. You can also occasionally use a small amount of water to rinse the porcelain, particularly if it is outdoors.

You can also occasionally use a porcelain cleaner to keep it clean and maintain its slip resistance.

During the winter months, if you intend to regularly use your outdoor porcelain paving or patio, we’d recommend clearing any snow or slush from the surface as soon as possible, to avoid the risk of a surface layer of ice forming.