Just like style matters, safety is equally an important aspect of Indian homes. Consider it: your bathroom floors after a shower, your balconies during the monsoon, and even your kitchen tiles can all pose significant safety risks, as slipping is common in these areas. That’s why slip ratings in tiles are crucial. These recognised global safety standards can help homeowners make informed decisions about the types of tiles they choose for different areas of the house. Understanding the ‘slip rating’ factor can truly make all the difference and distinction between a safe living space and something prone to avoidable risks
Essentially, slip ratings in tiles measure how resistant the surface of the tile is to slipping. This is determined by a value called the Coefficient of Friction (COF). The higher the friction, the safer (more slip-resistant) the tile is considered. Since this is recognised worldwide, one of the most common benchmarks is the DIN 51130 standard. According to this standard, slip-resistant tiles are classified into grades from R9 to R13.
When choosing tiles for your home, one factor to consider would be their safety. Of course, looks are important, but it is also crucial not to consider the risk of slips and falls, especially in homes with elderly people, pets, or children. Choosing tiles with an R9 slip rating for residential spaces is a matter of looks and functional safety, as they can help prevent accidents. Apart from houses, R9 tiles are also suitable for some light commercial settings like cafes, small offices, retail stores, etc., wherein customer safety aspects have to be kept in mind. These tiles stand out as they balance safety and style, giving you peace of mind, so you can enjoy elegant floors without compromising on safety.
Technically, R9 tiles offer basic slip-resistance properties, and therefore, are best suited for primarily dry indoor areas where the risk of slipping is not significant. Ideally, these tiles can be used in these spaces
A crucial point to remember is that R9 tiles are not recommended for wet spaces in the house, like <ஸ்பான் ஸ்டைல்="font-weight:400;">குளியலறைகள்ஸ்பான்>, pool areas, etc. For these areas, go for R10 to R12 slip rating tiles as they provide much better safety.
When it comes to choosing the right tiles for your home, considering the slip ratings has now become important to add safety and functionality. Here is what you need to know to identify your needs
Slip Rating | Friction Level | இதற்கு பொருத்தமானது | Common Areas of Application |
R9 | Low slip resistance | Dry indoor spaces | Bedrooms, living rooms, office spaces |
R10 | Moderate slip resistance | Areas with occasional moisture | Kitchens, corridors, balconies |
R11 | High slip resistance | Wet areas and light outdoor use | Bathrooms, utility areas |
R12 | Very high slip resistance | Constant wet areas | Outdoor pathways, terraces |
R13 | Maximum slip resistance | Heavy-duty industrial areas + Outdoor use | Swimming pool areas, industrial floorings |
This classification gives a clear idea of which slip rating works best for different areas. But apart from these ratings, there are also specific tests that measure slip resistance under real-life conditions. One of the most widely recognised methods is ramp testing, which helps determine how tiles perform in both commercial and domestic spaces.
The Shod Test with safety boots measures the slip resistance, and the tiles are graded from R9 to R13 based on the degrees of incline. This test uses a harness and safety boots on a wet surface and an incline. While this is useful for commercial areas, it is not the best way to measure slip resistance for domestic tiles. This test does not consider slip resistance when you are barefoot
The same test is conducted barefoot, and the grading given is A, B, and C based on the slip resistance. This test is more relevant for domestic usage
ABC Rating (DIN 51097) | Slip Angle (degrees) |
A | Dry barefoot areas (ideal for domestic use) |
B | Pools and wet areas like showers |
C | Commercial pools, gym showers, jacuzzis |
Both tests for ratings are beneficial in their own right. When you are looking for tiles in your space, consider the ratings for each area.
Orientbell Tiles offers a fantastic and thoughtfully curated range of anti-skid tiles that help make your house safer while maintaining its style quotient. These tiles are ideal for areas prone to moisture as they provide extra grip that reduces the risk of slips and falls. Upgrade your home with our high-quality anti-skid tile collection that makes your floor elegant and secure
We recommend using the Trialook tool on our website. It is an easy way to visualize these tiles in your space before buying them.
With us, safety is the core factor in every tile design. We ensure that our tile collection is created with global and internationally recognised standards that not only ensure durability but are also slip-resistant. Each tile category from R9 to R13 is rigorously tested for its performance to ensure it delivers what it promises. Get the flooring that you deserve, which looks stunning and assures you of the much-needed safety in your homes and offices. No matter where it is installed, we ensure the highest quality and standards. You get the benefits of elegance and security – all in one place
Watch this video to learn simple yet effective bathroom safety tips for seniors and how anti-skid tiles play a vital role in preventing falls
Of course, slip resistance might not be the first thing you think about when buying tiles, but we encourage you to consider it as one of the most crucial factors for creating a safe home environment. An R9 slip rating provides an excellent solution for most indoor spaces, offering comfort, peace of mind, and a timeless style. Contact our experts to arrange a consultation and gain professional insights. Explore Orientbell’s range of safe and stylish tiles today and discover the perfect blend of beauty and safety.
The R9 slip rating is a global standard that essentially indicates the slip-resistance properties of tiles. R9 is the entry-level slip resistance, which is suited for dry indoor spaces in the house.
Since R9 offers basic slip resistance, it is ideal for spaces that do not have much exposure to water, such as living rooms, dining rooms, corridors, bedrooms, etc.
R9 tiles are not generally recommended for installation in bathrooms or kitchens, since they do not have as much grip. Use higher slip rating tiles, like R10 or R11, for areas exposed to more water.
The slip rating of a tile is measured with a Ramp Test. This test checks the grip the particular tile offers when walked on at an angle. The units are measured between R9 to R13 with an increasing degree of resistance.
Other common slip ratings are R10 and R11, which are known to provide better slip resistance as compared to R9. R10 is commonly used in kitchens, R11 can be used for bathrooms, while R12 and R13 are recommended for commercial and outdoor spaces.
No, R9 tile rating does not affect the visual look or the maintenance of tiles in any way. They are easy to clean, and their upkeep requires no special effort, while being safer in nature.
If R9 tiles are used in borderline areas (not very dry areas), you can choose to apply anti-slip coatings or install anti-slip mats. Keep the area ventilated and the drainage system sound to prevent water from pooling.