If you are looking to purchase tiles for your bathroom, kitchen, utility room or even a busy hallway, it is important to consider the safety of these often-wet areas. There are many tiles available which are designed to be both stylish and safe, with non-slip floor tiles offering the ideal solution for every area which has the potential to become wet and slippery.
In this blog we take a closer look at anti-slip floor tiles, so that you can find and install the most effective designs which match your interior style.
What are non-slip tiles?
Unlike the smooth surface of standard tiles, anti-slip floor tiles provide extra grip through a matt glaze which adds a texture to the tile surface. The glaze does not compromise on the finished tiles appearance or durability, and there are various designs, patterns and sizes available to suit every tiling project.
There are many terms used to describe non-slip tiles, including anti-slip tiles, tactile tiles, slip proof tiles and non-slippery tiles, however, each phrase is simply used to describe tiles which provide improved grip when wet.
The benefits of non-slip floor tiles
Non-slip tiles are available to suit every environment, with designs available for every room size, layout and design. With unrivalled practicality, a beautiful finish and excellent durability, there are many benefits of non-slip floor tiles, including:
• Improved safety – Accidents do happen, especially in busy homes. However, anti-slip floor tiles will improve the safety of your tiles in areas where moisture is common.
• Low maintenance – From spilt drinks to muddy footprints, a tiled floor is quick to sweep, hoover and mop.
• Durability – In addition to bathrooms and kitchens, tiles are a great choice for areas with heavy footfall such as hallways and entrances. With anti-slip tiles available in a range of materials, you can install stylish flooring which will withstand daily wear and tear for many years.
• Design – There are so many potential non-slip tile designs available, so you are sure to find a design which is perfect for your interior. From traditional styles to patterns and contemporary tiles, there are many colours, sizes and textures available.
What types of anti-slip tiles are available?
The majority of non-slip tiles follow a rating system, with gradings from R9 through to R13. In terms of domestic use, the R9 tiles will offer a basic anti-slip layer and R12 tends to be the highest non-slip rating used. In terms of public buildings such as leisure centres, bathrooms and commercial spaces with pools, the R13 tiles are the specialist choice as they offer a very high amount of slip resistance.
The following is a detailed overview of the potential ratings:
• R9 – These are basic matt finish tiles which offer a coarse finish that is ideal for general domestic use, such as in hallways, entrances and utility rooms.
• R10 – Offering a slightly more slip resistant surface than the R9 rated tiles, these are ideal for tiling floors with a slight gradient. The majority of R10 tiles have a matt finish, although some unglazed options are available.
• R11 and R12 – These tiles are available as both unglazed and glazed options, and they are the highest level of slip-resistance generally available for domestic use. This surface is ideal for use in wetrooms, bathrooms, shower rooms and ensuites. They are also used in commercial environments such as airports, shopping centres and hotels.
• R13 – This is the highest anti-slip rating available, and they are usually only used by local councils or when specified by an engineer or architect. If safety is the key element in an area, these are the tiles to use.
Where should I use anti-slip tiles?
The most important factor to consider is how wet the tiles may get, with bathrooms, wetrooms and kitchens often subject to water from splashes and cleaning. However, hallways and utility rooms are also prone to becoming slippery, especially when wet shoes and boots bring mud and water in from outside.
Secondly, you need to consider the vulnerability of those living in your home, with young children and the elderly often benefiting from the enhanced safety of slip-resistant tiles. In these situations, you may find that hallways, entrances and even living areas are ideal areas for non-slip tiles.
We hope you found this blog interesting, and if there is anything else you would like to know our team are always on-hand. As a wholesale supplier of tiles and tiling equipment throughout the UK and Ireland, we are committed to offering the best products, excellent delivery times and expert tiling knowledge. To find out more about stocking any of our products or to find your nearest supplier, please contact our team today.