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Technical
6 min read
When choosing tiles the colour, texture, size and finish are often the first things we consider but there is another detail that plays an important role in how a tile performs: its slip rating.
Slip ratings are designed to give you an indication of how a surface performs under different conditions, helping you choose a tile that is appropriate for the way a space will be used. This is particularly important in areas where water, moisture or other contaminants may be present.
While slip ratings are an important part of tile selection, they are not the only consideration. The way the space is designed, how the space is used, who uses the space, how much water it receives, drainage, cleaning and even the type of footwear (or barefoot) used can all influence how a surface performs.
What is a slip rating?
A slip rating is the result of a standardized test that measures the slip resistance of a surface.
In Australia, slip resistance is classified under AS 4586, which includes several different testing methods. The most commonly referenced is the wet pendulum test which produces a P rating from 0-5. There is also an oil-wet ramp test which produces an R rating from 9-13.
The higher the number, the greater the measured slip resistance within the particular testing system. However, a higher rating isn’t automatically better for every application. A highly textured tile may provide excellent grip but can also be more difficult to clean in specific applications.
The goal is to find the right balance between safety, practicality, maintenance and design.
P ratings
The wet pendulum test measures the slip resistance of a surface on a flat plane when wet, producing a classification from P0, the lowest level, through to P5, the highest level. It is particularly relevant to pedestrian areas where water may be present.
As a general guide:
- P0-1 (Lower) – General dry internal areas where water is unlikely
- P2 (Moderate) – Dry internal areas and some low-risk spaces
- P3 (Good) – Internal bathrooms, laundries and areas that may occasionally become wet
- P4 (High) – Higher risk wet areas, external and commercial applications
- P5 (Very High) – External applications and pool surrounds
These are useful starting points rather than hard rules. The appropriate rating depends on the specific conditions of the space and how the surface will be used.
R ratings
These ratings range from R9-R13 and are produced using an oil-wet inclined ramp test.
As a general guide:
- R9 (Lower) – General dry internal areas
- R10 (Moderate) – Internal bathrooms, laundries and entries
- R11 (Higher) – External applications and ramps
- R12 (Very High) – Areas exposed to significant contamination or moisture
- R13 (Highest) – Heavy-duty commercial and industrial environments
It is important to remember that R ratings and P ratings come from different tests, so they are not always direct equivalents.
Does a higher slip rating always mean a better tile?
Not necessarily.
A highly textured surface can provide excellent slip resistance, particularly when wet, but too much grip can potentially affect how easily a person’s foot moves across the surface and may contribute to a stumble or trip. For this reason, good surface selection should consider both slip and stumble risks rather than focusing on slip resistance alone.
There are also practical considerations. Highly textured tiles can be more difficult to clean, may feel different underfoot and may not achieve the aesthetic you are looking for.
The goal is not simply to choose the tile with the highest rating. It is to choose a surface that provides an appropriate level of slip resistance without creating unnecessary obstacles to safe, comfortable movement.
Understanding the conditions of your space, alongside the tiles test results and the relevant project requirements, will help you make a more informed decision.
Choosing the right slip rating for your space
Every space has different requirements therefore there is no one-size-fits-all approach to slip resistance.
The following recommendations are a general guide to help you start your tile selections.
Internal bathroom & shower floors
For an internal bathroom floor, P3 rating can be a good starting point, offering a balance between slip resistance, comfort and ease of cleaning.
Smaller format tiles can also be beneficial in shower areas, as the additional grout joints can contribute to traction and allow greater flexibility when creating falls towards a waste (water outlet).
Laundry & toilet floors
Laundries and toilets can experience occasional water or contaminant spills therefore a P3 rating is a sensible starting point.
Always consider the specific layout and use of the room. A laundry with a floor waste and frequent exposure to water (e.g. if there is a dog bath installed) may have different requirements to a separate toilet that remains predominantly dry.
Kitchen
Kitchens require a balance between slip resistance and practicality as water, food spills and cleaning products can occasionally make the floor slippery. A P3 rating can be a good starting point for many residential kitchens to provide aesthetic and practical balance whilst considering that kitchens tend to be a high-traffic area.
Alfresco
Alfresco areas are exposed to changing weather conditions can become wet from rain, making slip resistance an important consideration.
A P4 or P5 rating may be appropriate for outdoor areas, depending on how exposed the space is and how much water it is likely to receive. A covered alfresco with good drainage will have different conditions to a completely exposed area which should be considered when making your selection.
Pool
Pool surrounds require particular consideration because they combine regular exposure to water with barefoot use therefore a high level of slip resistance of P4 or P5 rating is important.
A note on Standards and Project Requirements
The recommendations throughout this blog are intended to provide general direction only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or project-specific requirements.
The National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards (AS) and any applicable local council regulations for project requirements should always be consulted when selecting tiles for a particular application.
Some projects may also require approval or advice from a building surveyor or other relevant professional. If your project has specific compliance requirements, it is wise to confirm these before selecting your tiles. Doing so allows the appropriate slip test reports to be obtained for the tiles being considered, helping to ensure the selected surface performs as intended and meets the requirements of the project.
Slip ratings are an important tool when selecting tiles but they are just one part of the decision.
The right tile needs to work with the conditions of the space, the way it will be used and the level of exposure to water or other contaminants. It should also feel right for the people using it and suit the practical requirements of cleaning and maintenance.
And, of course, there is the design.
Sometimes you may find the perfect tile that doesn’t have the slip rating you initially expected, or a particular finish may be the one that completes the vision. That doesn’t necessarily mean it cannot be considered – it simply means understanding the characteristics of the surface and the potential risks involved is important before making your decision.
Ultimately, slip ratings are there to help you make a more informed choice, not to take the creativity out of selecting your tiles.
At Rossetto Tiles, we believe the best spaces bring together beautiful design and thoughtful performance. Understanding slip ratings means you can make your tile selection with confidence, knowing where a particular finish works beautifully and where a little more grip may be worth considering.
If you’re unsure which tile or finish is right for your space, our team can help you compare the options and find the right balance between the look you love and the performance your space needs.
Published on 08th September 2026
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