Slip Resistant Tiles For Accessible Bathrooms

How Is Slip Resistance Measured?

When choosing slip-resistant floor tiles, you may come across R ratings and Pendulum Test Values (PTV). Both are used to indicate how slip resistant a floor surface is and can help determine whether a tile is suitable for a bathroom.

R Ratings

R rated tiles range from R9 to R13, with higher ratings indicating greater slip resistance. R10 and R11 tiles are commonly considered the most suitable for areas where floors may become wet.

PTV Values

A Pendulum Test Value (PTV) is another measure of slip resistance, with a wet PTV of 36 or above generally considered to represent a low slip risk value.

At More Ability, we’ll help you make sense of the different options and technical detail. As part of our full design and installation service, your designer will discuss suitable flooring with you during your free home design appointment, considering your mobility needs, bathroom design preferences and how you use the space day to day.

Slip Resistant Tiles Vs Anti-Slip Vinyl: Which Is Right For You?

Both slip resistant tiles and anti-slip vinyl flooring can be suitable for mobility bathrooms. Tiles may be preferred for their appearance and colour contrast, while specialist vinyl can offer a practical, easy-to-maintain solution, particularly for wet rooms.

The right choice depends on your mobility needs, bathroom design and personal preferences. As part of our complete design and fit service, we'll help you choose the most suitable flooring for your individual requirements.

Ceramic And Porcelain Slip Resistant Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain are popular choices for non-slip bathroom tiles, with both available in a range of slip-resistant finishes.

Porcelain has lower water absorption, making it particularly suitable for wet areas, while ceramic can also be suitable when an appropriate slip-resistant finish is chosen. As part of our bathroom design service, we’ll ensure the slip resistance and suitability of your chosen flooring meet your individual needs.

Natural Stone Slip Resistant Tiles: Marble And Travertine

Natural stone can be used in accessible bathrooms, but the finish is particularly important. Polished marble can become slippery when wet, while textured travertine may offer greater slip resistance.

Natural stone also requires more maintenance, so we would only recommend it where its slip resistance and practicality are suitable for the individual's needs.

Glass And Mosaic Tiles

Glass and mosaic tiles are generally better suited to bathroom walls and feature areas than bathroom floors.

While grout lines can provide additional grip with mosaic tiles, the tiles themselves may still be smooth. As part of our full design and installation service, we’ll consider your mobility and safety needs and specify a more suitable slip-resistant flooring option where required.

Wet Room And Wet Floor Shower Tiles

Flooring is particularly important in an accessible wet floor shower, mobility level access shower and disabled wet room as surfaces are regularly and increasingly exposed to water.

Depending on your needs, appropriately specified nonslip bathroom tiles or specialist anti-slip vinyl may be suitable. The right option will depend on your mobility, bathroom design and wider shower specification.

Tile Colour, Contrast And Visual Impairment

For someone with a visual impairment, flooring can also provide important colour and tonal contrast between different bathroom surfaces.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) helps measure this contrast, with around a 30-point difference between adjoining surfaces commonly recommended to provide clearer visual definition.

To find out more about using colour, contrast and other design considerations to create a safer and more accessible bathroom, read our dedicated article on adapting a bathroom for someone with visual impairment.

Reducing The Risk Of Slips And Falls In An Accessible Bathroom

Slip resistant flooring is just one way to make an accessible bathroom safer. Level-access showering, grab rails, shower seating and appropriate lighting can all help reduce the risk of slips and falls.

If making your bathroom safer is a priority, our guide to avoiding slips and falls in the bathroom explores the different adaptations and practical considerations that can help you create a safer, more accessible bathing environment.

Slip Resistant Flooring As Part Of A Complete Accessible Bathroom Adaptation

At More Ability we don’t supply or install slip resistant tiles as a standalone service. Instead, suitable flooring can be specified as part of our complete accessible bathroom design and fit service, tailored to your individual mobility and bathing needs.

From initial design and specification through to installation and aftercare, we manage your entire bathroom adaptation. Book a free home design appointment with one of our experienced designers to discuss your requirements, or visit our showrooms in Leeds, Harrogate, Otley or Mirfield.

Finally, depending on your circumstances, eligible adaptations may qualify for VAT relief, helping to reduce the overall cost of your project. To find out more about eligibility and which works may qualify, visit our VAT relief page.