Non-Slip Floor Tiles: The Best Tiles for Safety and Style

Slippery floors aren’t just annoying. They’re dangerous, especially in homes across Australia where wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and patios are part of everyday living.

Non-slip floor tiles are designed to fix that, giving you extra grip exactly where it matters most. 

Built with textured surfaces or specialised finishes, they help prevent slips in wet or high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and pool surrounds.

They’re not just functional. Today’s non-slip tiles come in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes that look just as good as they perform. 

This makes them a smart choice for homes and commercial spaces where safety and design go hand in hand.

Non-Slip Floor Tiles

What Makes a Tile Non-Slip?

What makes a tile “non-slip” comes down to how well it grips underfoot. This is influenced by four key things: texture, finish, material, and whether the tile has been tested for slip resistance.

Together, these features reduce the risk of slips and falls without sacrificing style.

Texture

In Sydney homes, textured and matt-finish porcelain tiles are ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and outdoor patios. This texture increases friction, especially when the tile is wet, reducing the risk of slipping.

Tile Finish

The finish plays a huge role in slip resistance.

Non-slip tiles often come in a matt, structured, or anti-slip finish. These finishes are designed to scatter moisture instead of letting it pool, which helps prevent slipping.

Wallking On Non Slip Floor Tiles

Material

Certain materials naturally perform better for slip resistance.

Porcelain and ceramic are the most common non-slip tile materials, as they’re strong, low-maintenance, and can be manufactured with slip-resistant surfaces.

Natural stone, like slate or granite, can also be non-slip, especially if honed or treated.

Tested for Safety

True non-slip tiles are tested and rated for safety.

The most common rating is the R Rating, which ranges from R9 (low grip) to R13 (very high grip). The higher the rating, the more slip resistance it offers.

In Australia, the P Rating (Pendulum Test) is the preferred testing method as it is used for wet areas and commercial compliance.

Non Slip Floor Tiles Material

Tile Slip Ratings Explained

Slip ratings are a simple way to understand how much grip a tile provides underfoot. These ratings help you understand how safe a tile is to walk on, especially in wet, slippery, or high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor patios, and pool surrounds.

In Australia, there are two main systems used to rate slip resistance:

 

P Ratings (Pendulum Test Ratings)

The P Rating comes from the pendulum slip test, which is the Australian standard for measuring slip resistance, especially for wet surfaces.

This test uses a swinging rubber heel to mimic someone slipping. The result is a P value (P0 to P5) that tells you how safe the tile is when wet.

P ratings are often used for public, commercial, and outdoor areas, but they’re just as helpful when choosing tiles for your home.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each P rating means:

   Pendulum Classification    Slip Risk    Best For
   P0    Very low    Not recommended for flooring
   P1    Very high    Dry indoor areas with no moisture
   P2    Very high    Low-traffic indoor areas
   P3    High    General indoor flooring
   P4    Moderate    Kitchens, bathrooms, and undercover outdoor areas
   P5    Low    Pool areas, open outdoor spaces, and commercial kitchens

 

R Ratings (Ramp Test Ratings)

The R Rating is a slip resistance scale based on a ramp test. It measures how much grip a tile offers when walked on at an angle with standard footwear and oil applied to the surface.

R ratings range from R9 to R13, with higher numbers offering better slip resistance. This helps you choose the right tile depending on where it’s going.

Use the guide below to understand which R rating is best suited for different spaces:

   Slip Resistance Value    Slip Risk    Best For
   R9    Very high    Dry indoor areas only
   R10    High    General indoor areas, light moisture
   R11    Moderate    Kitchens, laundries, and covered outdoor spaces
   R12    Low    Commercial kitchens, ramps, and high-traffic wet areas
   R13    Very low    Food processing zones, heavy-duty industrial spaces

 

Which Slip Rating Do You Need for Each Area?

Not every room needs the highest slip rating, but knowing what’s suitable for each space can help you choose smarter and stay safer.

Here’s a simple guide to help you match the right R Rating or P Rating to the most common areas in a home or commercial setting:

   Area    Recommended R Rating    Recommended P Rating
   Bathrooms    R10    P4
   Kitchens & Laundries    R10    P3–P4
   Entryways & Hallways    R9–R10    P3
   Outdoor Patios    R11–R12    P5
   Poolsides & Wet Zones    R12–R13    P5
   Commercial Areas    R11–R13    P4–P5

Best Non-Slip Floor Tiles

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to non-slip tiles. The perfect tile option depends on the area of installation, your style preferences, and how much grip you need.

Here are some of the most popular and reliable non-slip floor tiles we recommend for Australian homes and commercial spaces:

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain non-slip tiles are one of the most popular options in Australian homes due to their versatility and performance in all weather conditions. Porcelain tiles are dense, durable, water-resistant, and come in a wide range of finishes and slip ratings.

    • Great for: Bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas including alfresco, balconies and walkways. 
    • Available in: Stone-look, timber-look, concrete, terrazzo styles, large format

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a more budget-friendly option with a good grip for indoor use. While not as dense as porcelain, they still perform well in light, wet areas. They’re lightweight and easier to cut, which makes them a favourite for DIY and renovation projects.

    • Great for: Bathrooms, laundries, splash zones
    • Available in: Gloss, matte, and structured finishes

Porcelain Non Slip Floor Tiles

Natural Stone Tiles

Stone tiles like slate, granite, or travertine offer natural texture and a premium look. When properly sealed and finished, they provide excellent slip resistance. They also add long-term value and character to any setting.

    • Great for: Entryways, patios, pool sides
    • Available in: Honed, flamed, or brushed finishes

Mosaic Tiles

Small tiles mean more grout lines and more grip. Mosaic tiles are perfect for light traffic areas such as showers and wet zones where added traction and flexibility are essential. They’re stylish, space-saving, and ideal for tricky areas or curved surfaces.

    • Great for: Shower floors, spa areas, curved surfaces, bathrooms, laundry
    • Available in: Glass, ceramic, stone

Natural Stone Non Slip Tiles

Key Benefits of Non-Slip Floor Tiles

Non-slip tiles do more than just prevent accidents. They offer a smart, stylish, and long-lasting flooring solution for both homes and commercial spaces. 

Here’s why they’re worth the investment:

1. Safer for Everyone

Slip-resistant tiles help reduce the risk of falls, especially in wet areas. They’re ideal for families with kids, elderly residents, or anyone who values peace of mind underfoot.

2. Designed for Wet Zones

Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and outdoor spaces. These tiles maintain grip even when exposed to water, soap, or spills.

3. Stylish Options Available

You don’t have to sacrifice looks for safety. Non-slip floor tiles come in a wide range of finishes like stone-look, timber-look, terrazzo, concrete, and more.

Non Slip Tiles In Wet Zones

4. Low Maintenance & Durable

Non-slip tiles are easy to clean and built to last. Their textured or matt surfaces handle heavy use without wearing down or becoming slippery over time.

If your tiles need a refresh, learn the best way to clean tiled floors them here.

5. Suitable for Indoor & Outdoor Use

With the right slip rating, non-slip tiles work across the whole home, from shower floors to patios and poolside areas. Many are UV- and weather-resistant, too.

6. Adds Long-Term Value

Safe, stylish flooring adds appeal to your property. Whether you’re renovating or building, non-slip tiles are a smart upgrade that delivers on both function and design.

Outdoor Non Slip Tiles

Installation Tips for Non-Slip Floor Tiles

1. Choose the Right Tile

If you’re installing non-slip floor tiles in coastal or humid areas around Sydney, make sure to choose a tile with a higher R rating and UV resistance. For wet zones like showers, outdoor paths, or pool surrounds, always go with R11 or P4–P5 for maximum safety.

Want more options? Check out our blog post on the best floor tiles for every area.

2. Use the Correct Adhesive

Non-slip tiles require a high-performance adhesive for proper bonding. Use waterproof grout in wet areas to prevent moisture build-up and staining.

Learn how to use the right adhesive in our step-by-step guide on laying floor tiles.

Non Slip Floor Tiles Types

3. Mind the Tile Direction

Some non-slip tiles have a directional texture or grain, especially wood-look styles. Lay them in the correct direction to ensure an even grip and a better finish.

4. Keep Grout Joints Consistent

Smaller grout joints can make non-slip tiles harder to clean, but very wide joints can affect appearance. A consistent, well-finished grout line to Australian Standard improves both safety and style.

Not sure how to grout properly? Check out our guide on tile grout.

5. Seal if Required

Porcelain and ceramic non-slip tiles usually don’t need sealing. But natural stone tiles should be sealed properly to maintain their grip and prevent water damage.

Sealing The Grout

Shop Non-Slip Floor Tiles Built for Everyday Living

Functional flooring doesn’t have to look boring. Our extensive range of non-slip floor tiles offers smart grip and sharp design, ready for any room in your home.

Perfect for wet zones and busy spaces, our range covers bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, and more. Each tile is handpicked for grip, durability, and everyday performance.

Our in-house interior designer, Stephanie, will help you choose the right tile for each space so everything looks good and works well.

Browse our collection of floor tiles or visit our Sydney showroom to see them in person and get expert guidance.

 

Non-Slip Floor Tiles FAQs

What are non-slip floor tiles?

Non-slip floor tiles are tiles made with a textured surface or special coating that improves grip. They help prevent slips and falls, especially in wet or high-use areas.

Are non-slip tiles suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, many non-slip tiles are made specifically for the outdoors. Non-slip outdoor tiles usually with high R  (R11–R13) or P (P4-P5) rating can handle water, weather, and heavy foot traffic safely.

Are porcelain floor tiles slippery?

Porcelain tiles can be slippery if they have a polished or glossy finish. However, textured or matt-finish porcelain tiles with a slip rating are ideal for wet areas and provide excellent grip.

What is the best non-slip tile for a shower?

Mosaic tiles or small-format textured porcelain tiles are ideal for showers. Go for floor specific tiles as they provide better traction due to more grout lines and are easier to lay on sloped or curved surfaces.

How long does anti-slip flooring last?

Anti-slip tiles are made to last many years, often as long as the tile itself. Unlike surface coatings that can wear down, the grip is built into the tile and doesn’t fade with proper care.

What material is best for non-slip?

Porcelain is the most popular non-slip material thanks to its durability, water resistance, and wide range of slip-rated finishes, styles and formats. Natural stone and textured ceramic tiles are also great options.

Are non-slip tiles hard to clean?

Not at all. Non-slip tiles are generally easy to clean with mild detergent and warm water. Just avoid waxy cleaners that leave a slippery film on the surface.

What flooring is best for non-slip?

Slip-rated porcelain tiles are the best all-around choice for non-slip flooring. They offer high grip, look great, and perform well indoors and out.