Tile Slip Ratings & Variations Explained
UNDERSTANDING SLIP RATINGS IN AUSTRALIA:
In Australia, tile slip resistance is measured using two primary methods:
Pendulum Test (P Rating): Assesses the friction between a tile surface and a rubber-soled foot under various conditions—wet, dry, or contaminated. It provides a practical reflection of how the tile performs in real-life environments:
P0 - Very high slip risk
P1 - Very high slip risk
P2 - High slip risk
P3 - Moderate slip risk (we recommend P3 or greater for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries)
P4 - Low slip risk (P4 or greater is best for outdoor areas)
P5 - Very low slip risk
Oil-Wet Ramp Test (R Rating): Evaluates how slip-resistant a tile is by testing a sloped tile coated in oil. A technician walks on it with rubber footwear, and the angle at which they begin to slip
Determines it’s R rating.
R9 - Very High Slip Risk
R10 - High Slip Risk
R11 - Moderate Slip Risk
R12 - Low Slip Risk
R13 - Very low slip risk
These tests help ensure your tile selection meets the safety standards required for your intended space—whether it’s a residential bathroom or a bustling commercial kitchen.
Tiles that are not rated have not undergone testing to determine their slip-rating.
Do my tiles need to be slip rated?
Slip ratings are great to use as a guide for selecting flooring in Australian homes but there is no obligation to meet requirements for general flooring in residential projects. The Australian National Construction Code (NCC) only mandates slip rating in residential applications for the following areas:
Stair nosing and landings - P3/R10 dry areas or P4/R11 wet areas
Ramps - between P3 and P5 or R10 and R12 depending on the incline ratio
In low-risk areas like living rooms or bedroom feature walls, slip ratings aren't essential. However, they may still be useful if the space transitions into a slippery zone or if safety is a top priority for your users.
For further information on the requirements for slip rating application, it’s best to consult your tiling contractor, as certain areas of your project may be subjected to different and unique environments.
WHAT DO THE TILE VARIATION RATINGS MEAN?
Tiles are often designed with the whole collection in mind, some with a very large pattern that is broken up between the individual tiles. Boxes of tiles may include a mixture that vary in colour, texture, or pattern according to the design for the series or collection. The ratings have been developed to help you understand the level of unique variation within each collection of tiles. The higher the rating, the more variation you will find between the individual tiles.
Many tiles replicate organic textures—stone, timber, terrazzo—and natural materials vary by nature. Variation levels often mimic this authenticity, especially in collections influenced by Japanese Raku, Spanish ceramics, or handmade Italian finishes.
Tile variations describe the differences in colour, texture, pattern, and finish that can occur between individual tiles within the same collection. These aren’t flaws — they’re intentional design elements that add character and depth.
V1 - Tiles will have uniform overall appearance with minimal to no texture or colour variation
V2 - Tiles will be similarly coloured with slight variation in texture and pattern
V3 - Tiles will feature moderate variation in appearance of colour and texture
V4 - Tiles will have substantial variation in colour and texture for a unique appearance
It is important to note that all of the categories above have some range differences,
Consequently, they should be checked before installation to ensure you’re totally happy with the variation within the range. Tiles should also be selected from several cartons randomly and laid with the bisque logo and/or arrow facing the same direction, the latter avoiding aesthetic issues.