How to Pick the Right Anti-Slip Tiles for Wet Areas
When designing a space, we often focus on colours, patterns, and finishes — but in areas exposed to water, safety is just as important as style.
Wet floors can be slippery, making it essential to choose tiles that provide the right level of grip without compromising on design.
Understanding Slip Resistance
Not all tiles are created equal when it comes to slip resistance. To help guide your choice, tiles are tested and rated using what’s known as the R-rating. The “R” stands for ramp, referring to a test that measures how slip-resistant a tile is at different angles.
The higher the number, the greater the resistance to slipping.
The R-rating indicates a tile’s level of slip resistance. Tiles with an R9 rating are suited for dry indoor spaces such as bedrooms, corridors, or living rooms. R10 tiles provide medium slip resistance, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and light commercial areas. For spaces that are regularly wet such as showers, wet rooms, outdoor areas, and pool surroundings, an R11 rating is recommended as they offer very high slip resistance.
Choosing the Right R-Rating for Your Space
Each area of the home experiences different levels of moisture and foot traffic, so selecting tiles with the appropriate R-rating is key.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
These spaces are prone to splashes but not constant water exposure. An R10 tile provides just the right balance, smooth underfoot yet secure enough to prevent slips. RAK Ceramics’ Anti-Slip Barefoot+ technology takes this a step further, offering excellent non-slip performance with a pleasant, comfortable feel even when the floor is wet. It’s a practical choice for everyday comfort and safety in home interiors. The range also includes Barefoot Soft, which provides a gentle, cushioned texture underfoot while maintaining strong slip resistance, and SOFTECH, an advanced surface technology that combines high slip resistance with a soft, tactile feel. Designed for seamless indoor and outdoor use, SOFTECH offers anti-reflective properties, comfort, and safety while maintaining visual and functional continuity across spaces.
Showers and Pool Areas
For spaces that are regularly wet, look for R11 or higher. These tiles are designed with micro-textures that enhance grip and provide reliable traction underfoot.
Outdoor Terraces and Pathways
Constantly exposed to weather and moisture, these areas benefit from R11-rated tiles for added safety. RAK Ceramics also offers a dedicated outdoor tile collection in 20mm thickness, combining durability with high slip resistance, ideal for terraces, patios, and garden walkways.
Design and Texture
Advancements in tile technology have made it possible to blend safety with style. Today’s anti-slip tiles are available in a wide range of looks and finishes — from natural stone and warm wood tones to contemporary concrete textures — all designed to complement any interior or exterior theme.
Textured surfaces no longer have to feel rough or industrial. Modern anti-slip finishes now feature a soft, matte texture that combines practicality with understated elegance. The latest generation of these surfaces offers a refined, non-reflective finish and a gentle tactile feel, delivering the perfect balance between underfoot comfort and reliable safety — ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.
Finding the Perfect Balance
Choosing anti-slip tiles is about combining safety with comfort and design. Understanding the R-rating system helps you select surfaces suited to each space from bathrooms
to outdoor areas ensuring every step feels secure and effortless creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for any environment.
