Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most-tested flooring material in the UK. From unglazed quarry tiles to high-gloss porcelain, the PTV variation within the category is enormous — and specification without testing is a common cause of commercial slip claims.
Ceramic tiles range from highly textured quarry tile (PTV 50+) to mirror-polished porcelain (PTV under 10 when wet). The texture of the surface matters far more than the manufacturer’s marketing claims — we routinely test tiles sold as "anti-slip" that fail wet-condition PTV thresholds.
Laboratory testing of tile samples before specification is the single most cost-effective service for specifiers. It prevents the common mistake of specifying a tile that photographs beautifully but performs poorly underfoot. In-situ testing after installation verifies the installed performance.
Installation choices affect slip performance. Grout lines can improve PTV by providing drainage channels — but polished tile+ smooth grout combinations can create worse PTV than either surface tested alone. Sealers and polishes can dramatically reduce PTV.
Yes — laboratory pre-testing of tile samples is the most cost-effective way to verify slip resistance. Send a sample (minimum 30cm × 30cm) to our UKAS laboratory for BS 7976 / BS EN 16165 certification.
It can. Grout lines can improve PTV by providing drainage, but polished tile with smooth grout can create worse PTV than either surface alone. We test the installed combination, not just the tile.
Not always. We routinely test tiles marketed as anti-slip that fail wet-condition PTV thresholds. Independent testing is the only way to verify manufacturer claims.
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