Slip Testing For
Natural Stone.

Marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, slate — every natural stone has distinct slip characteristics, and every stone changes over time as polishing accumulates. Testing is essential both before specification and periodically through the surface’s service life.

Material detail

Stone variation

Different natural stones produce very different PTV results. Riven slate might read PTV 60+ while polished marble can be under 15 when wet. But even within a single stone type, quarry variation, finish, and surface treatment produce huge PTV differences.

Polishing over time

Natural stone polishes under foot traffic. A limestone lobby floor might perform at PTV 38 for its first five years and drop to PTV 22 over the following decade — invisibly. Only periodic testing catches this.

Heritage and conservation

Heritage stone flooring often cannot simply be replaced. We work with conservation officers and heritage teams to document slip risk non-destructively and inform matting, drainage, and user-flow decisions that preserve heritage value.

Frequently asked

Questions about natural stone slip testing

Does natural stone polish over time?

Yes. Limestone, marble, travertine and polished granite all polish under foot traffic. A floor reading PTV 38 in its first year might drop to PTV 22 over a decade — invisibly.

Can you test heritage stone floors non-destructively?

Yes. The pendulum test is entirely non-destructive. We work routinely with conservation officers on Grade I and II listed buildings.

Is there a difference between polished and honed finishes?

Substantial. A polished finish typically reads far lower wet PTV than a honed or brushed finish of the same stone. Finish selection is as important as stone selection.

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Laboratory Testing

Test natural stone samples

On-Site Testing

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