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Choosing the Perfect Anti-Slip Bathroom Flooring
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The bathroom is a cause of concern for specific family members with particular needs, like the grandparents and children, or just everybody’s overall well-being.
The risk of slips and falls on wet surfaces poses a real threat. This guide will talk about anti-slip flooring options and how you can make an informed decision weighing important factors.
Anti-Slip Ratings
Anti-slip ratings are a standardised way of measuring and comparing the slip resistance of different flooring materials. In Singapore, the most widely recognised system is the R-rating scale. This is based on the Oil Wet Ramp Test.
The higher the number in the rating, the greater the slip resistance.
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- R9 – This is suitable for dry areas or those with minimal moisture; not recommended for bathrooms.
- R10 – This is appropriate for most residential bathrooms; you are offered with a good balance of slip resistance and ease of cleaning.
- R11 – It has higher slip resistance and is ideal for areas that are prone to frequent wetness.
- R12 and R13 – These have extremely high slip resistance. They are usually used in industrial settings or outdoor areas.
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SG’s Recognition of the Oil Wet Ramp Test
The Building and Construction Authority recognises the OWRT as a standard for determining slip resistance. How does this test work?
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- Two personnel walk on a platform coated with oil.
- Gradually increase the ramp’s gradient until a slip happens.
- Record the angle at which the slip happens to determine the R-rating.
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For example, R9 (6 to 9 degrees), R10 (10 to 18 degrees), R11 (19 to 26 degrees)
Importance of Choosing the Right Rating (Bathrooms)
An R10 rating is generally recommended for most residential bathrooms for the following reasons:
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- There’s a balance between safety and practicality.
- R10 tiles are comfortable for barefoot use, and they have more than enough grip.
- R10 flooring works well in various bathroom layouts and sizes.
- Many stylish tile designs are available in R10 ratings.
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What you should consider is that even though a higher rating like R11 might seem safer, it makes cleaning more challenging and is not required for most residential bathrooms.
Top Anti-Slip Flooring Options for Bathrooms
Let’s explore some of the top choices when you’re deciding to choose anti-slip flooring for your bathroom. There are various options that consider safety, durability, and style.
Textured Slip-Resistant Tiles
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- Ceramic tiles are affordable and water-resistant; are also available in different textures
- Porcelain tiles are more durable and less porous than ceramic, hence they are excellent for wet areas
- Homogeneous tiles have a uniform composition throughout; they are highly durable and water-resistant
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Matte Finish vs. Glossy Finish
Matte finish provides better traction and is also capable of hiding water spots. Tip is to choose matte/textured finishes over glossy ones if you want an added slip resistance.
Modern Designs Mimicking Terrazzo and Marble
They give off this luxurious look of natural materials but with improved safety features.
Epoxy Flooring with Anti-Slip Additives
These options have a seamless and waterproof surface that makes them ideal for bathrooms. They can be customised with colours and patterns.
Epoxy flakes add texture and are appealing to the eyes, as it performs its function. Stone epoxy pebble, on the other hand, has a natural, spa-like appearance equipped with excellent slip resistance.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
LVTs are a more budget-friendly option than some natural materials, but mind you, they are highly water-resistant. They are easy to install and maintain, which is why they are highly popular among homeowners.
They can mimic the appearance of wood, stone and ceramic tiles, and are also available with textured surfaces if you need that extra grip.
Natural Stone with Anti-Slip Treatment
There are luxurious options such as honed marble and granite, which provide a more slip-resistant surface than polished stone. They are the way to go if you want a touch of luxury and uniqueness when it comes to bathroom designs.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is naturally slip-resistant even when it’s wet. It’s comfortable underfoot and reduces noise. Since it has a soft surface, the risk of injury is less in case a fall occurs.
It’s available in different textures and patterns to match the diverse styles of modern bathrooms.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Anti-Slip Bathroom Flooring
You have a few options in your list that made it into the top choices, but wait until you’ve read all the factors below. Consider them before you finalise your decision. Ask yourself the following questions:
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- Does the material have a low water absorption rate? If yes, retain it on the list.
- Do you need a waterproof material or a water-resistant one? Decide based on what you need more.
- Is the grout water resistant? If so, is ‘epoxy grout’ included in the list? If it is, then proceed with it if you care more about better moisture protection.
- In deciding, weigh between ease of cleaning and better slip resistance. Which one do you need more? Do you not mind cleaning in exchange for a better slip resistance?
- Identify the cleaning products and methods needed for your most preferred material? Are they expensive and easy to employ? If not, choose your second best.
- Don’t base solely on your initial expenditures. It may be a significant expense at first, but its durability and lifespan may be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Are you doing a full renovation or just looking for overlay options that do not need hacking of existing tiles?
- Does your top choice complement the overall bathroom design and colour?
- Don’t just jump on the bandwagon. Your first choice might be one that goes easily out of style. Balance it with a style that will stand the test of time.
- Do you have elderly family members? If so, prioritise flooring with higher slip resistance (R11) in critical areas.
- Are there young children in the family? You might want to consider softer materials like rubber flooring.
- Does anyone in the family use a wheelchair? If yes, choose flooring that allows the member to easily move and with less risk of falls.
- Did you already consider how the materials feel underfoot in various temperatures?
- Are you pro-sustainability without reservation? Look into options that are made from recycled materials or those with low impact to the environment.
- Is the chosen material able to withstand daily use without losing its anti-slip properties?
- Will your selection not fade or discolour over time?
- How easy would it be to update or replace the flooring in the future if needed?
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These are 17 questions you need to pop before you decide on the final flooring material.
Trendy Anti-Slip Flooring Ideas
Are you looking for trendy ideas for your anti-slip flooring? Here are some that might interest you.
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- Nano anti-slip coatings for existing tiles
- Textured tiles with modern patterns
- Mixed material looks like stone-plastic composite flooring and rubber-cork blends
- Sustainable options like treated engineered wood and recycled glass tiles
- Large format textured tiles
- Metallic epoxy floors
- Pebble-effect flooring
- Smart tiles with built-in slip resistance
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The Do’s and Don’ts
Make sure to avoid the following to make the most out of this investment and to ensure the safety of the whole family while enjoying your new flooring with anti-slip feature.
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- This was briefly mentioned above, but to reiterate, don’t compromise on slip resistance just for a sleek look. Safety should come first in wet areas.
- Don’t ignore R-ratings. This should be the foundation of your decision.
- If possible, put high-gloss finishes at the end of your list. They can be dangerously slippery when wet.
- Don’t underestimate the cleaning requirements a material needs. This is why we advised you to balance safety and practicality.
- Take note of the materials that need regular sealing to maintain their slip-resistant properties.
- One mistake is overlooking grout maintenance.
- Don’t attempt to install materials like natural stone or large format tiles without professional help/assistance. You might get uneven surfaces which are unsightly and can cause tripping.
- A disadvantage of going DIY is using the wrong type of adhesive. If you are not sure of the proper installation process, seek the help of a professional.
- Always test flooring samples when they are wet to get a true sense of their slip resistance.
- What feels slip-resistant with shoes may not be the same for bare feet. Test both scenarios.
- Do not neglect the needs of elderly people in the house as well as young children.
- Do not just focus on the right flooring. Other potential slip hazards include bathmats and step-in showers.
- The transition from the adjacent space to your bathroom should be smooth. Otherwise, it’ll just create a tripping hazard nobody expected.
- Yes, budget is important, but don’t opt for the least expensive flooring without careful planning. They might be cheap but it’s possible that they fade over time or lose their slip-resistant property due to the cost.
- Your chosen flooring should meet the BCA’s guidelines for residential bathrooms.
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Conclusion
The perfect bathroom flooring isn’t one that is beautiful because of its sleek design. It should serve its purpose too, especially when there are members in the family who are vulnerable.
Style + Space is always ready to assist you in choosing anti-slip bathroom flooring materials. We’ll make sure that your home will be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone residing in it.
Contact us here for your questions, and we’re more than happy to answer them. You may find our packages here, including our HDB flat renovation package.