The anti-slip value of a tile, also known as the R-value, indicates how much grip the tile offers on a scale from R9 to R13. The higher the number, the more grip and the lower the chance of slipping. R9 is suitable for dry areas, while R11 and higher provide more grip in wet areas such as the shower.
The R-value helps you choose the right tile for the right place. Different requirements apply to a dry living room than to a wet bathroom floor or a patio. In this article, you will read what each value means, how it is measured, and which anti-slip value is suitable for which space.
What is the R-value of a tile?
The R-value is the anti-slip value of a tile, measured according to the German standard DIN 51130. The 'R' stands for the German word 'Rutsch', which means slip. In this test, a test person with special footwear walks on an inclined plane that becomes increasingly steeper. The angle at which the person starts to slide determines the R-value.
The steeper the incline the tile can handle before slipping, the higher the R-value and the more grip the tile offers. The scale ranges from R9 (little grip) to R13 (very high grip). The R-value is measured with footwear and is therefore mainly relevant for situations where you wear shoes.
What do R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 mean?
Each R-value corresponds to a specific angle of inclination and a corresponding use. Below you can see what the values mean and for which spaces they are generally suitable.
- R9 (slope approx. 3° to 10°): normal, light grip. Suitable for dry areas such as the living room, bedroom, hallway, and dry kitchen floors.
- R10 (slope approx. 10° to 19°): average grip. Commonly used for bathroom floors and kitchens in households.
- R11 (slope approx. 19° to 27°): high grip. Suitable for wet areas, shower areas, and patios.
- R12 (slope approx. 27° to 35°): strong grip. Intended for very wet areas, swimming pools, and professional kitchens.
- R13 (slope greater than 35°): very high grip. For industrial and greasy areas, such as production environments.
For private use at home, you will usually end up with R9, R10, or R11. R12 and R13 are mainly intended for professional and industrial environments and are rarely needed at home.
Which anti-slip value do I need per room?
The correct anti-slip value depends on how wet and intensively a room is used. A general guideline for home:
- Living room, bedroom, hallway: R9 is usually sufficient, as these areas are dry.
- Kitchen: R9 or R10, depending on how often water or grease gets on the floor.
- Bathroom floor (walking area): R10 is a good choice in many households.
- Shower or walk-in shower: R10 or R11 for extra grip on the wet floor.
- Patio and garden: R11 or higher, as outdoor tiles can often become wet and slippery.
Do not automatically choose the highest value "just to be safe". Tiles with a higher R-value have more texture and are therefore harder to clean. For most bathrooms, R10 in the walking area is more than sufficient.
What is the difference between the R-value and the A-, B-, C-classification?
In addition to the R-value, there is a separate classification with the letters A, B, and C, measured according to the DIN 51097 standard. Where the R-value is measured with shoes, the letter classification is measured barefoot with water. This is particularly relevant for bathrooms, showers, and swimming pools, where you usually walk barefoot.
- A: grip on barefoot, dry to slightly wet zones.
- B: increased grip, suitable for showers and wet walking zones.
- C: high grip, intended for swimming pools and very wet zones.
You sometimes encounter a combination, for example "R10 B". This means that the tile scores R10 with shoes and offers B-grip barefoot. For a bathroom, a barefoot classification of B is often a nice addition to the R-value.
Where can I find the anti-slip value of a tile?
The anti-slip value is stated in the product specifications of the tile. At WDTegels.com, you will find the R-value, if available, in the product's specification table, along with information such as the size, whether the tile is rectified, and whether it is suitable for the floor or the wall.
Are you unsure which anti-slip value suits your situation? Then look at how wet and intensively the space is used and use the guidelines above. Not every tile has an R-value specified; in that case, feel free to ask for advice before ordering.
Conclusion: choosing the right anti-slip value
The R-value indicates how much grip a tile offers, from R9 (dry areas) to R13 (industrial wet areas). For home use, you usually choose R9 for dry areas, R10 for the bathroom floor, and R10 or R11 for the shower and patio. For barefoot wet zones, you also look at the A-, B-, or C-classification.
By matching the anti-slip value to the space, you choose a tile that is both safe and easy to maintain. At WDTegels.com, you will find tiles for every room, with the specifications clearly listed so that you can make an informed choice.
FAQ
What does the R-value of a tile mean?
The R-value is the anti-slip value of a tile, measured according to DIN 51130. It indicates how much grip the tile offers, on a scale from R9 (little grip) to R13 (very high grip).
What anti-slip value do I need for the bathroom?
For the walking area of the bathroom, R10 is sufficient in many households. For the shower, you often choose R10 or R11 for extra grip.
Is R9 suitable for the bathroom?
R9 offers little grip and is mainly suitable for dry areas. On a wet bathroom floor, an R9 tile can become slippery, so R10 or higher is usually more sensible.
What does a combination like R10 B mean?
This means that the tile scores R10 with shoes (DIN 51130) and offers B-grip barefoot with water (DIN 51097). This is a good combination for bathrooms.
Do I need R12 or R13 tiles at home?
Usually not. R12 and R13 are intended for swimming pools, professional kitchens, and industrial areas. For a normal home, R9 to R11 is sufficient.
