A common choice of home is porcelain tiles. They are long-lasting, practical to clean and are available in a lot of styles. However, the question that many may ask is, are porcelain tiles slippery? It is a critical question and would be more so when you need to install the porcelain tiles in places that are prone to wetness, such as kitchens, bathrooms or outdoor areas.
This article will dwell upon why porcelain tiles could be dangerous to walk on, what type of porcelain tile could be suitable in your area, and what could be done to ensure that your tiles are less slippery.
What Are Porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles made from solid clay. They are shot at high temperature, thus are hard and tough. Porcelain tiles can be described as stains, scratch, and water-resistant. Due to these features, porcelain tiles find usage not only in the bathroom and kitchen but also in the outside environment.
However, only because the material of porcelain tiles is durable doesn’t mean that it is safe to walk on particularly when the tiles are wet. The textural finish of the tile and the surface can contribute to the slipperiness of the tile.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rates porcelain tile, which indicates how hard it can be used in specific applications. The tiles with having higher PEI rating are more wear-resistant and might have better slip resistance.
Why Are Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
There are some reasons why porcelain tiles are slippery. The surface finish of the tile is the most important aspect. Porcelain tiles can be of various finishes, and one finish is slippery compared to the other finishes. The two finishes are:
- Glossy: Glossy tiles have a smooth and shiny surface. Though they are beautiful, they are slippery and slippery as well when they are wet. This is attributed to the fact that the smooth surface does not gain a lot of traction.
- Matte: Matte tiles are provided with a defective non-shine finish. They are less slippery as they offer more grip than the smooth tiles.
The other element that causes porcelain tiles to be slippery is the moisture. Water on a tile surface can turn even a not-too-slippery tile into something that is way more hazardous. This is particularly true in such areas as the bath or the kitchen, where water is frequently found.
Are Glossy Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
Yes, glossy porcelain tiles are usually slippery, more so when wet. The sleek and polished surface is beautiful, but it does not provide a good grip very well. In case you are intending to have the tiles in areas where water is used, like in bathrooms or the kitchen, and you use porcelain tile, you may have to avoid these glossy tiles.
Are Matte Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
The Matte porcelain tiles are far less slippery than the glossy ones. Slipping is solved by the matte tiles texture that causes more friction. Matte tiles are a much safer option to porcelain tiles when you are seeking them in areas where there is a lot of water.
Are Textured Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
The safest bet is to have textured porcelain tiles so that you do not slip. These tiles are rough on their surface, and thus, they give an additional grip. Usage: They are suitable for outdoor places, bathroom floors, and showers. The textured Porcelain tiles are the best ones to be used in areas where there is a presence of water, as they mitigate the chances of slipping.
How to Test If Porcelain Tiles Are Slippery
Porcelain tiles can be tested before you purchase them to determine whether they are slippery or not. This is how you can make it out:
- The tile should be placed on a level surface, such as a concrete floor.
- Add a little water to the tile.
- Walk on the tile barefoot and in shoes.
- Look at how difficult or easy to fall on the tile.
This will make you know how slippery you can be on the tile when it is wet. The testing of tiles before setting them is a good idea, especially in places such as the bathroom or the kitchen.
Bonus Tip: To get a more accurate reading, you can also consider the Coefficient of friction (COF), a rating which identifies the amount of grip that a tile will offer. The greater the COF, the less slippery the tile will become.
The Best Porcelain Tiles for Wet Areas
If you are afraid of being slippery, here is a quick chart to help you select the best kind of porcelain tile that will be used in a wet area:
| Tile Type | Finish | Slip Resistance | Best for |
| Glossy Porcelain | Shiny, smooth | Very slippery | Not recommended for wet areas |
| Matte Porcelain | Flat, non-reflective | Less slippery | Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways |
| Textured Porcelain | Rough surface | Least slippery | Showers, outdoor areas, poolside |
Based on this table, it is possible to notice that the safest type of material to use in a wet area is textured porcelain tiles, and matte porcelain tiles come second. These places are unsuitable to have glossy porcelain tiles.
Bonus Tip: To be sure of the safety of your tiles, another method is to check the slip resistance rating. High-R or PTV rated tiles have a higher slip resistance, so they are suitable to be use in wet environments such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Can You Make Slippery Porcelain Tiles Safer?
In the case when your area has already polished porcelain tiles, but you need to make them safer, there are some tricks that you could take into consideration:
- Anti-Slip Treatments: You can have special treatments that can be applied to your porcelain tiles to ensure that they are less slippery. These are raised to the surface and can be felt most of the time at the surface, creating a rough texture, thus safer to walk on.
- Use Non-Slip Mats: Non-slip mats should be put in places where slipperiness is encountered most, such as in front of the sink or next to the shower.
- Choose Smaller Tiles: Smaller tiles will introduce more grout lines, and the grout can assist in the process of reducing slippage. The grout lines can be wider, and the floor will have more traction.
- Seal the Tiles: Sealing the tiles is another way of reducing slips, as it minimizes the moisture uptake.
There are various slip-resistant treatments you can apply to porcelain tiles. These treatments add a rougher texture or coating, improving traction and reducing the risk of slipping.
Bonus Tip: A smaller tile is one technique that you can use to make your porcelain tiles safer since they have more grout lines that guarantee good traction and lower the chances of slipping
Are Porcelain Tiles Slippery in Showers?
Is porcelain tile too slippery for a shower floor? This is a question that can be asked by many people. Porcelain tiles resist the ingress of water, but the polished porcelain tiles can be slippery in most cases when used on the floor of shower rooms. When the smooth surface is wet, it is very slippery.
In case you choose to have porcelain tiles in your shower, you are better off using matte or textured porcelain tiles. Such tiles have more grip and are less dangerous in moist areas such as showers.
Outdoor Porcelain Tiles: Are They Slippery When Wet?
The outdoor porcelain tiles are very suitable for patios, pool sides, and walkways. Nevertheless, not every outdoor porcelain tile is identical. There are those that become slippery when wet, and there are those whose design is to prevent slippage.
Porcelain pavers are the best to use in an outdoor space. They are constructed of dense clay and granite, which makes them non-porous and slip-resistant by nature. Such tiles are ideal in an outside setting where the surface may get water puddles, like in gardens or by pools.
Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic Tile: Which Is More Slippery?
Generally, porcelain tiles tend to be smoother and denser in nature, hence more slippery than the ceramic tiles. Nevertheless, both of these sorts of tiles may be done in varying finishes. It only boils down to the finish you use.
- Porcelain tiles are waterproof and they are strong; thus, they can be used in wet areas.
- There is also ceramic tiles, which can be safe; however, it is not as durable or slip-proof as porcelain tiles may be.
Comparing the two, the slipperiness is heavily dependent on the surface finish itself as opposed to the material.
Conclusion
A great option in porcelain tiles will suit a lot of sections in your home. They are long-lasting, they can resist water, and they exist in a variety of finishes and designs. Nonetheless, not all tiles are porcelain, and tiles with a porcelain base may be slippery when wet. The glossy porcelain tiles are the most slippery; matte and textured porcelain tiles are better in the wet setting, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
In case you fear slipperiness, you need to seek matte or textured porcelain tiles. Tiles may also be tested before purchase, and there are also treatments which can be applied to ensure your tiles are safer. When you tile your bathroom, kitchen, or even outdoor areas, the finish of the porcelain tile may be your ticket to safety.
