Slippery floors are one of the biggest causes of workplace accidents. According to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive), slips and trips account for nearly one-third of all workplace injuries in the UK. In restaurants, warehouses, hospitals, retail centres, gyms, and office buildings, flooring can become hazardous when exposed to water, grease, or daily foot traffic.

The good news? With the right slip-resistant flooring, you can significantly reduce risk, improve safety, and maintain a cleaner, more professional appearance. At Slip Safety UK, we specialise in anti-slip floor treatments, deep cleaning, and Pendulum Slip Testing. Based on real-world testing and industry use, here are the five best types of slip-resistant flooring you should consider today.

1. Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles with Anti-Slip Ratings

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are widely used in commercial washrooms, restaurants, hotel entrances, and residential bathrooms. What makes them slip-resistant is their textured surface and certified slip ratings (R-ratings or Pendulum Slip Test Values).

Tiles marked R10, R11, or R12 or those achieving 36+ PTV are considered safe in wet environments.
Unlike standard tiles, anti-slip porcelain tiles are engineered with micro-texture that increases surface friction without compromising appearance. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in premium finishes (marble, concrete, wood-look).

Where they work best:

• Commercial washrooms

• Restaurant entryways

• Poolside areas

• Changing rooms

Slip Safety UK Tip:
Even anti-slip tiles can lose their friction if grease and detergent film builds up. Routine deep cleaning is essential to maintain their safety and shine.

2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) with Slip-Resistant Surface Coating

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has become extremely popular in modern workplaces due to its attractive design, affordability, and durability. Many high-quality LVT products include built-in slip-resistant surface layers designed to increase traction.

Unlike natural stone or tile, LVT feels warmer and softer underfoot. It also absorbs sound, making it ideal for offices, retail stores, and hospitals where noise reduction matters.

Benefits include:

• Comfortable to walk and stand on

• Resistant to scratches, stains, and water

• Quick installation and low maintenance

Where it works best:

• Corporate offices

• Healthcare facilities

• Retail outlets and boutiques

• Schools and educational buildings

If you want a safe, stylish floor without the cold surface of tile, LVT is a smart choice.

3. Rubber Safety Flooring

Rubber flooring is one of the most shock-absorbent and slip-resistant flooring options, even when wet. Its natural elasticity provides traction and comfort, which is ideal for high-impact areas.

Benefits include:

• Built-in non-slip properties

• Sound absorption

• Excellent durability

Common usage areas include:

• Gyms and fitness studios

• Playgrounds and child care facilities

• Industrial work zones

• Staircases and ramps

Rubber flooring also provides fatigue reduction, which helps employees who stand for long periods. For safety-critical environments, it’s one of the best long-term solutions.

4. Epoxy Flooring with Anti-Slip Additive

Epoxy is a high-performance flooring system commonly used in industrial environments due to its strength and durability. During installation, anti-slip aggregates (like silica, sand, or polymer grit) are mixed into the epoxy layer to increase traction.

The result is an ultra-durable, chemical-resistant floor that performs under heavy wear.

Best features:

• Strong enough for forklifts and trolleys

• Resistant to chemicals, oils, and stains

• Customisable slip level (light, medium, heavy-grip)

Where it’s commonly used:

• Warehouses and factories

• Commercial kitchens

• Auto workshops and garages

Epoxy not only prevents slips — it also makes maintenance easier because spills stay on the surface instead of absorbing into the floor.

5. Anti-Slip Floor Coating / Treatment (Applied on Existing Floors)

If you don’t want to replace flooring, this is the most cost-effective and fastest solution.

Anti-slip coating or chemical treatment increases the friction level of existing floors such as tile, marble, granite, or vinyl without changing the appearance. It penetrates the surface to create microscopic pores that improve grip, especially when wet.

Slip Safety UK uses treatments that:

• Improve slip resistance to 36+ PTV (HSE safe standard)

• Last between 2–5 years depending on use

• Require no heavy construction or downtime

This method is especially useful for locations that look appealing but become dangerously slippery when wet.

Best locations:

• Hotel lobbies

• Restaurant dining floors

• Shopping mall entrances

• Poolside and spa areas

Instead of replacing expensive tiles, anti-slip treatment allows you to upgrade safety in a single day.

Why Testing Your Floor’s Slip Resistance Matters

Simply installing the right flooring isn’t always enough. Residue buildup from detergents, oil, or cleaning chemicals can reduce friction over time.

That’s why Slip Safety UK conducts Pendulum Slip Testing, the official HSE-approved test for measuring floor slip resistance. A score of 36+ PTV means the floor is legally safe.

A safe floor isn’t just clean — it’s certified.

Choosing the right slip-resistant flooring is not only about preventing accidents — it protects your business, increases customer confidence, and ensures compliance with UK safety standards.

A quick recap of the best options:

1. Porcelain/ceramic anti-slip tiles – durable and stylish

2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – versatile and low-maintenance

3. Rubber safety flooring – comfortable with high grip

4. Epoxy flooring with additives – industrial durability

5. Anti-slip floor coating – upgrades existing floors without replacement

At Slip Safety UK, we help businesses create safer and cleaner spaces through:

• Slip-resistant flooring recommendations

• Professional deep floor cleaning

• Anti-slip treatments and coatings

• HSE-approved Pendulum Slip Testing

If you want to improve safety and reduce slip risks, message us — we’ll test, treat, and transform your floors.