Slip resistance is achieved by surface profile or surface texture, or a combination of both.

Metz experience based on our client’s advice is that flat surfaces incorporating a gritty texture perform the best for slip resistance in commercial kitchens.

Surface profile can be achieved by either raised protuberances or depressions on the surface (slate finish). Metz do not recommend profiled tiles for commercial kitchens  depressed surface “slate type” finishes as these tend to capture dirt and surfaces with raised profiles can perform poorly with wear.

The original handbook HB197 (1999) recommended profiled surfaces with a displacement volume (V4) for some kitchens and other commercial applications. The recent HB198 (2014)  has clarified that using a more slip resistant tile instead of a lower slip resistance with profile is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

This supports Metz experience and recommendations and those of the majority of our specifiers and clients who have always use textured R12/R13 tiles for their commercial kitchen applications.