You might have shiny, new tiles installed in one corner of your home (and while they're likely really lovely), there's something else you should know: do you know what kind of safety rating these tiles are assigned? While it may seem weird to pay attention to what kind of flooring goes where, it's actually important—most types of tile come with a standard slip rate that tells us how slippery the surface is going to be.

Tiles can be examined for anti-slip properties in a number of ways. One such way is the Oil Wet Ramp Test which is recognised by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). This test will measure resistance to slippage when walking up an incline covered with oil.

What do the various anti-slip tile ratings mean?

Tiles are rated differently according to the inclination angle it takes to safely stand on them. Anti-slip tiles rated R9 allow inclinations of up to 10 degrees without risk, while those rated R13 allow inclinations up to 30 degrees without risking slipping or falling.

How Are Tiles Categorised Based on its Anti-Slip Capabilities?

There are 6 categories to determine this:

1.) Polished –There is no safety rating for polished tiles. Polished or glossy tile should not be used in areas where they may come into contact with water or moisture, as they could cause someone to slip and fall. Similarly, these types of tiles should not be used in corridors where people who are unsteady on their feet may find themselves at risk of slipping when navigating the flooring surface.

2.) R9 – This rating indicates that the tile has a smoother, low-friction surface which should only be considered in dry places. The R9 tile is typically easier to maintain and clean due to its smooth surface.  Although slip injuries are more likely to occur on a Polished or R9 surface, some people may still want the smooth and easy-to-maintain slick floor look at home. In spite of being warned about accidents, those in charge might decide to go ahead and install either Polished or R9 Porcelain tiles for their floors. These homeowners could then rest easy knowing that they would be able to maintain them properly by just using daily normal floor cleaning agents.

3.) R10 – A tile with an R10 surface has normal static friction between the tile surface and the base of a shoe. R10 tiles are often easy to clean while still possessing decent anti-slip properties.
That being said, an R10 A surface would be sufficient for commercial and residential toilets.

4.) R11 – Tiles with an R

Let us share with you why it is important to have grout with tile!

We all understand that having big grout gaps may seem very unpleasant to the aesthetics, but grouting offers a number of valuable benefits: 

Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. Grout helps to protect the tiles against movement in case of the house shifting, it also helps make the tiles easier to care for in wet areas. Whenever possible, we recommend a 3-5mm gap between the tiles for the above reasons! Hope this helps answer your questions about grouting! 

We all love the look of wood grain in our homes, but some people are wary of the price tag that comes along with it. If you’re on the fence about wood-looking tiles, we’ll lay out the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision before buying. You might be surprised by what you find!

Wood/Timbre Lookalike Tiles

Wood, the coveted material which recalls nature, has become a must in many interior and exterior spaces thanks to its long-standing success. Who has never dreamt of laying parquet on the floor but was soon dissuaded by its heavy maintenance? However, there is an effective solution that combines the aesthetic appearance of wood with easy maintenance: wood-look tiles, also known as ceramic wood or parquet tiles! These floor and wall coverings in coloured body porcelain stoneware have all the advantages of ceramic while offering a faithful reproduction of wood. It accurately replicates the visual appearance of natural wood, such as its grains and warm colours, but also its details to the touch. Wood grain tiles are ideal for areas with lots of foot traffic like kitchens, living rooms, and hallways where they will endure wear and tear. The tile’s delicate finish can be cleaned with soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth; it’s safe around children too! In terms of installation, wood grain floors should be installed over an even surface made from concrete slabs with a porous base (i.e.: wood panels) or over existing wooden floors sealed properly against humidity.

Consider this when choosing your wood effect/ timbre lookalike tiles

White Horse Ceramic provide step-by-step instructions for the best way to care for and maintain ceramic tile.

If you have been wondering about the differences between your tiling options, ceramic or porcelain, floors or walls.

Do you like your interior to have a more uniform look or have different shades or tones? Running tone? Shades & Variations?

Is 2022 the year for your long-awaited kitchen or bathroom renovation? Or are you giving yourself a new flat or a complete renovation of your home?