The entry class: consider moisture, use conditions and applicable requirements.
GRUPPO BARDELLI / ACADEMY / TECHNICAL GUIDE
Safety takes shape.
Slip-resistant ceramic floors: R9, R10, R11 guide and test reports
How to interpret slip-resistance ratings and select the right finish for a project. A technical guide for architects, interior designers and specifiers, with laboratory test reports for Gruppo Bardelli collections.
Good design starts with performance, not appearance alone.
01 / CLASSIFICATIONS
What do R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 mean?
R classes are based on inclined-ramp testing with footwear and a lubricated surface. They describe a result under specified laboratory conditions. A higher class means a higher result in that test; it does not guarantee suitability for every environment.
Commonly declared for ceramic floor finishes: assess the specific project and documentation.
A higher ramp-test classification than R10; the real use context still matters.
Higher ramp-test slip resistance; assess cleaning and maintenance as well.
The highest R class, but never a promise of absolute safety.
Mean slip angle (German national classification)
R10 and B do not mean the same thing.
R ratings come from shod ramp tests on lubricated surfaces. A, B and C are barefoot wet-ramp ratings. Neither classification can be directly converted into the other, nor into BCRA, DCOF or pendulum results.
02 / STANDARDS & METHODS
Which test is reported?
Check the method, standard edition, test sample, size, finish, result and laboratory. DIN EN 16165 brings together several slip-resistance evaluation methods; in Germany, R and A/B/C classifications appear in the relevant national annex.
Shod ramp
DIN EN 16165 Annex B; historically DIN 51130. R9–R13 classes according to the German national classification.
Barefoot wet ramp
DIN EN 16165 Annex A; historically DIN 51097. A, B and C groups for wet barefoot surfaces.
Pendulum and dynamic friction
EN 16165 Annex C (pendulum), BCRA/Tortus and ANSI A326.3 (DCOF) measure different properties. Their values cannot be translated into R classes.
Italy: Ministerial Decree 236/1989 and BCRA
Where Italian Decree 236/1989, section 8.2.2, applies, BCRA friction coefficients must exceed 0.40 for leather on dry floors and standard hard rubber on wet floors. This is distinct from R classes. Applicability must be checked by the project professional.
D.M. 236/1989 · 8.2.2 ↗Assessing common project environments
These are decision-making examples, not automatic prescriptions for an R class.
Residential and hospitality
Distinguish guestrooms, bathrooms, entrances and wet areas; consider use, risk and maintenance.
Outdoor walkways
Consider rain, standing water, gradients, frost, dirt and usage. Check frost resistance and installation details.
Showers, pools and wellness
Include A/B/C wet barefoot testing and assess the different walking areas and permanent wetness.
Public spaces and contract
Consider traffic, footwear, contaminants, cleaning regimes, accessibility and specification requirements.
02.B / TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
How to read slip-resistance reports correctly.
A class is meaningful only together with its testing method. Product standards, laboratory methods, declarations of performance and individual reports serve distinct purposes. Understand the conditions before specifying ceramic floors or mosaics.
Three documents, three different purposes
Product standard
EN 14411 and ISO 13006 describe ceramic-tile classifications and performance requirements; ANSI A137.1 is a US product standard. They are not individual slip-resistance test reports.
Test method
DIN EN 16165 describes several evaluation methods: barefoot wet ramp (Annex A), shod ramp (Annex B) and pendulum (Annex C). Results have different units and meanings.
Test report / declaration
A test report identifies the tested sample, method, standard version and result. A DoP declares product performance for the applicable regulatory framework; neither can automatically cover untested finishes or formats.
Four methods are not interchangeable
A
Shod ramp · oiled surface · R9–R13
R9–R13B
Wet barefoot ramp · wet surface · A/B/C
A · B · CC
Pendulum · dry/wet testing · PTV
PTVD
Dynamic friction · BCRA / ANSI A326.3 · COF / DCOF
COF / DCOFA higher R result cannot be numerically converted into a barefoot class, a PTV or DCOF value.
LABORATORY METHODS / VISUAL GUIDE
Inside the slip-resistance laboratory
Four laboratory photographs illustrate how the different test methods work. The classifications cannot be converted from one test to another.
Photographs from training materials of Main Laboratory Sassuolo, included as part of the technical collaboration.
What the ratings do not tell you
Slip resistance is distinct from surface abrasion resistance (PEI), water absorption, frost resistance and chemical resistance. A stone-look relief or rough visual texture alone does not establish an anti-slip class.
Italy · D.M. 236/1989 and BCRA
Where applicable, the Italian requirement refers to a dynamic friction coefficient above 0.40 with leather on a dry surface and standard hard rubber on a wet surface. An R10 or R11 result does not replace this assessment.
United States · ANSI A326.3 and DCOF
DCOF is measured separately using an instrument such as the BOT-3000E. ANSI installation categories include Interior Dry (ID), Interior Wet (IW), Interior Wet Plus (IW+), Exterior Wet (EW) and Oils/Greases (O/G). The often-cited 0.42 value is not a universal approval for every installation; interpret the standard edition and category.
Architecture, wellness and outdoor spaces
Assess the actual traffic: footwear or bare feet, permanent moisture, gradients, oils, detergents, drainage, joints, installation and cleaning. In pool environments, the applicable A/B/C test and the specific report are especially important.
03 / GRUPPO BARDELLI SURFACES
From classification to collection.
These entries distinguish product-declared performance from an identifiable laboratory test report. Findings must not be automatically extended to every size, colour or production batch.
CERAMICA VOGUER10 · B (A+B)
Vogue System · Flooring (RF)
20×20 cm tested · 2023 · EN 16165 Annex B · 11° ± 1°.
Identified laboratory report
CERAMICA VOGUER11 · C (A+B+C)
Vogue System · Grip (IG)
40×40 cm tested · 2014 · DIN 51130 · 21.3°.
Identified laboratory report
CERAMICA VOGUER10 / R11
Vogue System · Mix
Flooring Mix R10 and Grip Mix R11 are stated on the collection page; verify applicability of testing to the selected blend.
Declared performance; specific test report to verify
View collection Ask our technical team to verify the report before using it in a specification
CERAMICA BARDELLIR10
Lines
Series Lines tested · 2018 · DIN 51130 · 13.8°.
Identified laboratory report
CERAMICA BARDELLIR10
Clayborn
60×120 cm tested · 2023 · DIN EN 16165 Annex B · 11° ± 1°.
Identified laboratory report
CERAMICA BARDELLIR10
Colorama · Color
R10 stated in the collection sheet; a specific R10 report has not yet been matched to this guide.
Declared performance; specific test report to verify
View collection Ask our technical team to verify the report before using it in a specification
CERAMICA BARDELLIR10 (A+B)
Lumina
The collection page states R10 (A+B). Pendulum and DCOF reports are available for 120×120 cm (2026); neither is an R10 ramp test.
Declared performance; specific test report to verify
APPIANIR12
Pastelli · Texture
Texture finish, 10×10 cm · 2025 · DIN EN 16165 Annex B · 29° (R12).
Identified laboratory report
APPIANIR10 · B
Pastelli · Flat
Flat finish 10×10 cm · 2025 · DIN EN 16165 Annexes B and A · 18° (R10) and 20° (B).
Identified laboratory report
APPIANIR10 · B
Pastelli · 1,2×1,2 / 1,2×3,7
1.2×1.2 and 1.2×3.7 cm tesserae · 2021 reports · R10 and B for the tested specimens.
Identified laboratory report
APPIANIR10
Lapis
Lapis translates the visual character and tactile materiality of natural stone into porcelain stoneware mosaic. Its textured, natural-looking surface gives architectural depth to floors and walls. The Lapis catalogue states R10 according to DIN 51130 for 1.2×1.2 cm and 2.5×2.5 cm tesserae; an independent ramp-test report has not yet been linked. Check the selected article and current documentation before specification.
Declared performance; specific test report to verify
APPIANIR10/B · R11/C · R12/C
Wellness & Pool
Appiani offers differentiated slip-resistant surfaces for pools, spas, showers and wet barefoot circulation. Its technical catalogue specifies R10/B, R11/C and R12/C solutions. These are distinct shod and barefoot test scales: the right class depends on the exact application and local requirements.
Declared performance; specific test report to verify
03.A / APPIANI · TECHNICAL MOSAIC FOCUS
Appiani mosaics: Pastelli, Lapis and Wellness & Pool
The slip resistance of ceramic mosaic is assessed for specific specimens. Pastelli, the naturally textured stone-effect Lapis and the Wellness & Pool ranges offer different technical options. Evaluate the selected finish, tile size, joints and intended use, and distinguish product claims from independent test reports.
Different finishes, different results
For Pastelli 10×10 cm, 2025 reports indicate Flat R10 / B and Texture R12 / C. The same collection therefore has distinct results for shod and wet barefoot ramp tests.
Mosaic is an installed system
Specifiers must assess installation, joint geometry, cleaning, slopes, end use and the report applicable to the actual product. Test results do not automatically represent the installed floor.
Small mosaic tesserae
Specific reports are available for Pastelli 1.2×1.2 and 1.2×3.7 cm (2021), both R10 and B for the samples tested. Consult the full documents before specifying.
APPIANI / LAPIS
Lapis · natural stone-inspired anti-slip texture
Lapis translates the visual character and tactile materiality of natural stone into porcelain stoneware mosaic. Its textured, natural-looking surface gives architectural depth to floors and walls. The Lapis catalogue states R10 according to DIN 51130 for 1.2×1.2 cm and 2.5×2.5 cm tesserae; an independent ramp-test report has not yet been linked. Check the selected article and current documentation before specification.
Technical catalogue · product declaration, not an independent test report
Lapis → View technical catalogue ↗APPIANI / WELLNESS & POOL
Wellness & Pool · different grip levels for wet environments
Appiani offers differentiated slip-resistant surfaces for pools, spas, showers and wet barefoot circulation. Its technical catalogue specifies R10/B, R11/C and R12/C solutions. These are distinct shod and barefoot test scales: the right class depends on the exact application and local requirements.
- R10 / B · catalogue reference MAS 724B
- R11 / C · catalogue references MAS 724C and MAS 733C
- R12 / C · catalogue reference MAS 424C
Catalogue-declared performances; individual laboratory reports for these article codes still need to be matched. Do not treat the catalogue as a laboratory certificate.
Explore Wellness & Pool → View technical catalogue ↗04 / DOCUMENTS
Test reports and technical catalogues.
Links open original files held in Google Drive, where PDFs may be viewed or downloaded where permitted. Before publishing, ensure anonymous access or host authorised copies in Shopify Files.
Vogue System Flooring · R102023 · 20×20 · EN 16165 B
Vogue System Grip · R112014 · 40×40 · DIN 51130
Ceramica Bardelli Lines · R102018 · DIN 51130
Ceramica Bardelli Clayborn · R102023 · 60×120 · EN 16165 B
Ceramica Bardelli Lumina · pendulum2026 · 120×120 · BS EN 16165 C
Ceramica Bardelli Lumina · DCOF2026 · 120×120 · ANSI A326.3
Appiani Pastelli Texture · R122025 · 10×10 · EN 16165 B
Appiani Pastelli Flat · R102025 · 10×10 · EN 16165 B · 18°
Appiani Pastelli Flat · B (barefoot)2025 · 10×10 · EN 16165 A · 20°
Appiani Pastelli Texture · C (barefoot)2025 · 10×10 · EN 16165 A · 29°
Appiani Pastelli 1.2×1.2 · R10 / B2021 · 1,2×1,2 · DIN 51130 / 51097
Appiani Pastelli 1.2×3.7 · R10 / B2021 · 1,2×3,7 · DIN 51130 / 51097
Appiani Pastelli 2.5×2.5 · pendulum2023 · 2,5×2,5 · EN 16165 C (pendulum)
Appiani Lapis · technical catalogue (R10 declared)Technical catalogue · product declaration, not an independent test report · DIN 51130 · 1,2×1,2 / 2,5×2,5 cm
Appiani Wellness & Pool · technical catalogue (R10/B–R12/C)Technical catalogue · product declaration, not an independent test report · MAS 724B / 724C / 733C / 424C
Vogue System · general technical chartTechnical chart
Vogue System Flooring · historical R10 report2010 · 20×20 · DIN 51130
System Flooring · barefoot test (B)2014 · 40×40 · DIN 51097
Test reports apply only to the tested samples. For specifications, verify that sample, supplied product, size, finish, applicable standards and intended use match, with assistance from the technical team.
05 / FAQ FOR ARCHITECTS
Frequently asked questions.
Is R10 mandatory for indoor floors?
There is no single R class for all indoor floors. Selection depends on intended use, risk and applicable regulations in the installation country.
Is R11 always better than R10?
R11 is a higher class in the shod ramp test, but not necessarily the best choice for every project. Context, cleaning and maintenance also matter.
What is the difference between R10 and B (A+B)?
R10 relates to shod ramp tests; B (A+B) refers to wet barefoot ramps. These are distinct assessments that may both appear for the same product.
Which Vogue System finish is R10?
Vogue System Flooring (RF) is declared R10 and B (A+B). Grip (IG) is declared R11 and C (A+B+C). Confirm the selected product and available documentation.
How should shower and pool finishes be assessed?
For wet barefoot areas, consult A/B/C ratings and the project’s regulatory requirements. An R10 or R11 rating alone is not sufficient.
Does one test report cover all tile sizes?
Not automatically. Results apply to tested samples; extensions to other dimensions, finishes and production runs require confirmation from the manufacturer.
Do all Appiani mosaic formats have the same slip-resistance rating?
No. Results differ by finish and format. Pastelli Flat 10×10 is R10 / B, whereas Pastelli Texture 10×10 is R12 / C. Joints and installation conditions must also be assessed, without assuming that they automatically increase the rating.
Is Appiani Lapis R10, and what makes its surface distinctive?
The Lapis catalogue declares R10 for 1.2×1.2 and 2.5×2.5 cm tesserae. Its stone-inspired ceramic surface reproduces a natural material appearance and texture; this aesthetic and tactile characteristic must not be substituted for the result of a laboratory test. Request the specific report before stating certified performance in a tender.
Which Appiani slip-resistance classes are available for pools and wellness?
The Appiani Wellness & Pool catalogue lists R10/B, R11/C and R12/C finishes, including references MAS 724B, MAS 724C / MAS 733C and MAS 424C. R ratings and A/B/C ratings come from different test methods; the suitable specification depends on the area and its conditions, and laboratory reports must be checked for the selected item.
Are R10, PTV and DCOF equivalent test results?
No. They come from different methods, specimens and conditions. The shod ramp produces an R class, the pendulum a PTV result, and the tribometer a dynamic-friction result. They cannot be directly converted.
What is the difference between a test report, a certificate and a DoP?
A test report records tests on identified samples; certification involves third-party conformity attestation, while a Declaration of Performance declares specified characteristics within its legal scope. Request the document relevant to the actual product and use.
Does an R10 rating meet the BCRA requirement or a US DCOF threshold?
Not by itself. BCRA, ANSI A326.3 and shod-ramp results are independent. Check the jurisdiction, use category, test method, and the document specific to the selected product.
06 / SPECIFICATION SUPPORT
The right performance for the right project.
Our team helps architects, specifiers, contractors and dealers select suitable finishes and assess available technical reports.