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Guide to the correct tile wear group

The abrasion group plays an important role in the search for the right floor tiles. This is because it shows how well the product can withstand daily stress. In the following article you will find out into which abrasion classes tiles are classified and for which areas they are therefore suitable.

Whether in private living areas, for commercial use or outdoors – tiles are generally regarded as extremely robust and hard-wearing. Provided, of course, that they are actually able to cope with the daily stress in the respective area. The decisive criterion in this context is how much abrasion tiles produce – and there are sometimes quite big differences.

Glazed vs. unglazed tiles: Abrasion depends on the surface

Unglazed tiles are usually indestructible even under the highest stress and strain. The special manufacturing process makes the material as hard as diamonds and therefore resistant to surface damage and wear. In addition, unglazed tiles also score points in terms of slip resistance due to their rough surface. This means that they can be used in any area and in all rooms without any restrictions, without having to pay particular attention to slip resistance or abrasion resistance.

In contrast, abrasion is much more relevant for glazed tiles. The glaze makes the surface much more sensitive to external influences. This can not only lead to reduced slip resistance in wet or damp conditions, but over time also to wear and tear. These traces of use are often visible in the form of a loss of shine in the affected areas, particularly in the case of scratching dirt and grinding or rubbing movements when walking on the floor with shoes. And this in turn sometimes leads to limitations in the possible areas of application. Not least for this reason, ceramic glazed tiles are also assigned to an abrasion group according to DIN EN 10545-7.

Quality criterion abrasion class: Tiles in endurance test

In order to be able to assess the resistance of the surface to wear and tear, glazed tiles are therefore tested for their resistance to abrasion in a standardised test procedure. A machine produces artificial abrasion by rotating steel brushes with the addition of water and abrasives until the surface of the tiles visibly changes. Depending on how many rotations this is the case, the tiles are divided into abrasion groups 1 to 5 according to DIN EN 10545-7.

Which abrasion group tiles should have

The abrasion of glazed tiles depends both on the glaze itself (hardness, thickness, degree of gloss, etc.) and on the frequency of foot traffic, the degree of soiling and the type and intensity of use in the area in question.

All these factors are also taken into account in the abrasion class, which is why it is a decisive quality and selection criterion for tiles. In order to find out whether the tiles are suitable for the planned location, it is therefore worthwhile to pay attention to these classes when buying. The following overview shows what the respective tile abrasion class means in detail.

Abrasion groups at a glance

Abrasion group 1:

Tiles in this class are only suitable for very light use. The surface rubs off quickly and is extremely sensitive to scratching dirt. The recommended use for these tiles is in principle as wall covering. As floor coverings, they are only suitable – if at all – for rooms that are mainly walked on barefoot or only with very soft soles, such as slippers, when there is little foot traffic (for example bedrooms or bathrooms). Due to their low resistance and limited application, however, tiles of abrasion group 1 are generally only rarely offered by the tile manufacturers.

Abrasion group 2:

Group 2 tiles are already somewhat more robust: they can be used for rooms with light traffic. The surface resists minor scratching dirt and is therefore basically resistant enough to walk on with normal footwear. However, the inspection frequency should not be too high. Tiles of this abrasive group are therefore suitable for private living spaces, with the exception of heavily frequented and stressed areas, such as kitchens or stairs.

Abrasion group 3:

Class 3 tiles are most commonly found in private homes. They withstand medium loads well and are therefore suitable for most rooms with average foot traffic and dirt (e.g. living rooms, hallways, corridors). If the tiles are in principle approved for outdoor use, they can also be laid on balconies. Tiles of the abrasion group 3 can also be used in hotel rooms.

Abrasion group 4:

For rooms that are frequently entered with normal footwear or that are exposed to heavier loads, tiles in abrasion group 4 are recommended. they remain resistant to abrasion even under heavy loads and score points for their correspondingly long service life. Not only can they be used without restriction in the entire private living area, both inside and outside, but they are also resilient enough for public or commercial use. Tiles of this class are suitable for stairs, kitchens, terraces, offices, hotels, entrance areas etc.

Abrasion group 5:

Class 5 tiles are mainly used in commercial areas. They have maximum durability and abrasion resistance, which is why they are convincing even under the highest loads, foot traffic and dirt. Tiles of Abrasion Group 5 are mainly relevant for shops, restaurants and hotel lobbies, but also for garages, industrial halls, schools or railway stations. Such robust tiles are generally not necessary for private households.

For the sake of completeness, however, it should be mentioned again here that unglazed tiles can always be assigned to the highest abrasion class by default. Especially for highly frequented areas they are therefore sometimes the better choice. Particularly in the case of extreme stress, it is therefore advisable to rely on the material, which is by nature extremely abrasion-resistant.

Attention: Do not forget the anti-slip protection!

To ensure that tiles not only optimally withstand loads but also have the necessary slip resistance, attention should be paid to the anti-slip class of the tiles in addition to the abrasion group when selecting the tiles. This is particularly important for use in bathrooms, showers or outdoors. This is because the glaze of the tiles often tends to turn into a slide when wet or damp.

The classification of the slip resistance R9 to R13 shows the coefficient of static friction of glazed tiles and the angle of inclination up to which the surface can be walked on without risk. The suffix A, B or C also indicates how non-slip the tiles are in wet areas where bare feet are present (e.g. bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, etc.)

Extra tips against abrasion

The selection of the appropriate abrasive group already has a significant influence on the service life of glazed tiles. However, to ensure that the tiled floor remains free of visible signs of use for a longer period of time, the colour or brightness of the tiles should also be adapted to the use. For example, it is advisable not to use tiles that are too dark in areas subject to heavy traffic, as any changes in colour and gloss will be more noticeable on them. In addition, you should always use a chair pad under desks, for example.

Furthermore, it is of course important to clean the tiles regularly and properly. Due to the pressure and friction when walking on the floor, dirt and dust particles otherwise have a similar effect to sandpaper – and sooner or later this can have undesirable effects on the appearance of the tiles.

In areas with particularly heavy traffic, dirt-trapping mats or doormats can also be laid out to remove the coarsest dirt from street shoes and thus additionally protect the tiles.

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INFO: everything about tile slip resistance

While slip-resistant tiles are mandatory in public and commercial areas, there is no obligation whatsoever for the private sector. However, why you should also pay attention to the slip resistance of your tiles in your own four walls and how you can ensure the necessary slip resistance, you will find out in the following article.

Watch out, danger of slipping!

Universally applicable and hard-wearing, yet at the same time visually appealing and easy to clean: a floor covering made of tiles offers many undisputed advantages. If it weren’t for this small but sometimes momentous downer.

Tiles can quickly become quite smooth in wet or damp conditions. This is because water, grease and dirt significantly reduce the static friction coefficient of the surface. Especially in the bathroom, around the pool, on the terrace or even in the kitchen, one wrong step is often enough to lose your footing.

This is not only annoying, but above all can be dangerous. According to accident statistics, insufficiently slip-resistant floors are one of the most frequent causes of falls and injuries. A good reason, therefore, to attach importance to sufficient safety in areas with increased risk of slipping.

Non-slip tile: That’s what counts

Although slip-resistant tiles are not a must in the private sector, they are the best prevention against accidents. It is therefore best to pay attention to the slip resistance of tiles as early as the planning and purchasing decision.

Material and format

The material or the structure of the surface already gives a first visible hint. In general, the rule is: the rougher a tile is, the higher the slip resistance. For example, untreated natural stone or porcelain stoneware tiles are inherently relatively slip-resistant, while glazed, impregnated or high-gloss polished tiles are generally less able to meet the requirements.

The size of the tiles also has an influence on slip resistance: with smaller formats, the proportion of joints on the floor surface is higher – and this also has a positive effect on slip resistance. This is one of the reasons why mosaic tiles are often used, especially in areas with an increased amount of water (e.g. showers or swimming pools), as the many joints give the floor a kind of braking effect.

Anti-slip classes according to DIN standard

However, it is not possible to determine at a glance how slip-resistant the tile actually is. Much more decisive is therefore the marking based on standardised slip resistance classes. However, these have nothing in common with the tile abrasion group.

Although these are primarily important for compliance with the legal requirements for non-slip tiles in the commercial or public sector, they naturally also offer private consumers a reliable guide to help them choose the right tiles.

Assessment of slip resistance: Tiles in test procedure

As with any other floor covering, the assessment of the slip resistance of tiles is carried out according to a special procedure: the so-called walk on sloping ground. In order to determine the static friction coefficient of the tiles, an expert test person from the tile manufacturer walks back and forth on the surface to be tested, whereby the angle of inclination of the tile is increased more and more by lifting it to one side. Depending on the commercial sector in which the floor covering is to be used, the test is carried out either with footwear on oil or barefoot on water, in order to simulate as real a use as possible. As soon as the test person begins to slip or become unsteady on the prepared surface, the test ends.

Classification according to evaluation groups

Based on these results, slip-resistant tiles are now assigned to the corresponding evaluation groups R9 to R13 according to DIN standard 51130 as follows

Class R9:

low coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 6 – 10°, suitable for e.g. living rooms, interior stairs, entrance areas etc.

Class R10:

normal coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 11 – 19°, suitable for e.g. outdoor stairs or tiles in outdoor areas, bathrooms, balconies / terraces etc.

Class R11:

increased coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 20 – 27°; suitable for e.g. outdoor installations,

Class R12:

high coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 28 – 35°, suitable for e.g. cold stores, hospitals, canteen kitchens

Class R13:

very high coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of over 35°, suitable for e.g. workshops, slaughterhouses, production halls etc.

If the floor covering is also suitable for use in so-called wet barefoot areas according to DIN 51097, an additional value is added to the tiles:

Class A:

very low slip resistance, slip resistance up to an angle of inclination of 12°, suitable for dry to maximum wet floors

Class B:

medium slip resistance, slip resistance up to an angle of inclination of 18°, suitable for wet floors

Class C:

high slip resistance, sure-footed up to an angle of inclination of 24°, suitable for swimming pools

What slip resistance tiles need in private homes

Depending on the slip class to which tiles are assigned, this results in the possible areas of application. However, it must always be kept in mind that the evaluation groups apply primarily in the commercial sector – and there the requirements for tile slip resistance are much higher than in private use. In addition, with tiles of higher slip-resistance classes, the cleaning effort also increases because the surface is rougher. The motto with regard to surefootedness at home is therefore: less is often more.

For normal domestic use, therefore, tiles of the R9 and R10 rating groups are usually laid. Even their “low” to “normal” coefficient of static friction usually meets the requirements for adequate slip resistance completely without the floor covering losing its attractiveness and comfort.

In sanitary rooms or outdoor areas, a higher degree of slip resistance can be achieved, if required, by using rating groups “B” or “C” and with tiles R10 and R11. Especially if people often walk barefoot there, this can of course be highly recommended. Class R12 and R13 tiles, on the other hand, are basically designed for special, mostly industrial areas and are therefore no longer relevant for private use.

Making smooth tiles non-slip

Ideally, the slip resistance is therefore already taken into account during the planning or laying phase. But even if it only turns out afterwards that certain areas are too slippery, this does not necessarily mean that the leg is broken. After all, even in retrospect there are various methods of improving slip resistance:

  • A simple but very effective option are self-adhesive anti-slip strips. These are simply stuck onto the smooth areas at specific points and thus provide more grip. They are particularly suitable for stair steps, but can also be used in wet areas.
  • In order to increase the slip resistance on larger surfaces, adhesive coverings and foils are suitable, which can also be applied relatively easily.
  • In addition, there are special anti-slip coatings or varnishes with which the entire surface can be provided.
  • Another possibility is to treat the tiles mechanically (e.g. by sandblasting or compressed air technology), chemically (e.g. fluorine, chlorine or ammonium compounds) or with laser technology and thereby additionally roughen the surface.
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Tiles in outdoor areas: That’s what counts

Terrace, balcony or garden can be tastefully decorated with tiles in various styles according to individual preferences. However, the requirements are much higher outdoors than indoors. In this article you will find out which requirements tiles must fulfil in order to be able to exist permanently as floor coverings outdoors and what you should absolutely observe when laying them.

Possible applications of tiles: Exterior vs. interior

From small to large, from light to dark, from natural stone to wood look – tiles are available in the most diverse formats, colours and designs. Coupled with their advantageous properties in terms of comfort, durability and cleaning, this results in almost unlimited application possibilities. No wonder, then, that tiles are both popular and widespread as floor coverings not only indoors but also outdoors.

However, the conditions outside are completely different from those in enclosed living spaces. The ground is exposed to the weather all year round and the interplay of sun, rain, ice and snow demands a lot from the material. In order for the flooring to be able to withstand outdoor use for a long time, tiles must therefore be particularly robust and resistant to external influences and stress.

Which tiles are suitable for outdoor use?

In order to ensure that the tiles are able to withstand the daily stresses and strains on the terrace, balcony or garden, the following criteria should be taken into account when selecting the tiles:

Weather resistance and frost resistance

The most important criterion for outdoor tiles is that they are weatherproof. Thus, the material must not only be able to withstand the heat of direct sunlight in summer, but above all the cold and frost in winter.

Decisive for the frost resistance is the water absorption capacity. The rule is: the less, the more frost-resistant. If too much water penetrates into tiles and joints due to humidity or precipitation and expands in the cold, there is a risk of cracks, flaking or efflorescence.

In principle, a porous surface absorbs more water than a fine-pored one. For this reason, pure stoneware is generally not recommended for outdoor use due to its nature. Ceramic tiles made of stoneware or porcelain stoneware, but also natural stone (e.g. granite) or terracotta can very well be used outside, provided that they are approved for this purpose according to the information provided by the tile manufacturer.

The decisive factor for the degree of frost resistance is the classification, according to which the tiles are divided into the following five groups based on their water absorption capacity:

Group Ia: < 0,5 % water absorption capacity

Group Ib: < 3 % water absorption capacity

Group IIa: 3 to 6 % Water absorption capacity

Group IIb: 6 to 10 % water absorption capacity

Group III: > 10 % water absorption capacity

Group Ia and Ib tiles – i.e. up to a maximum water absorption capacity of 3 percent – are generally considered frost-proof. They are additionally marked with a blue ice crystal as a symbol and can be laid outdoors without hesitation. To be on the safe side, a tile with a water absorption capacity of less than 0.5 percent should be preferred in the best case.

In contrast, there is already a considerable risk of frost damage in groups IIa and IIb – and group III is not advisable for outdoor areas if the flooring is to survive the winter without damage.

Abrasion resistance

Another selection criterion for exterior tiles is abrasion resistance. It determines the stress the surface is suitable for without signs of wear and tear.

This is divided into 5 tiles abrasion groups:

Abrasion group 1: Very light duty

Abrasion group 2: Light duty

Abrasion group 3: Medium stress

Abrasion group 4: Heavy duty

Abrasion group 5: Very heavy duty

Basically nothing can go wrong with unglazed tiles in outdoor areas – they can always be assigned to the highest abrasion class. The hardness of the surface is comparable to that of diamonds, making them virtually indestructible even under extreme stress.

With glazed tiles, on the other hand, things look slightly different. Depending on the type and design of the glaze as well as the degree of wear and tear and soiling, visible signs of use are quite possible over time. Therefore, glazed tiles on the balcony should have at least abrasion class 3, for use on terraces or in the garden, abrasion class 4 is even more recommended.

Skid resistance

Last but not least, special attention should also be paid to slip resistance in the case of exterior tiles. This is because wet or damp tiles can quickly become slippery and cause nasty falls or injuries.

The slip resistance can be recognised by the skid resistance classes, into which tiles are divided depending on their static friction value:

R9: low coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 6 – 10°

R10: normal coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 11 – 19°

R11: increased coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 20 – 27°

R12: high coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of 28 – 35

R13: very high coefficient of static friction, safe to step on at an angle of inclination of over 35

In outdoor areas, at least R10 should be selected, and R11 ensures even better slip resistance if there is a particular risk of slipping (e.g. on stairs). In areas that are also frequently walked on barefoot (e.g. in and around the pool or in the garden shower), attention should also be paid to the additional “B” or “C” marking for suitability in wet barefoot areas.

Unglazed tiles also offer a certain advantage in terms of slip resistance in outdoor areas. Thanks to their rough surface, they are naturally more slip-resistant. Even small tile formats can additionally increase the slip resistance due to the significantly larger joint proportion.

Garden, balcony and terrace: Choose the right tiles for the outdoor area

When choosing tiles for the terrace, balcony or garden, it is therefore advisable to always opt for the higher quality class. This may have an overall impact on the price, but the extra cost is worth it simply because of the longer life of the floor tiles.

Which exterior tiles are ultimately best depends primarily on personal preferences and the style of the house. Floor tiles for outside as well as for inside are available in the most diverse surfaces (e.g. unglazed, glazed, matt, silk matt, high gloss etc.), optics (e.g. wood optics, natural stone optics, marble optics etc.), formats (e.g. square, rectangular) and colours.

What should be taken into account when laying outdoors?

However, the decision for the right exterior tiles is only half the battle. Even the best flooring can be damaged – usually by water – if the tiles are not laid properly.

Therefore, outdoor installation should be carried out with great care, taking into account the following factors:

Prepare the substrate

The substrate for exterior tiles must be load-bearing, frost-resistant and completely even. Concrete slabs or a cement screed reinforced with construction steel mats on a compacted and sufficiently drained layer of gravel or crushed stone are most suitable.

A gradient of 2 per cent must be observed so that water can quickly drain away from the tiles to the outside. In order to protect the tiled floor from moisture even from below, the substructure should also be sealed (e.g. with bitumen coating or sealing slurry and double-layer PE foil). In addition, the surface should be carefully checked again for cracks, unevenness or any residue from removed flooring before installation and repaired if necessary.

The right laying material

When laying outdoors, only flexible tile mortars or adhesives should be used to reduce stresses on the floor surface and thus prevent cracks or fissures in the tiles.

Laying tiles correctly

When laying the tiles themselves, it is important to avoid cavities between the substrate and the tiles in order to prevent water inclusions. This is best achieved with the so-called buttering-floating process, in which the tile mortar or adhesive is applied both to the substrate and to the back of the laid tile. Alternatively, thin-bed installation can be used, in which the tiles are pressed in sections directly into the damp fluidised bed mortar or tile adhesive.

In the edge areas, it is essential to ensure that the necessary expansion joints are provided in order to give the floor the necessary scope for temperature-related expansion and thus avoid stresses. It is also important that the tile adhesive is allowed to harden (approx. 48 hours) before grouting is started.

Carefully grouting tiles

Leaky joints are often the Achilles’ heel of exterior tiles. They can easily allow moisture to penetrate and cause damage to the substructure, the tile mortar or the tiles themselves. Therefore, special care and precision is required when grouting in outdoor areas.

In order to be able to work as precisely as possible, the joint sealing compound should be applied to the gaps diagonally to the joint line with a rubber wiper. Excess grout can be removed with a sponge board after approx. 15 minutes of drying. In the last step, the expansion joints and other transitions can then be sealed with silicone.

ATTENTION: The surface can only be walked on and loaded when the tile mortar or adhesive has completely hardened. This phase can take different lengths of time depending on the product, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. During the drying phase, excessive humidity and direct sunlight should be avoided.

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