Non-Slip Shower Tiles: Comparing The Best Solutions

Shower tiles may seem harmless, but they can pose a significant risk to your safety. Slips and falls in wet areas, especially bathrooms, are a common cause of injury. According to data from the Australian Government, In the 2019-20 period, about 53% of falls that resulted in hospitalisation for people aged 65 and older occurred at home. This translates to around 69,868 hospital admissions for falls that happened in home environments. These numbers are likely underestimates and fractures were the most common type of injury.

Given these alarming statistics, it’s essential to address the risk of slippery shower tiles to ensure the safety of your household. Luckily, several solutions exist—including anti-slip treatments, non-slip coatings, and even bath mats—though some options are more effective than others.

Common Solutions for Non-Slip Shower Tiles

Slip-Resistant Bath Mats

One quick and inexpensive solution is to use bath mats inside the shower. While they do provide extra grip, they come with several downsides that make them less than ideal:

• Hygiene Issues: Bath mats are notorious for trapping moisture, which encourages the growth of mould. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent bacteria build-up, but they can still harbor germs.
• Limited durability: Over time, the suction cups or adhesive backing of bath mats tends to wear, reducing their effectiveness and safety.
• Trip hazard: Bath mats themselves can become a trip hazard if they shift or fold during use.
• Aesthetic concerns: Many people find that bath or shower baths disrupt the clean, sleek look of their bathroom.

Although bath mats are a quick fix, their disadvantages, especially hygiene concerns and limited durability, make them a less appealing long-term solution for preventing slips.

Anti-Slip Treatments

Another common method to increase slip resistance is an anti-slip treatment, which involves applying a chemical that etches into the surface, creating tiny cracks in the tile surface. Although it is a cheap and fast solution, etching comes with drawbacks:

• Permanent surface damage: The chemical process of anti-slip treatments damages the tiles permanently, sometimes causing discolouration and harder clean surfaces.
• Aesthetic degradation: The etched surface can wear down quicker as it opens up the natural seal of tiles. This reduces the original appeal and potentially looking worn or dirty.
• Maintenance needs: Regular upkeep is required to maintain effectiveness of etched surfaces.

Non-Slip Coatings

A more advanced and versatile solution is the use of non-slip coatings. These coatings form a transparent protective layer on the tile that enhances slip-resistance without altering or damaging the tile’s surface.

The Stellmann Non-Slip Clear Advantage

At Stellmann Coatings, we offer a premium non-slip solution designed specifically for wet areas like showers. Stellmann Non-Slip Clear is a transparent, high-performance coating that creates a slip-resistant surface while preserving the look and feel of your original tiles. Here’s why it is the ideal solution for non-slip shower tiles:

• Non-etching: Unlike anti-slip treatments, Stellmann Non-Slip Clear doesn’t alter or damage the tile surface, allowing you to retain the beauty and texture of your original tiles.
• CSIRO-Certified: Our coatings are independently certified with a wide range of slip-ratings.
• P3 slip-ratings: With a high P3-rating in wet conditions, our coating provides you with peace of mind.
• Durability: Our non-slip coating is designed to withstand daily use, moisture, and cleaning products, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Easy maintenance: With Stellmann Non-Slip Clear, the surface remains easy to clean, unlike bath mats or etched surfaces that require constant attention.
• Clear & Non-Yellowing: The transparent finish of Stellmann Non-Slip Clear allows you to keep your bathroom’s sleek, modern aesthetic without compromising on safety.

Why Stellmann Non-Slip Clear is the Best Solution

While bath mats and etching treatments can offer some level of slip resistance, they come with significant downsides—ranging from hygiene concerns to permanent tile damage. Stellmann Non-Slip Clear provides the best alternative, offering a long-term, durable, and invisible solution that ensures both safety and style. Whether for home use or commercial applications, Stellmann Non-Slip Clear is the ideal choice for preventing slips in the shower without compromising the integrity of your tiles.