Non-Slip Types of Floor Tiles

Cork

• Cork tiles are a durable, non-slip flooring tile made from the bark of oak trees. This spongy material can be harvested every nine years, making it a renewable, environmentally friendly choice for kitchens. Cork absorbs sound, is resilient against falling materials, can be dyed a multitude of colors and the anti-microbial surface makes it a good choice for kitchens. The snap-together tiles of cork flooring material makes it one of the easiest types of home flooring to install. Buyers can lay it over anything from subfloor plywood to existing vinyl surfaces.

Rubber

• Few flooring surfaces offer the durability, slip resistance, sound absorption and easy maintenance as rubber flooring. Rubber flooring is ideal for different applications where falls are imminent, including dog kennels, children's playrooms, health care facilities and gyms. No toxic chemicals are used in the manufacture of rubber flooring, which results in cleaner indoor air after installation. You can usually buy this material as interlocking tiles, but it also comes in custom sizes. It's not the cheapest type of flooring, but the durability and resilience makes it an investment for long-term use up to 30 years.

Ceramic

• Ceramic tiles are made of kiln-dried clay, making them one of the oldest types of flooring available. You'll find it relatively easy to locate ceramic finishes with an unglazed, rough and textured non-slip surface, just be sure the flooring has some type of waterproofing sealant that also protects it against wear and tear. Cleaning is accomplished with hot water and a mop, but care must be used to avoid falls. Most ceramic flooring can last for decades as long as a sealant is reapplied every four to five years.

Treated

• If removing and reinstalling new anti-slip floor tiles is not an option, consider turning your existing floor tiles into a non-slip surface with a chemical treatment. Whether you have slick marble, ceramic tiles, white porcelain or vinyl flooring, this option can help prevent falls for many years. The do-it-yourself enthusiast can purchase consumer-friendly liquid, non-slip treatments in a bottle and apply it with a mop, but hire a contractor to apply a professional-grade non-slip coating for a more durable finish. Look for a material that will dry quickly and does not alter the color or appearance of your existing flooring. Ideally, you'll want a non-slip treatment that's backed by some type of warranty.