Slip Resistance in NZ: How Architects Can Achieve Stunning Designs Without Compromise

For architects and property managers, flooring is never just about looks. It’s about safety, usability, and long-term performance. A floor may achieve the sleek aesthetic a client wants, but if it doesn’t meet New Zealand’s slip resistance standards, it could compromise the safety of everyone who uses the space.

At SlipSafe, we’re often approached about floors specified purely for aesthetics, only to discover they don’t meet the required slip ratings. This happens most often in wet or high-traffic areas. Instead of changing the entire specification to a less appealing product, we apply our transparent anti-slip coatings, bringing the surface up to standard while keeping the design intact.

The result? Architects and developers keep the look they want, while ensuring surfaces are safe, compliant, and confidence-inspiring.

The Design vs. Compliance Dilemma

Every architect knows the challenge of balancing form with function. Clients love finishes like:

• Polished concrete
• Glazed tiles
• Natural stone

…but these same surfaces can become slippery under wet or worn conditions.

That’s why slip resistance testing is so important. It confirms performance in real-world use and helps you make adjustments early, without sacrificing design intent.

The Two Key Standards:

New Zealand uses two main standards to measure slip performance:

• NZS 4586 – Applies to new pedestrian surface materials. It classifies flooring products before they are installed.
• NZS 4663 – Applies to existing pedestrian surfaces. It measures how floors perform once they’re in place.

Together, these standards give architects confidence when specifying products and allow property managers to ensure buildings remain safe over time.

When Aesthetics Don’t Meet Standards

Many design-led finishes look great on paper but often underperform in slip tests, especially when wet.

Examples include:

• Glazed tiles in bathrooms and lobbies
• Polished concrete sealed too smooth
• Vinyl or laminate flooring after wear and cleaning

This doesn’t mean those materials can’t be used. It simply means you need the right testing and treatments to ensure they perform safely in practice.

Enhancing Safety and Design

SlipSafe provides solutions that protect both compliance and aesthetics:

• Clear anti-slip coatings; Preserve the natural beauty of tiles, concrete, or stone.
• Coloured coatings; Transform plain surfaces, like standard concrete, into bold, design-led finishes.
• Surface treatments; Subtle applications (like acid-etch or chemical treatments) that improve grip without changing the look.

This means you don’t have to compromise. Clients get the finish they love, while you deliver a surface that meets New Zealand’s slip standards.

Why Property Managers Should Care Too

Even if flooring was compliant at installation, everyday use, cleaning, and polishing can reduce slip performance. Regular NZS 4663 testing helps property managers:

• Confirm surfaces are still performing as intended
• Plan proactive maintenance before issues arise
• Keep spaces safe and welcoming for staff, tenants, and visitors

Pairing testing with SlipSafe treatments keeps buildings safe and looking their best long after opening day.

The Pendulum Test: How It Works

The pendulum test is New Zealand’s preferred method for measuring slip resistance. It uses a swinging rubber slider to simulate a person’s heel strike, testing friction in both wet and dry conditions.

Results are compared to NZS 4586 or NZS 4663 classifications. If a surface falls short, SlipSafe can recommend targeted solutions to lift performance, without sacrificing design.

How SlipSafe Supports Architects and Property Managers

We work with architects, specifiers, and property managers across New Zealand to:

• Test new materials pre-installation under NZS 4586
• Assess existing surfaces under NZS 4663
• Provide clear, practical compliance reports
• Apply coatings and treatments that improve safety and aesthetics

This gives you confidence to specify bold finishes and maintain them effectively over time.

Key Takeaway

Great design should never come at the expense of safety. With SlipSafe, architects can specify stunning finishes that meet standards, while property managers can keep spaces compliant and appealing year after year.

Ready to Test Your Surfaces?

If you’re specifying new flooring or managing an existing space, SlipSafe can help you strike the perfect balance of aesthetic impact and performance.

Contact us to book a slip resistance test or discuss surface treatments for your project.