Slip resistance
Slip resistance is the measure of grip on a walking surface. NCC 2022 requires P3/R10 dry and P4/R11 wet for stair treads. Wrong slip rating is a common PCI fail.
Ask Chalkline about this →Slip resistance is a measure of how much grip a pedestrian surface provides underfoot. In the Australian building industry it is rated under AS/NZS 4586, which uses two classification scales: P-ratings (pendulum test, P1 to P5, higher is grippier) and R-ratings (ramp test, R9 to R13, higher is grippier).
The NCC sets minimum slip-resistance requirements for stair treads and ramps in the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard 2022 Table 11.2.4. For residential stairs:
| Surface | Dry condition | Wet or exposed condition |
|---|---|---|
| Stair treads | P3 or R10 | P4 or R11 |
| Ramps (1:8 gradient) | P4 or R10 | P5 or R12 |
Wet or exposed condition applies to external treads, covered treads that can still get wet, and any tread routinely wet underfoot (pool surrounds, laundry entries). Smooth hardwood decking and polished concrete often fail the wet classification unless grip strips, brushing, or a textured coating are added.
Specifying the wrong slip rating is a common PCI hold, especially on external timber stairs and tiled tread edges.
Also known as: slip rating, P-rating, R-rating.
Category: Floor and stair compliance.
Related
- NCC stairs, balustrades and handrails: stair tread slip-resistance requirements under Part H5
See also
- Tolerance: workmanship tolerance in a building context
- Workmanship: general workmanship standards expected on site
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Verified: 2026-05-07. Quarterly review for currency.