Increase the Slip Resistance of Granite Floors

Maintaining Slip Resistance on a Granite Floor

Granite floors can be slippery when wet. The amount of slipperiness can also be affected by the type of granite, the finish of the surface, and the presence of any substances that may reduce slip resistance, such as a buildup of cleaning products. Obviously, maintaining slip resistance is a high priority for safety reasons.

Products to Increase theCoefficient of Friction (CoF)

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and Owner of Stone Forensics says, “There are several sealers on the market that will increase what is known as the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) on a granite floor.” (CoF is a measurement of the amount of friction between two surfaces. It is used to determine the slip resistance of a surface, with higher values indicating better traction and lower values indicating a greater risk of slipping.)

“Check with your local supplier. Be sure the product is recommended for stone,” he says. Sealers like this can provide slip resistance without changing the appearance of the stone.

Hueston adds, “There are also several new treatments that will provide a slip resistance surface. These treatments are advertised regularly in both stone and tile trade journals.”

Change the Finish to Increase Slip Resistance

Another way to increase the CoF of a granite floor to make it less slippery is to change the finish. For example, a honed or matte finish offers more slip resistance than a highly polished granite floor.

Learn More

For more information, register to earn a Stone Restoration Master Course Certificate. You'll learn how to restore natural stone floors, countertops, and walls, engineered stone, and granite floors, using the most efficient and effective restoration procedures. Also included in this program is the Stain Care Pro course with a one-year subscription to the Stain Care Pro app and Understanding Sealers.