14 FAQ on Gym Floor & Wall Tiles Answered By A Designer
Key Points
Prioritize porcelain over ceramic when selecting gym floor tiles or wall tiles for stronger durability, lower water absorption, and surfaces that better hide small chips.
Look for a wet DCOF range (dynamic coefficient of friction) of 60-70 and understand DCOF slip-resistance categories so wet areas can be safer.
Rectified tiles/edges and epoxy grout help create cleaner-looking gym floors and walls that also stand up better to moisture, chemicals, and heavy daily traffic.
1. Which is more durable: ceramic or porcelain?
Porcelain is a denser tile and therefore more durable. It is harder and less porous, so it resists impact, abrasion, and lasts longer in high‑traffic spaces.
2. Which works best with water exposure: ceramic or porcelain?
Porcelain absorbs far less water and is the better choice than ceramic when you need tile that can handle frequent or long‑term water exposure.
3. Why are chips less visible on porcelain?
Most porcelain tiles have what is called “through-body composition,” which means there is a uniform color of the material throughout, so small chips may not be as noticeable in porcelain as in ceramic tiles.
4. Which is better for commercial gym use: ceramic or porcelain?
Because it is denser, absorbs less water, and has through-body composition, it may be best to only use porcelain tile for most commercial gym projects.
5. How do you choose the best non-slip floor tile?
Very few tile products that are rated as “non-slip” are good enough to use in a shower area.
Case in point, how often do you see a locker room and shower area with mats on the floor to prevent slipping?
Pro tip: your best choice will often be a tile rated for indoor and outdoor areas such as patios or pool decks.
You can also consider the DCOF rating when selecting a non-slip gym floor tile, which we explain below.
6. What is a DCOF rating? What DCOF rating should I look for in non-slip gym floor tile?
DCOF rating is a slip‑resistance number for flooring that tells you how much grip a surface provides when someone is already moving across it (walking, stepping, etc.).
DCOF stands for Dynamic Coefficient of Friction, and it’s expressed as a decimal (for example, 0.42 or 0.60).
Higher values generally mean better traction and lower risk of slipping on wet or smooth floors.
Look for a wet DCOF range (dynamic coefficient of friction) of 60-70.
7. Are textured-finish tiles better for slip resistance in gym showers and locker rooms?
Yes. These tiles are manufactured with a rougher, grippier surface (a “textured finish”), and that extra texture helps shoes and bare feet grip the floor better, so the surface is less slippery when wet.
8. Why are small 2″x2″ mesh-mounted tiles recommended for gym showers and locker rooms?
The traditional 2”x2” – 12”x12” mesh product provides many more grout lines, which add to the non-slip capability.
Consider these smaller, mesh-mounted tiles if you want maximum traction from lots of grout lines.
9. What does it mean to pitch a floor tile? How does it help?
“Pitching” means sloping the floor slightly so water flows toward the drain instead of pooling.
Being able to “pitch” a tile floor to a drain is the key in reducing slippage.
10. What tile size works best for pitching?
Usually, tiles bigger than 6”x6” cannot be properly pitched to a drain.
11. What are the 5 Slip Resistance Categories?
The ANSI A326.3 divides slip resistance into five categories:
- ID (Interior, Dry)
- IW (Interior, Wet)
- IW+ (Interior, Wet Plus)
- EW (Exterior, Wet)
- O/G (Oils/Greases)
Use these to match gym floor and wall tile selections to how wet, busy, and demanding each zone will be.
12. What are some Beautiful Floor Tile Choices?
For non-slip surface choices, you can consider textured tile options from Daltile, which offers several
For porcelain, Crossville’s Portugal Porcelain Stone line is “a subtle, organic surface that delivers a sophisticated, tactile elegance.”
If you’re working on a high-end health club project and need specialty tile, Crossville’s Owen Stone collection “delivers quiet luxury with surprising performance, including a DCOF rating suitable for demanding environments.”
13. What is rectified tile?
A tile that has been precisely ground and machined to give a near-perfect edge allowing for thinner group lines and a cleaner look.
This is essential when using large tiles to create a consistent look in your facility.
14. What is the best grout to use?
Epoxy grout is considered to be a superior choice for any kind of tile project.
Epoxy grout is waterproof, durable, doesn’t need to be sealed, is stain and chemical-resistant, and can withstand high-traffic areas.
For another perspective on how to balance safety, durability, and aesthetics, check out Health Club Management Magazine’s roundup of expert flooring tips.
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