Performance

Slip resistance (DCOF)

Wet DCOF under ANSI A326.3 is the slip-resistance measure that matters for commercial porcelain tile. Here is what the number means, where 0.42 applies, and how Yorkshore reports it.

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Slip resistance for hard-surface flooring in North America is measured as the wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) under ANSI A326.3. The test runs a sensor across the tile with a slightly soapy water solution, which is why a DCOF value is not comparable to older static or European R-ratings.

The standard sets 0.42 as the baseline for level interior floors that are expected to be walked on when wet. A326.3 also classifies products into use categories: Interior Dry, Interior Wet, Interior Wet Plus, Exterior Wet and Oils/Greases. A tile at or above 0.42 is not automatically suitable for every project; restrooms, locker rooms, commercial kitchens, ramps and entries each carry their own expectations, and many specifiers set a higher internal target for them.

Polished porcelain, including polished large format, often tests below 0.42 wet. Yorkshore lists polished tile for floor use only where the manufacturer's wet DCOF report is on file, and the value is shown on the product page.

Every porcelain floor tile on this site shows its wet DCOF value and use category once the manufacturer's test report has been reviewed. Where the value is not yet published, the report is available on request. Confirm the figure against the current report before specifying, since surface finish and production runs can change results.

Evaluation criteria

How to evaluate options

  • Wet DCOF of 0.42 or higher for level interior floors walked on wet
  • ANSI A326.3 use category matched to the space: Interior Wet Plus for restrooms and locker rooms
  • Higher internal targets for kitchens, ramps and entries
  • Polished porcelain on floors only with a wet DCOF report on file
  • Confirm the value on the current manufacturer report, not marketing copy

Frequently asked questions

What DCOF rating do commercial floor tiles need?

ANSI A326.3 sets a wet DCOF of 0.42 as the baseline for level interior floors expected to be walked on when wet. Match the tile's A326.3 use category to the space as well: restrooms and locker rooms call for Interior Wet Plus, and many specifiers set a higher internal target for commercial kitchens, ramps and entries.

How is DCOF different from static coefficient of friction or an R-rating?

DCOF under ANSI A326.3 measures friction while a sensor moves across the tile wetted with a slightly soapy solution. Older static coefficient (SCOF) tests and European R-ratings such as DIN 51130 use different methods, so their numbers cannot be converted to or compared with a wet DCOF value. Compare tiles on A326.3 results only.

What are the ANSI A326.3 use categories?

A326.3 classifies tiles as Interior Dry, Interior Wet, Interior Wet Plus, Exterior Wet and Oils/Greases. The category tells you where the manufacturer rates the tile for use: Interior Wet Plus covers areas such as restrooms and locker rooms, Exterior Wet covers outdoor floors, and Oils/Greases covers areas such as commercial kitchens. A tile at 0.42 or above is not automatically suitable for every category.

Is polished porcelain tile safe for commercial floors?

Only with a wet DCOF report that supports the use. Polished porcelain, including polished large format, often tests below 0.42 wet. Yorkshore lists polished tile for floor use only where the manufacturer's wet DCOF report is on file, and shows the value on the product page.

Does a wet DCOF of 0.42 mean a floor is slip-proof?

No. 0.42 is a baseline for level interior floors under test conditions. Real-world slip risk also depends on the contaminant (water, soap, oil), slope, footwear, cleaning and maintenance. Use the A326.3 use category and a higher internal target for wet, sloped or greasy areas.

Where do I find a tile's wet DCOF value?

On each Yorkshore porcelain floor tile page, in the specification table under Wet DCOF, once the manufacturer's test report has been reviewed. Where the value is not yet published, the report is available on request. Confirm the figure against the current report before specifying, since surface finish and production runs can change results.

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