Building materials
How to choose suitable materials for creating accessible and slip resistant surfaces for public buildings.
Selecting materials for public spaces demands attention to safety, accessibility, durability, and maintenance, ensuring slip resistance without compromising aesthetics, climate resilience, and universal design principles across diverse user groups.
Published by
Wayne Bailey
July 29, 2025 - 3 min Read
Choosing materials for accessible, slip resistant public surfaces begins with understanding the site’s traffic patterns, environmental exposure, and cleaning regimes. Durable options should resist staining, wear, and weather, while still offering slip resistance under both dry and wet conditions. A practical approach is to start with a performance brief that defines acceptable dynamic friction values, cleanability benchmarks, and tolerance for temperature fluctuations. Material choices then map to zones: entranceways where moisture is common, corridors with light foot traffic, ramps that require consistent grip, and outdoor plazas exposed to sun and rain. Collaboration among architects, facilities managers, and accessibility consultants ensures the final selection aligns with code requirements and user expectations over decades of use.
When evaluating materials, consider safety ratings from recognized standards bodies and real-world testing data. Ceramic and porcelain tiles with textured surfaces, epoxy coatings, and polished concrete each present distinct advantages and drawbacks in slip resistance and maintenance. Porous surfaces may capture dirt but can be easier to grip when finished with anti-slip aggregates. Smooth, glazed tiles often look clean but can become dangerously slick when wet unless adequately treated. A layered approach—combining resilient underfoot materials with durable surface finishes—often yields the best balance between grip, longevity, and ease of cleaning, especially in high-traffic entrances and wet zones.
Balance performance, maintenance needs, and lifecycle costs from the outset.
Accessibility goes beyond ramps and door widths; it encompasses tactile cues, legibility of pathways, and the continuity of grip between indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials selected for accessibility must maintain consistent friction levels across varied conditions, including rain, snow, and airborne contaminants. Antislip finishes, embedded aggregates, and surface textures should minimize slippery patches while staying comfortable for all users, including those with mobility aids. In addition, color contrast and subtle elevation changes help guide visitors without creating tripping hazards. Engaging end users in early design reviews can reveal practical concerns that tests alone might miss, leading to more reliable material choices.
A sustainable approach also informs material decisions. Recycled content, low embodied energy, and options for end-of-life recycling support long term resilience. Some materials may require higher initial investment yet deliver lower lifecycle costs through reduced maintenance and fewer safety incidents. Durability translates into fewer replacements and less disruption to public access. Where possible, specify materials with proven performance in similar climates and building types, and document the tested slip resistance under typical cleaning regimes. This creates a feedback loop for ongoing maintenance planning and helps justify the initial budget to stakeholders.
Create a cohesive mix that remains safe across environments.
Flooring in foyers and entry zones faces the harshest wear and moisture exposure, so a robust yet forgiving material is essential. Consider wear ratings, water absorption, and ease of replacement for damaged sections. Entrance mats and channel drains can complement primary flooring, reducing surface moisture and extending grip. For corridor flooring, stability and subtle tread differences aid orientation, while staying visually cohesive with the building’s interior aesthetics. Lightweight but durable options can simplify installation and future repairs, and products with warranties addressing slip resistance under wet cleaning cycles provide added assurance to facility teams and the public alike.
Outdoor public spaces introduce variables such as UV exposure, freezing cycles, and moss or algae growth. Materials must resist fading, cracking, and slippery algal films, especially in shaded areas. Porous finishes may trap moisture and encourage slip risks unless treated with protective sealants. Non-slip aggregates or scored textures can maintain grip during rain while offering easier drainage. Maintenance planning should specify periodic moss control and cleaning methods compatible with the chosen material. In some climates, permeable pavers combined with correct joint spacing help manage water while preserving safe traction underfoot.
Integrate surrounding conditions into material performance planning.
The interface between different materials—such as where a ramp meets a landing or a threshold—requires careful detailing to avoid abrupt changes in surface height or grip. Transitions should be smooth, with ramp gradients complying with accessibility codes and without creating trip hazards. Edge protection, non-slip edging, and consistent texture transitions help users perceive changes without breaking flow. Durable sealants at joints prevent water ingress that could undermine traction. Material choices should anticipate maintenance access, ensuring that restoration work doesn’t compromise safety or accessibility.
Lighting and environmental controls influence perceived and actual slip risk. Adequate lighting reduces missteps, while glare on polished surfaces can mask wet patches. Architects should plan for zones with uniform lighting levels and consider anti-glare finishes where feasible. In shaded or heavily tree-covered areas, choose textures and colors that maintain visibility of the floor’s contour and any anti-slip treatment. Regular inspections during seasonal changes help identify slick patches caused by dew, rain splash, or algae, enabling timely interventions that preserve accessibility.
Maintain demonstrated performance through proactive management.
Maintenance plans are as critical as the initial specification. Define routine cleaning frequencies, approved cleaning chemicals, and sanitation standards compatible with surface textures. Some finishes tolerate aggressive detergents that also remove contaminants well; others require gentler care to preserve micro-texture. Documentation should cover reapplication intervals for anti-slip coatings and replacement criteria for worn sections. Training cleaning staff on proper technique prevents inadvertently reducing friction through over-wetting or improper scrubbing. A transparent maintenance schedule supports safety goals and extends the life of chosen materials.
Testing should be an ongoing habit, not a one-time checkpoint. Before installation, simulate real-world conditions that the surface will face across seasons. Periodic friction testing, especially after maintenance activities or climate shifts, confirms that performance remains within acceptable ranges. Records of test results should be accessible to facilities teams and auditors. When tests indicate rising slip risk, plan targeted interventions rather than broad, costly replacements. Flexible procurement strategies—selecting materials with adaptable finishes or upgrade paths—help buildings stay compliant as safety standards evolve.
Involving stakeholders early yields material choices that respect dignity and inclusivity. Public buildings serve diverse users, including seniors, children, and people with mobility devices, so design decisions must reflect varied needs without sacrificing beauty or practicality. Transparent communication about why certain textures were chosen and how maintenance will work builds trust. Documenting accessibility considerations, slip resistance data, and maintenance commitments helps with regulatory reviews and future renovations. A well-considered material strategy reduces risk, supports universal access, and elevates user experience across all areas of a building.
Finally, align procurement with performance criteria and supplier reliability. Request comparative data from manufacturers, including slip resistance, abrasion resistance, cleaning compatibility, and warranty terms. Favor suppliers who provide long-term support, who stand behind their products, and who offer replacement options without expensive downtime. Build a decision matrix that weighs grip, durability, cost, aesthetics, and environmental impact. By prioritizing evidence-backed choices and clear maintenance plans, public buildings can deliver safe, accessible surfaces that remain attractive and functional for years to come.
