Why Slip Resistance Matters (and How to Get It Right)
When it comes to outdoor design, it’s easy to focus on the colours, patterns, or stone type. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is something people might not notice—until they slip. That’s why at Outdoor & General, we only stock outdoor products with a minimum P4 or P5 slip rating—because your safety is just as important as your style.
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What Is Slip Resistance?
Slip resistance is all about how much grip a surface gives you—especially when wet. Whether it’s rain, pool splashes, or morning dew, outdoor surfaces need to be able to handle moisture safely.
In Australia, slip resistance is measured from P0 (very low) to P5 (very high). The higher the number, the better the grip.
Here’s what you need to know:
P4 – Safe for most residential outdoor spaces
P5 – Ideal for high-risk areas like pools, sloped driveways, and commercial zones
At Outdoor & General, all our outdoor surfaces are a minimum P4 and or above. You won’t find anything below that in our range.
What About Around the Pool?
We often get asked whether natural stones like limestone, marble, or travertine are safe around pools—and the answer is yes!
While these materials typically fall into the P4 range, they’re still a fantastic choice for pool areas when finished correctly and installed with care. Many homeowners love them for their natural beauty and cool-to-touch feel underfoot.
And if you want that extra level of grip?
We’ve got you covered with sandblasted and textured finishes that improve traction while keeping the look you love.
Where P5 Might Be Needed
In some situations, like commercial spaces or very wet environments, you might need P5-rated products. We offer a full selection of structured porcelain, exfoliated granite, Sawn Bluestone, clay brick pavers and textured concrete pavers that meet those higher slip resistance needs.
Perfect for:
- Public pool decks
- Outdoor cafes and courtyards
- Sloped driveways
- High-traffic areas
If you’re unsure, just ask—we’re happy to help you choose the right product for your project and your council’s requirements.
Keeping Things Safe Over Time
Even a high-slip-rated surface can lose grip if it’s not looked after. Here are a few tips:
- Clean regularly to prevent moss, grime, or build-up
- Seal natural stone to help reduce moisture absorption
- Use the right anti-slip cleaners and tools
Need help choosing the right maintenance product? We’ve got those too.
A Final Word
Safety shouldn’t mean sacrificing style—and with the right surface, you can have both. Whether you’re building your dream backyard or paving a commercial space, slip resistance is already built in when you choose from our outdoor range.
From P4-rated to P5-rated marble, travertine, porcelain, limestone, bluestone and granite, we’ve got something for every space—and every foot that walks on it.
Got questions? Give us a call or drop by—we’re here to help you get it right, the first time.
