What should suppliers test before outdoor surfaces are installed?
Suppliers should test outdoor pedestrian surface materials for wet slip resistance before installation where rain, water or wet contamination is reasonably foreseeable. Under AS 4586:2013, new tiles, pavers, coatings and surface systems can be classified before use so specifiers can assess whether they are suitable for the intended location.
AS 4586:2013 testing classifies new pedestrian surface materials before installation & pedestrian use, using recognised slip resistance test methods.
Why suppliers should test before installation
Once an outdoor surface is installed, a slip resistance problem becomes harder and more expensive to fix. Replacement, surface treatment, dispute resolution, project delay and reputational damage can cost far more than pre-installation testing.
For suppliers, testing is also a commercial advantage. A clear AS 4586:2013 test report helps builders, architects, certifiers, councils and facility managers understand where a product may be suitable. It reduces uncertainty and gives the sales team a defensible answer when clients ask about slip resistance.
Testing does not guarantee that a product will remain suitable in every site condition. It confirms how the supplied sample performs under the relevant test method before installation. That is still a critical starting point.
Which products should be tested?
Outdoor pedestrian products should be tested where they may be used in wet or exposed areas. This includes:
- ceramic and porcelain tiles
- stone pavers
- concrete pavers
- outdoor coatings
- anti-slip coating systems
- sealed concrete finishes
- timber-look external products
- pool surround materials
- ramp and stair finishes
- balcony and terrace surfaces
- pedestrian walkway products
- surface treatments such as sealers, coatings or etchants
If the product is likely to be specified for external pedestrian use, wet pendulum testing should be considered before it reaches site.
Why wet testing matters for outdoor surfaces
Outdoor surfaces are exposed to rain, condensation, pooling water, cleaning, organic matter, soil and general environmental contamination. A surface that performs well in dry conditions may not perform the same way when wet.
AS 4586:2013 includes wet pendulum testing for classifying new pedestrian surface materials. This helps suppliers and specifiers understand wet slip resistance before the product is installed and placed into pedestrian use.
Dry testing may still be relevant for some internal products, but it is not enough for surfaces intended for wet external environments.
What about coatings and sealers?
Coatings and sealers can change the slip resistance of a surface. A paver, tile or concrete finish may perform adequately before treatment but differently after sealing, coating or polishing. The final system should be tested, not just the base material.
For example, if a supplier sells a surface with a recommended sealer, the tested sample should reflect the finished product that will be used on site. If the colour, texture, coating or aggregate changes, the result may also change.
This matters because clients often buy the appearance but inherit the performance.
Should every colour or finish be tested?
Not always, but suppliers should be careful. Colour, surface texture, glaze, coating, aggregate, embossing and manufacturing variation can affect slip resistance. If a product range includes multiple finishes, it may not be safe to assume that one test result covers every variant.
Testing should prioritise the highest-risk and most commonly specified versions, especially:
- smoother finishes
- darker or glossier finishes
- sealed versions
- external-use colours
- pool or ramp applications
- products used in public or commercial settings
- samples with different surface texture or coating systems
A practical test plan can reduce cost while still giving useful evidence across a product line.
What sample should be sent for testing?
The sample should represent the product that will actually be supplied. It should include the final surface finish, coating, sealer or treatment where relevant. Similarly, if the tiles are mosaic then each element of the mosaic should be supplied. If a product requires curing, finishing or cleaning before use, the sample should be prepared in the same way.
For lab testing, the testing provider should confirm sample size, number of specimens and preparation requirements before the product is shipped. Incorrect sample preparation can delay testing or produce results that do not reflect the intended final surface.
How does lab testing support builders and certifiers?
Builders, architects and certifiers need documentation that is clear, current and linked to the product being installed. An AS 4586:2013 test report can help support product selection, substitution review, handover documentation and compliance discussions.
The report should identify the tested product, test method, test condition, result and classification. Where relevant, it should also clarify whether the sample was tested wet, dry, coated, sealed, fixed or unfixed.
Good documentation reduces the risk of late-stage uncertainty.
When does AS 4663:2013 become relevant?
AS 4586:2013 applies to new pedestrian surface materials before installation & pedestrian use. Once the surface is installed and made available for pedestrian use, it becomes an existing pedestrian surface. At that point, AS 4663:2013 is used to measure slip resistance in service.
This distinction matters. A pre-installation lab result is not the same as an in-situ test result after the surface has been installed, used, cleaned, worn or contaminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What slip test is needed for outdoor tiles?
Outdoor tiles should usually be tested for wet slip resistance under AS 4586:2013 before installation. Wet pendulum testing helps classify the surface for use where rain or wet contamination is reasonably foreseeable.
Should coatings be tested before they are applied on site?
Coatings should be tested where they will form the final pedestrian surface. A coating, sealer or anti-slip treatment can change surface performance. Testing the finished system gives more useful evidence than testing the base material alone.
Can one test report cover a whole product range?
One test report may not cover a whole product range if colours, textures, finishes, coatings or manufacturing methods vary. Suppliers should assess whether each variant is genuinely comparable or whether additional testing is required.
Is AS 4586:2013 testing enough after installation?
No. AS 4586:2013 applies to new pedestrian surface materials before occupation. Once the surface is installed and used, AS 4663:2013 is the relevant standard for measuring existing pedestrian surfaces in service.
written by:
Brendan Sheedy
Brendan Sheedy is the founder of Zerofal Slip Test Specialists. He leads Zerofal’s NATA-accredited slip resistance testing services and brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial facility management, flooring risk assessment and compliance testing.
Need lab testing before installation?
Zerofal provides AS 4586:2013 slip resistance testing for new pedestrian surface materials.