Are Techgrip/Microtec Tiles Worth It for Bathrooms and Laundries?

People planning a bathroom or laundry renovation often hear about Techgrip or Microtec tiles. These products are also known as In/Out tiles, P2/P4 or Smoothgrip tiles and pop up in showrooms and renovation guides thanks to their focus on safety and slip resistance. If you want a floor that's safer when wet, these tiles sound promising. But do they really perform better than traditional ceramic or porcelain options? Let's break down what these tiles are, how they work, and whether they're a smart pick for your next project.

What are Techgrip and Microtec Tiles?

​Microtec or Techgrip refers to tiles that have an innovative grip finish, featuring technology composed of fine, uniform microscopic non-slip particles embedded within the glaze of a porcelain tile. The resulting surface finish is an invisible texture that remains smooth to the touch.

Techgrip tiles have a matt finish and feel smooth to the touch.

How Techgrip Technology Works.

​When a Techgrip or Microtec tile's surface gets wet, the slip-resistant feature is triggered; the micro-roughness creates friction beneath the feet, resulting in a low-slip surface.

Are Techgrip and Microtec Tiles Worth It?

​While Techgrip/Microtec tiles have the advantage of a higher non-slip rating, a quick internet search for Microtec tile reviews soon indicates that most individuals who have installed tiles featuring Techgrip technology are not happy with their purchase. The biggest complaint is that they are prone to trapping dirt and are hard to clean. Dirt tends to cling to the tiny, microscopic particles, making the tiles difficult to clean, even when using the recommended cleaning products.

Our Experience

The dissatisfied online reviews align with our experiences as contractors who have installed these tiles. We have found it particularly challenging to remove tile glue and grout haze from newly installed Techgrip/Microtec tiles, especially in comparison to porcelain tiles with matt, Lappato or gloss finishes. The cleaning process is laborious, and often, not all grout haze can be eliminated, even when using the recommended specialised cleaners.

Traditional matt finish tile in the main bathroom.

Conclusion

​While this technology does improve the slip resistance of the tiles, we believe the difficulty in cleaning far outweighs any advantages. As a licensed bathroom renovator, one of the most important aspects for our clients is how easy the bathroom/wet area is going to be to maintain and clean. Let’s face it, not many people want to spend their time scrubbing furiously, trying to keep their bathroom or home clean! This is where the Techgrip/Microtec tiles are a disadvantage. Many tile manufacturers and tile supply shops claim that these tiles are easy to maintain; however, experience with Microtec/Techgrip tiles and feedback from homeowners who have installed them indicate otherwise.
If a non-slip surface is more important to a person than ease of keeping clean and maintaining, then these tiles may be right for you. However, if you are a homeowner who does not enjoy spending extra time on cleaning and scrubbing, then tiles with a traditional matte, Lappato, or honed finish will ensure sufficient slip resistance in any wet area and are easier to care for.
All tiles come with a slip rating. When selecting the tiles for your project, ask the salesperson who can provide the slip rating and if it is suitable to use on the floor in a wet area.

Northern Rivers Bathroom Renovations

Wet Area Specialists.