| Situation | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dry indoor platform, foot traffic only | Plain | Cheaper, comfortable, easier to clean |
| Rain, condensation, splash zones | Serrated | Teeth cut the water film |
| Oil, grease, coolant, food spills | Serrated | The standard fix for oily walkways |
| Ramps and stair treads | Serrated | Grip matters most on slopes |
| Offshore, marine, treatment plants | Serrated | Salt spray plus wet deck |
| Barefoot areas, pools, locker rooms | Plain | Teeth are uncomfortable |
| Kneeling or hand-loading work | Plain | Teeth abrade knees and hands |
| Daily steel-wheel trolley routes | Plain | Serration adds rolling resistance and noise |
| Cleanroom / hygienic washdown | Plain | Serrations trap debris |