Falls are one of the biggest concerns for those who choose to stay in their homes as they age. Using a cane, walker, or wheelchair is also a possibility for the future. When you’re planning to remodel for aging in place, Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. will help you choose the best flooring options for safety and mobility.
We’ve put the eight flooring options in order of worst to best for safety and mobility.
8. Tile: From glass to ceramic, tiles are a popular type of home flooring. However, they are very hard, uneven, and dangerously slippery for aging adults.
7. Natural Stone: In addition to typically being high maintenance, natural stone flooring is too hard and will cause more injuries in the event of a fall.
6. Concrete: It is durable, slip resistant, and low maintenance, but it’s a very hard surface.
5. Carpeting: The safety of carpeting depends on style and location. Because long-pile carpeting is a trip hazard, choose carpeting that is as short and dense as possible. Carpet is not ideal for users of wheelchairs or other mobility aids. It’s best used in the bedroom, where you’ll be walking without shoes.
4. Hardwood: It’s smooth and durable, making it a great choice for mobility. Since it is slippery when wet, hardwood is less ideal in bathrooms or the kitchen.
3. Cork: The appeal of cork is the softness and the traction. As a naturally non-slip material, it’s one of the safest flooring options.
2. Non-Slip Vinyl: With its low maintenance and its texture to prevent falls, non-slip vinyl is the ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
1. Rubber: It isn’t a traditional floor outside of the gym, but rubber is a fantastic flooring option for both safety and mobility. It’s smooth, cushioned, and easy to clean.
As you can see, the safest flooring options are hard but not too hard, slip resistant but smooth enough for a wheelchair, and easy to maintain. It’s also very important that transitions from one flooring type to another are as level as possible with flush thresholds. Since they often slip or bunch up, area rugs are a tripping hazard and should be avoided.
During the preliminary design phase of your home project, we’ll thoughtfully explore flooring options and compare them with your budget. You can count on Dimension Design-Build-Remodel to help you make the best choice for aging in your home. To arrange an appointment, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.