Carpeted surfaces are significantly more effective at preventing slips and falls than hard, smooth surfaces. For those individuals who use braces, canes or walkers, maintaining balance can be less difficult with low-pile carpet combined with an extra firm cushion.
Rubber is a popular non-slip flooring because it's slip-resistant even when wet. On top of that, rubber floors are durable, and they provide some impact absorption, making them safer if someone were to fall. 💡 Pro Tip: Rubber flooring is a great flooring option for wheelchairs both indoors and outdoors.
Wood flooring has a lot of features that should appeal to seniors. You can keep the floor clean with occasional sweeping or vacuuming; it's durable enough to withstand a cane or walker, and it won't prevent your cane or walker from moving across the floor easily.
Worn or frayed carpets will inevitably provide tripping hazards. Stair carpets need particular attention bearing in mind the potential seriousness of a fall on stairs. Avoiding the use of rugs on polished floors is very important.
Avoid area rugs — which can pose trip hazards — and if possible, warm up smooth surfaces underneath with radiant heat. Choose flooring materials such as wall-to-wall carpeting, cork, hardwood and bamboo. Such options tend to be durable, low maintenance, slip resistant and gentle on the knees.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Cork tile floors, studded rubber mats or tiles, vinyl floor tiles, non-slip laminate and non-slip porcelain tiles are the most popular floor finishes with a good R Rating.
Moisture in Spring and Summer
Like any other organic or natural product, wood also absorbs moisture because it is highly porous. If the hardwood flooring installation is done either in the summer or the spring, then your floors might become vulnerable to distortion, as these seasons have the highest humidity levels.
Flooring materials that offer a softness underfoot, like cork and vinyl tile, will be much more comfortable than those that are rock hard, like concrete, stone and porcelain. Especially in rooms where you do a lot of standing — think kitchen and laundry room, for example —comfort is critical.
Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile–both very common–and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and provides an easy-to-clean surface and comes in countless designs. Ceramic tiles are even better. Also easy to maintain and available in a huge range, they offer superior durability, resisting most dents, dings and scratches.
Carpet Flooring For Stairs
The shorter fibers are more durable and can weather heavy foot traffic while still feeling soft and comfortable underfoot. Carpet is not as slippery as other types of flooring, making it a great choice if you have young children or elderly people in your home.
Safety: Wood is slippery, and wood on the stairs can be dangerous in a home with children and the elderly. For this reason, carpet is the better choice, as it will greatly reduce the chance of a slip and fall that could cause serious injuries.
Many seniors like laminate flooring for the same reasons that they prefer hardwood: It's easy to keep clean. It doesn't require much maintenance. It doesn't hinder canes and walkers.
Perhaps one of the best options for slip resistance is vinyl flooring. Some products are specifically designed to provide slip resistance. Vinyl flooring is also very easy to maintain. It does not stain and does not damage from water (if the product is designed to be waterproof.)
The best flooring for uneven floors due to its attractiveness and durability is epoxy, which can also be designed to mimic a wide variety of appearances. Not only will epoxy finish out the floor, but it'll also even it out.
Wooden Floor
Wooden floors are a popular choice for walking barefoot as they are soft, comfortable, and relatively easy to clean.
Also, laminate flooring is great for insulation as it is slightly warmer than tiles which can help to mitigate the leg pain and provide ultimate comfort– especially during winters. Carpet: Making any room warm and inviting, the plush and soft look of carpet is always comforting.
Luxury vinyl has become our most popular choice for home flooring, and for many good reasons.As mentioned previously its waterproof, low maintenance, resilient, and is one of the most budget-friendly options, too!
1. It keeps the house looking consistent. If you have a color scheme or style that you love, having the same flooring flow from room to room will allow you to extend that feel throughout your entire home. Using the same flooring material ensures your home will have an elevated and cohesive design.
To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Meanwhile, laminate is preferable if you want a more stylish appearance, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.