According to the Pew Research Center, around 10,000 baby boomers retire every day. With more and more Americans entering retirement and staying in their homes, it is important to know what flooring is best for people who plan on aging-in-place. If you or a loved one uses a walker or wheelchair to get around, it’s important to find flooring that has the following attributes:
- Low maintenance
- Smooth and level
- Durable for wheelchair or walker use
- Able to smoothly transition to adjacent rooms
- Slip resistant
- Not highly polished
Ideal Flooring Types for Optimal Safety and Durability
Below are flooring types that may be appropriate for those who are aging-in-place:
Non-Slip Tiles
Looking for safe bathroom flooring? You’ll want to consider non-slip tiles. Not only are these bathroom floor tiles slip-resistant, but they also are durable enough to withstand years of walker or wheelchair use.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is durable to withstand years of using a walker or wheelchair. Vinyl flooring also provides a smooth and level surface so you can safely get around your home. If you are on a budget, vinyl can help you mimic the look of more expensive materials. For example, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring gives you the same aesthetic as natural hardwood. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is popular because it is stain-resistant, waterproof, and low maintenance.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are low maintenance but will show signs of wear from wheelchair or walker use. For this reason, you’ll want to choose a tree species like hard maple, pine, or white ash. These types of hardwood flooring will be able to handle a wheelchair or walker.
Using a matte finish may also be a wise idea. Highly polished wood floors may give your home an air of sleek sophistication, but they are also more slippery for people who have issues with balance. Keep in mind that rugs placed over hardwood floors can also be a tripping hazard or make it difficult to maneuver a wheelchair.
Low Pile Carpeting
Carpeting helps family rooms and bedrooms feel cozy, especially in the winter. If you would like carpeting in your home, it will be easier for a person who is aging-in-place to maneuver a wheelchair or walker on low pile carpet with fibers about a quarter inch long. To maintain carpet flooring, you’ll need to vacuum it on a regular basis. If this is a problem, you may want to consider a more low-maintenance flooring like vinyl.
Looking to add New Flooring to your Home? Contact Premier Flooring today!
As you can see there is a wide variety of flooring options that would work well for your home, if you are planning on aging-in-place. If you would like more information about the flooring types we offer at Premier Flooring, please reach out to our team. We can’t wait to help you enhance your home! If you are looking for flooring in Northern Virginia, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.