Falls pose a significant safety risk for older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among Americans aged 65 and above, making non-slip flooring an essential feature of a mobility- and safety-focused interior renovation.
Here are the best non-slip flooring options you can consider.
1. Carpeting
Carpeting can help cushion a fall and feels comfortable underfoot. To enhance its cushioning capabilities, have a high-quality pad installed under the carpet. The only drawback is that you’ll need to vacuum the carpeting regularly to keep dirt and dust at bay.
2. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring has excellent cushioning capabilities. Like carpeting, cork flooring requires a bit of upkeep. It’s also important that you keep it from getting soaked, as its soft surface easily absorbs water. Fortunately, water retention shouldn’t be an issue as long as cork flooring is sealed and well-maintained.
3. Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring
Non-slip vinyl flooring provides a good balance between safety and ease of maintenance. Not only is it easy to clean, it’s also resistant to scratching from mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers. Plus, non-slip flooring can mimic classic flooring materials such as wood and stone.
4. Rubber Flooring
Of the four flooring options, shock- and slip-resistant rubber flooring is the safest option, which is why it’s often used in gyms. In addition to its excellent cushioning capabilities, rubber flooring is practically immune to scratches and tears from mobility devices.
Safety tip: don’t combine different kinds of non-slip flooring. In general, the fewer the transitions across your flooring, the safer your home. Flooring transitions can be tripping hazards.
Types of Flooring to Avoid
- Concrete – While textured concrete surfaces can reduce friction, concrete is still quite hard and very unforgiving in the event of a fall. Not to mention, concrete feels cold underfoot even in summer.
- Ceramic tiles – Ceramic tiles are fairly durable and easy to maintain. However, they become slippery when wet, making them unsuitable for aging-friendly homes.
- Hardwood flooring – Hardwood is sturdy enough to support mobility devices, but it provides no cushioning in the event of an accidental fall.
- Natural stone – In terms of safety, natural stone ranks at the bottom of the list. Aside from providing no cushioning, natural stone also requires quite a bit of upkeep.
Reducing the Risk of Accidental Falls
Slip-resistant flooring can significantly reduce the risk of accidental falls, but it can only do so much. To learn more about how you can make your home more aging- and mobility-friendly, consult one of your local interior remodeling contractors.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Hollywood offers a wide range of professional interior home remodeling services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (305) 925-5999 or leave us a message online! We serve homeowners in Miramar, Dania Beach, Davie and North Miami Beach, as well as the surrounding communities.
