Flooring material is one of the most important elements of mobility remodeling. People who reach their senior years are more vulnerable to slipping, which means flooring should have certain qualities that can help make a house safer. In today’s post, the local remodelers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park discuss the best flooring options for mobility remodeling.
Key Considerations for Flooring
Before you settle on a specific type of flooring, the following should be considered first:
- Slip resistance. The flooring material should not be slippery even when it’s wet. When choosing flooring materials, look for the R rating, which means the material is ramp-tested for slipperiness. Flooring materials rated R9 have the lowest slip resistance, so look for ones that are rated closer to R13.
- Ease of travel. The flooring material should be easy to walk on for someone who’s using a cane, walker or wheelchair.
- Cleaning and maintenance. You’ll want to avoid flooring that takes a lot of elbow grease to scrub out stains, though hiring cleaning professionals is an option, particularly with carpeting.
- Comfort. You’ll probably need to try out samples to find out which one feels good underfoot. Also, consider how the material will handle increased temperatures if you have in-floor heating.
- Cushioning. In case of a fall, a flooring material that has some cushioning qualities can provide shock absorption and lessen or prevent injuries.
Popular Flooring Materials
Considering the qualities described above, the following materials fit the bill. Having some familiarity with these options can help you make informed decisions before you go online and search for a “remodeling contractor near me”.
- Carpeting. Carpets are comfortable and are least likely to cause slipping if properly installed. They also provide some level of insulation that prevents stepping on cold floors in the morning. One of the main drawbacks of carpeting is it can be difficult to keep clean, and may recirculate dirt and dust in the air.
- Cork. Cork provides some cushioning that makes it safe and comfortable to walk on. As a porous material, it requires sealant that may need to be reapplied periodically. Cork is also vulnerable to punctures from furniture edges, sharp objects and pointy heels.
- Hardwood or bamboo. If you want natural materials, you can’t go wrong with hardwood or bamboo. They’re durable, easy to clean and the natural wood grains look great. Like most other types of wood, they are vulnerable to moisture damage and require care and maintenance.
Independence by Design™ Service
Independence by Design™ service from DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is our way to bring safety, function and beauty to your home. Our team of remodelers will work with you from planning to completion to make your home a safe and beautiful living environment.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park offers a wide range of professional remodeling services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (708) 578-6832 or contact us online! We serve homeowners in Orland Park, Tinley Park and Palos Heights. Our service area also includes Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Homer Glen, Lemont and Palos Park.
