One out of four older Americans suffers injuries from a fall every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making slippery flooring a significant safety risk for Americans aged 65 and above. This is why non-slip flooring is essential to any safety and mobility-focused interior renovation.
There’s a wide variety of non-slip flooring options available, but in terms of safety, four stand out from the rest.
1. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a smart choice for homes in cold climates. Not only can cork flooring cushion the impact from a fall, it can also insulate your floor. Cork flooring is not without its disadvantages, of course. Since it has a porous surface, cork flooring easily absorbs water, but this shouldn’t be an issue as long as it’s sealed and maintained properly.
2. Carpeting
Carpeting can also cushion falls, and although it can’t retain heat like cork flooring can, it still feels more comfortable underfoot than ceramic tile. Not to mention, the textured surface helps reduce the risk of falls. Like cork flooring, carpeting also needs to be maintained regularly.
3. Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring
Non-slip vinyl flooring is a good choice if there are mobility device users in your home. Vinyl is scratch-resistant, so the flooring won’t show scrapes. Compared to the aforementioned two options, non-slip vinyl is also easier to maintain.
4. Rubber Flooring
In terms of safety, nothing can beat slip- and shock-resistant rubber flooring, which also happens to be the preferred flooring material for gyms. It can cushion the impact from vigorous physical exercise and exercise equipment as well as scratching caused by mobility devices, making it a great choice for those concerned with safety.
Flooring Options to Avoid
- Ceramic tile – Ceramic tiles are commonly used in homes because of their durability and ease of maintenance. However, they’re not suitable for aging-friendly homes since they become slippery when wet.
- Concrete & other hard flooring materials – As a rule of thumb, you should avoid hard flooring like concrete in aging-friendly homes. Concrete is unforgiving in the event of a fall, not to mention it feels cold underfoot. Other hard flooring materials you should avoid include hardwood and natural stone.
Contractors recommend using only one type of non-slip flooring, as transitions can increase the risk of slips. Remember: the fewer the floor transitions, the safer the home. To learn more about your flooring options, consult the interior remodeling contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including bath, kitchen and interior remodeling. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (608) 535-5995 or reach out online! We serve homeowners in Monona, Sun Prairie and surrounding Wisconsin communities.
