When planning for the golden years, the concept of aging in place often comes to mind. It’s all about creating a home environment for easy mobility and comfort in your later years. One key aspect of accessible remodeling is choosing the right type of flooring. Ideally, it should enhance safety, comfort and independence. Read on as we provide a quick guide to making an informed choice when it comes to flooring for an aging-in-place remodel.
Factors to Consider
Several factors come into play when choosing the best flooring for an accessible home. Here’s a look at each one:
- Safety. Regardless of the part of the house you’re prioritizing for your accessible remodel, see to it that your flooring choice provides underfoot traction to minimize the potential of injuries resulting from slips and falls.
- Comfort. You want a floor that’s easy on the joints, especially if recurring musculoskeletal issues are a concern. Also, it should be soft enough to cushion any falls.
- Maintenance. The ideal flooring will be easy to clean and maintain, so you won’t need to worry about complicated, time-consuming care routines.
- Aesthetics. Your home is your sanctuary, which is why your choice of flooring should enhance its beauty, not detract from it.
Different Flooring Options for Aging in Place
Here are the different types of flooring options and their pros and cons:
- Hardwood Flooring. Hardwood is a popular choice regarding flooring options. It’s beautiful, timeless and can add value to your home. However, it can be slippery when wet and might not provide the cushion needed in the event of a fall.
- Carpet Flooring. Carpet flooring is soft and provides excellent cushioning, reducing the risk of injuries from falls. But it may be more difficult to navigate with a walker or wheelchair, requiring more effort to maintain.
- Vinyl Flooring. Vinyl flooring is a great, low-maintenance option. It’s water-resistant, easy to clean and available in various styles. Its smooth surface is also easy to navigate.
- Laminate Flooring. Laminate flooring can have the feel of hardwood without the high cost. But, like hardwood, it can be slippery when wet and may not provide the best cushioning for falls.
Get in Touch With Us!
Need help with your aging-in-place remodeling project? You can count on Handyman Connection of Mason to guide you through the process from start to finish. We offer a variety of installation and remodeling services that can help people remain in their own homes as they age, and do so safely, independently, and comfortably. Call (513) 733-3777, or fill out the form in our contact form to request an estimate.