5 Excellent Flooring Options for Wheelchair Users

by Kim Davies August 9, 2022

If you or a loved one is confined to a wheelchair, it's important to choose the right type of flooring. The wrong type of flooring can make it difficult to move around in a wheelchair and can even be dangerous. Here are five of the best flooring options for wheelchair users:

1. Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a great option for wheelchair users. Why? They're smooth and level, which makes them easy to roll over. They're also durable, so they can stand up to heavy use. Keep in mind, however, that some hardwood solutions are actually soft, so it is vital to pick a type of wood that's ranked high on the Janka hardness test. Such woods include hard maple, pine, and white ash.

2. Carpet

A carpet is also a good option for people who are wheelchair users because it is softer than hardwood. This can make it easier on the wheelchair wheels and also help to prevent accidents since it is slip-resistant. Keep in mind that the carpet you pick should have a low pile height that's less than half an inch. That's because thicker carpets can make it tough for wheelchair users to move around. Also, the carpet needs to be tightly secured on the floor so that it won't wrinkle or bubble.

3. Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors are a good choice for wheelchair users because they're smooth and level. They're also easy to clean and maintain, and they're incredibly durable, meaning that you won't have to maintain them as often. Even if you do need to maintain them, they're easy to work with. As such, opting for vinyl flooring is always a good idea, and you can find vinyl floors in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose the perfect look for your home.

4. Tile Floors

Tile floors are a good choice for wheelchair users because they're durable and easy to clean. They can be slippery, though, so they may not be the best choice for everyone. Fortunately, if you do opt for tile flooring, you can look for textured ones to provide more slip resistance. And, of course, tiles come in many sizes and textures, so there are plenty of options you can try out to balance function and form.

5. Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are a good choice for wheelchair users because they're durable and easy to clean. One big advantage they offer over other flooring options, such as hardwood flooring, is the fact that laminate floors are also much more affordable. That being said, when choosing laminate flooring, you need to be aware of its Abrasion Class (AC) which tells you how durable it is. Typically, you'll want at least AC3, which is the ideal level for wheelchair use.

Conclusion

Whether you want to make your home, business, or any other property more wheelchair friendly, consider the flooring options above. Not only will they ensure that the wheelchair user is happy, but they will also lower the risk you place on them and adhere to ADA guidelines. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick the right flooring options today!

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