Flooring for the Handicapped Accessible Home

Most homes are not built with handicapped accessible features in mind. Those who rely on wheelchairs require roll-in showers, spacious bathrooms, wide doorways and hallways, as well as ramps to access the home. Of all of the customizations that need to be completed to make a house handicapped accessible, one of the most important considerations is the flooring.

Here are some recommendations on flooring type by room for a handicapped accessible household:

• Living Areas. Laminate flooring is great for living areas. It’s durable, so it will withstand the wear and tear from the wheelchair.  It’s also attractive like hardwood flooring, but requires less maintenance to keep it looking great.
• Kitchens & Bathrooms. These areas of your home must be water resistant; therefore, tile is a great option for handicapped accessible homes. Opt for 2” tiles, since 1” tiles have more grout, which requires more upkeep. There are also textured tiles available that offer additional traction.
• Bedrooms. While some people like the hardwood look throughout the home, others prefer carpet in the bedrooms, as it brings a warm, homey feel. When installing carpet in a wheelchair accessible home, avoid plush carpets with thick underpads, as it can feel to a wheelchair user like moving through sand. To prevent the carpet from bunching beneath your wheelchair, the carpet must be glued down entirely to the underpad.

For flooring that meets your special needs, contact the flooring experts in Cincinnati at Floor Coverings International at 513-428-1563.

For more information on customizing your home for handicapped accessibility, consult the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.