Every home modification is as unique as the homeowner requesting it. Not every accessibility issue needs a full-on renovation to make the home safe and fully accessible. Many customers are surprised to learn that a flooring change can make a massive difference, especially in the bathroom.
While most people judge flooring by appearance alone, the type of flooring you have will go a long way in making a bathroom a safe space for everyone. Bathrooms are the most likely room for falls for several reasons, obviously including that they are wet and tend to be slippery. Choosing the safest flooring for bathrooms does not mean you cannot have a beautiful bathroom. You just need to be offered the right choices.
The Top Three Types of Flooring for an Accessible Bathroom
There are many flooring options available, but when safety is the primary concern, these three kinds stand out from the pack as being the best for bathroom modifications.
Vinyl Flooring
This flooring is widely used in public restroom facilities. The product is available in a wide variety of styles, and it is no exaggeration to say that there is a style of bathroom vinyl flooring for every home. Bathroom vinyl flooring is a top choice for people of all ability levels.
Pros of Bathroom Vinyl Flooring
- Excellent Traction – A vinyl floor gives a secure non-slip surface that never feels tacky or sticky. Walkers, canes, and crutches all navigate easily on vinyl floors. Choose a style with a matte finish for the best traction, as these are the least slippery vinyl floors.
- Repels Water – The floor holds up well when wet as long as the installation is correct. Using a single sheet of vinyl flooring helps with water resistance as there are no seams where water can cause damage.
- Wheelchair Friendly – Both wheelchairs and scooters roll along on vinyl flooring with no complications.
- Reasonably Priced – Vinyl flooring is one of the most cost-effective flooring options available.
Cons of Bathroom Vinyl Flooring
- Prone to Moisture – Problems with moisture generally only happen if the flooring is not installed correctly
- Aesthetics – While vinyl flooring is very practical, particularly for accessible homes, many people still don’t like the look of it. It has certainly come a long way in terms of style, but for some, there will always be a stigma attached in terms of how it looks, due to some pretty tacky looking products in the past.
Bathroom Floor Tiles
The style, durability, and decorative options make bathroom floor tiles a favourite for many bathrooms. As it turns out, the beautiful flooring is also a great choice for safety and accessibility.
Pros of Bathroom Floor Tiles
- Durability – Bathroom tile can last for many years without showing any signs of wear.
- Nonslip Surface – There are now bathroom tiles that are slip-resistant, but without the commercial look, and difficulty in cleaning. Many older bathroom floor tiles are actually glossy wall tiles, and are very slippery when wet.
- Resists Water Damage – Bathroom floor tiles hold up well in wet conditions. This makes tile flooring a great option for wet room.;
- Adds Value – Unlike vinyl flooring, tile withstands years of use and adds value to your home
Cons of Bathroom Floor Tiles
- Cleaning difficulty – Dirty grout can be an issue for some people. However, a well chosen large tile with minimal grout lines, can be maintained with a minimum of fuss.
- Less Wheelchair Friendly – While vinyl is exceptionally wheelchair friendly, tile can rattle wheelchairs, especially when there are deep grout crevices.
Other Popular Kinds of Bathroom Flooring
- Natural Stone – Not only does a natural stone floor give a distinctive high-end look to a bathroom, but it is also quite durable and holds up when exposed to moisture in a bathroom. Adding texture to natural stone flooring will make the bathroom less accessible for those who struggle with walking or use wheelchairs or scooters. Natural stone can be pricey, but it adds value to your home, especially if you maintain it.
- Concrete – A concrete bathroom floor can be a good option in some cases. It is durable and sustains no damage from the water and humidity in a bathroom. It provides a smooth surface for wheelchairs or scooters. However, it can become slippery when wet and may not be ideal for those who use canes or walkers.
Even though quite a few choices are available, flooring for bathrooms does not need to be frustrating or confusing. At AccessAble Home Modifications, our mobility experts are happy to work with you and help you find the best choice for you. We offer a free 20-minute phone consultation, so if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
At AccessAble Home Modifications, our goal is to keep you safe at home.