Wheelchair Accessible Flooring
Stairlift, vertical platform lift, and home elevator installation and repair services in Wichita, KS., and surrounding areas.
When using a wheelchair, having wheelchair-accessible flooring is virtually a must-have.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help you find the best flooring for wheelchairs.
- Slip resistance: There should be adequate traction so the wheels can get a firm grip on the floor without slipping or skidding. A textured or otherwise slip-resistant surface is necessary and is especially helpful if the floor might ever encounter moisture, such as in a bathroom.
- Firmness: The floor shouldn’t dent or compress under the weight of a wheelchair. This will also play a big part in the durability of the floor.
- Stability: The floor should be bonded to the subfloor, without the risk of sliding, detaching, or folding over on itself as a wheelchair moves over it.
- Smoothness: While the floor does need some texture on the surface to provide traction, it can’t be too uneven or bumpy, since this will make it difficult to navigate over. For example, a cobblestone surface would not be wheelchair accessible.
Options:
Tile:
Ceramic or porcelain tile is considered some of the best wheelchair flooring out there, for a number of reasons. First, tile floors are durable, so they’re not going to dent under a wheelchair. They also come with a huge variety of size and texture options, so you can optimize them for better traction.
- Durable tile won’t dent or scuff
- Lots of stylish patterns, colors, and shapes
- Low-maintenance and easy to clean
Vinyl:
Vinyl flooring, specifically SPC, WPC, and sheet vinyl, provide a sturdy, level surface ideal for wheelchairs. It’s also low-maintenance, so it’s easier to take care of. Commercial-grade vinyl is recommended since it is designed to last longer.
- Optimal surface traction
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns from wood to tile
- Commercial options can handle the wear and tear
Laminate:
Since it provides a hard, stable surface, laminate is a great candidate for use with wheelchairs. It features a highly realistic wood-look image layer and a wood grain texture for a more convincing appearance. It’s also incredibly affordable, so you won’t break the bank when you upgrade your floor.
- Realistic wood looks
- Wood grain textured surface
- High AC (Abrasion Class) rating handles the traffic
