As we age, the floors in our homes take on greater importance. The right flooring can help prevent falls, reduce injuries, and make a home safer and more comfortable for aging adults. When selecting flooring, it’s important to consider factors like traction, impact absorption, ease of mobility, appearance, and maintenance. Here are some of the best flooring options for aging adults.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a timeless choice that can look great in any home. For aging adults, solid hardwood with a matte finish is the best option, as it provides the best traction. Avoid glossy finishes, which can be slippery. While beautiful, hardwood requires more maintenance than other options. Consider dustless sanding and re-coating to refresh hardwood floors every 5-10 years. Look for sustainable hardwood options with high densification ratings for durability.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring provides the look of hardwood with added resilience and affordability. Made from PVC and limestone, vinyl plank flooring is softer underfoot than hardwood yet still firm enough to aid mobility. The planks lock together tightly to create a seamless appearance. With underlayment, vinyl planks absorb impact and reduce strain on joints. As a waterproof flooring, vinyl resists damage from spills. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. Choose textured vinyl planks for better traction.

Cork Flooring

Naturally cushioned and comfortable underfoot, cork is an excellent choice for aging adults. It absorbs impact and reduces fatigue from standing. With antimicrobial properties, cork resists mold and mildew growth. Look for cork flooring with polyurethane coating for easy cleaning and maintenance. Avoid waxes and oils which can create a slippery surface. Cork offers insulation against heat and cold. The hypoallergenic material won’t aggravate allergies or asthma.

Bamboo Flooring

Often mistaken for wood, bamboo is actually a fast-growing grass. Bamboo flooring gives a feeling of warmth underfoot. Density ratings of 1200 or higher indicate maximum durability and resistance to scratching. Horizontal bamboo grain patterns provide the best traction underfoot. Low VOC adhesives ensure indoor air quality during installation. Bamboo releases antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacteria growth. Periodic re-coating will be needed to refresh bamboo floors every 5-7 years.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring provides the appearance of wood or tile with more affordability. The laminate surface is bonded to a plywood or fiberboard core in a floating floor system. This means planks connect without nails or glue for DIY-friendly installation. Choose laminates with pre-attached underlayment for cushioning. The rigid floor feels stable underfoot while absorbing impact. Premium laminates with aluminum oxide coatings resist scratches, fading, and stains. Avoid glossy finishes which can be slippery.

Carpet

Carpet offers cushioned comfort underfoot and is a smart choice for bedrooms and living areas. Use low-pile carpets without thick cushioning, as they are easier for wheelchairs and walkers to move across. Carpeting should have a firm density rating and tightly constructed loops for durability and to prevent tripping hazards. Avoid shag and plush carpets. Prioritize easy-clean carpets made from hypoallergenic fibers such as nylon, olefin, or eco-friendly PET (polyethylene terephthalate made from recycled plastic bottles).

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring provides optimal slip resistance, impact absorption, and sound dampening. Made from natural or recycled rubber, this durable flooring is ideal for laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The waterproof, antimicrobial material resists stains, moisture damage, and odor absorption. Seamless rubber sheeting prevents joints or grout lines which can be hazardous. Rubber floors require no wax or coatings which may cause slippery buildup over time. Choose lighter tile colors which hide dirt and scuff marks.

Stone and Tile

Natural stone like slate, marble, and granite make an elegant flooring choice, though the hard surface increases fall risks on floors. Porcelain and ceramic tile offer the beauty of stone with more traction and cushioning. Opt for tiles with textured surfaces, a matte finish, and proper grout spacing for grip. Stone and tile work best if underfloor heating is installed to prevent a cold surface. Hire professional installers to properly slope floors and prevent loose or uneven tiles which pose tripping hazards.

Trafficmaster Allure Vinyl Planks

As a brand of vinyl plank flooring, Trafficmaster Allure is highly rated and affordable. The line includes over 300 varied plank designs to mimic wood, tile, and stone. Groutable options available. Stone polymer composite core provides durability. Attached underlayment cushions each step. Waterproof, scratch-resistant wear layer keeps floors looking new after years of use. Easy click-together floating installation. Naturally slip-resistant surface. 25-year limited residential warranty. Priced under $3 per square foot.

Pergo Extreme Premium Laminate Flooring

With premium aluminum oxide coating and attached underlayment, Pergo Extreme laminate stands up to heavy residential traffic. Easy clip-together planks with FlexCore technology to absorb sounds. Deep embossing and varied grain patterns produce realistic wood looks. Water-resistant core won’t swell if occasionally wet. Low VOC emissions for indoor air quality. Textured surface prevents slips and falls. Meets California CARB Phase 2 compliancy for formaldehyde. Lifetime residential warranty and manufacturer’s limited 25-year commercial warranty.

Cali Bamboo Vinyl Plank Flooring

Made with limestone composite core, Cali Bamboo vinyl plank flooring provides durability and comfort. FloorScore certified as low-VOC emission flooring safe for indoor air quality. Features high-density wear layer and aluminum oxide coating for scratch resistance. Attached cork underlayment for sound absorption. Easy interlocking system for DIY or pro installs. High variation planks produce authentic hardwood looks. Naturally slip-resistant texture. Waterproof, pet-friendly, and backed by 50-year warranty. Qualifies for discounts on home insurance.

Kährs Original Hardwood Flooring

With over 150 years of Swedish craftsmanship, Kährs makes sustainable hardwood floors. Multi-layer construction and dense hardwoods stand up to heavy use. Oil finishes create naturally slip-resistant floors. Can relay hardwood floors multiple times thanks to woodloc 5S click system. Range of modern and classic hardwood looks to choose from. Meets California CARB 2 standards for indoor air quality. Supports Rainforest Alliance wood certification. Offers upgrades like sound-dampening underlayment and draft-excluding transitions.

Mohawk SolidTech Premium Vinyl Plank

Mohawk SolidTech vinyl planks feature a solid polymer core for rigidity and durability. Proprietary FlexCore padding attached underlayment. Multilayer scratch-resistant finish keeps floors looking new. Wear layer withstands heavy foot traffic and chairs rolling across floors. Can install over existing flooring. Easy click-lock system and reversible planks for DIY installs. Extensive wood, tile, and stone look options. Qualifies for renewable product credit from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). 25-year residential limited warranty.

Shaw Floorte Pro Core Luxury Vinyl Tile

With commercial-grade .55 wear layer, Shaw Floorte holds up to heavy foot traffic. CushionStep attached underlayment. Proprietary Pro Core layer reinforces planks to prevent indentation. High color variation and natural designs. Can grout Floorte for realistic ceramic tile looks. Antimicrobial additive protects floors. Low VOC certification ensures indoor air quality. FloorScore certified as low-emission flooring. Easy clip-together floating installation over existing floors. Limited lifetime residential warranty.

Swiss Krono USA Cork Flooring

Backed by over 70 years of cork experience, Swiss Krono uses premium cork-based flooring. Products made from naturally sourced, renewable cork oak bark. Attached cork underlayment provides comfort and acoustics. Wicanders brand offers direct-glue or floating click-install cork flooring. Sealed with polyurethane or wax for durability and moisture resistance. Naturally slip-resistant, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic. Cushioning effect reduces joint and back strain. Prima Cork brand suitable for kitchens and baths. Comes with limited 15-year residential warranty.

MP Global QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl Underlayment

Having proper underlayment under your flooring choice is key for comfort and acoustics. MP Global QuietWalk makes an excellent underlayment for laminate, vinyl, and hardwood floors. Closed cell foam structure absorbs sound and impact. Provides moisture barrier against subfloor dampness. Smooth surface will not bond to adhesives. Easy to install under floating click-floor systems. Can cut with utility knife. Compresses up to 70% then rebounds. Will not promote mold or mildew growth. Comes with limited lifetime warranty.

What are the best flooring options for aging adults?

When choosing new floors in your home, it’s important to consider factors like safety, joint comfort, appearance, maintenance, and cost. Hardwood, vinyl plank, cork, bamboo, laminate, carpet, rubber, and tile floors all have benefits for aging adults if chosen carefully. Look for slip-resistant textures, cushioned planks with attached underlayment, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials, easy DIY installation, and durability to withstand mobility devices. Brands like Trafficmaster Allure, Pergo Extreme, Cali Bamboo, Kährs, Shaw Floorte, and MP Global offer great flooring products suitable for aging adults. With the right flooring, you can make a home safer and more comfortable to enjoy for many years to come.

Conclusion

Flooring plays a crucial role in making a home safe and comfortable for aging adults. When mobility becomes more difficult, small tripping hazards and slippery floors can make a major difference in quality of life. Thankfully, today’s flooring options offer great advancements in traction, impact absorption, cushioning, and easy maintenance.

By selecting the right flooring for your unique needs and home environment, it’s possible to reduce fall risks and joint strain while keeping floors looking beautiful. Consult with flooring specialists and brands that cater their products for aging adults. With proper installation and care, the ideal floors can serve you well for many years while complementing your home’s style.