We are all subject to gravity and therefore are floor bound. Let’s deal with it. What can we do to our floors to put more hep in our step, more glide in our stride?{{more}}
There have been significant advances in flooring materials so that hard tile is not your only choice for design with durability. More resilient surfaces besides being more comfortable affect the quality of the sound in a space. We take cues from the sound signature of a space. In the shower the close, hard, reflective surfaces and the white noise of the water spray improve our worst song renditions. The quiet of a plushy carpeted restaurant or the bustle of a railway station send us signals about our surroundings.
The color and texture of the flooring also impart much to the quality of a space. High light reflectance will reduce the energy needed to light a space and lift mood. Soft patterns and contrasting borders can define areas and call attention to the edges of platforms and stairs.
Bold patterns can be difficult to focus on and should be avoided.
Getting down to brass tacks, we are looking for flooring that is durable, slip resistant, yet have low rolling friction, and be attractive. As we age, a loss of bone density and muscle tone can make standing for a period of time uncomfortable, even painful. Hard surfaces like stone and tile have no give, causing fatigue and discomfort. We need flooring materials that while somewhat resilient, are cleanable, rigid enough for safe and easy navigation with a walker or wheelchair, and attractive.
For kitchens, environmentally friendly cork and bamboo products contribute to sustainability. Annamarie Amore of Annamarie Amore Interiors highly recommends vinyl flooring for wear resistance and affordability. The vinyl industry has responded to the aging marketplace and Annamarie showed me new vinyl products that are eco-friendly, warm, attractive, and easily cleaned.
When choosing carpet you will want to make sure the pile is low enough for easy rolling, generally less than 1/2”. If your carpet will get regular wheelchair use and especially if it is a powered wheelchair, consider commercial carpet or carpet tiles. The tiles, generally 18” x 18” can be relocated or replaced if they get soiled or worn.
That’s just floors that passively lay there. IBM has patented a multi-touch “Smart Floor” that identifies the pressures on it. Hooked up to a computer it can tell you if you have an intruder or if someone has fallen and is not moving. The projection is that it will even sense the characteristics of the situation and automatically call for help.
A floor is more than just the place you set your feet.
ANDREW ROBINSON AIA Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, is an architect and founder of Designs for Independent Living and a member of the board of the Orange Economic Develop Commission. He serves on the Amity Village Steering Committee and the Household Services Committee of Home Haven Villages. Contact him by phone 203-795-0665.