Tile Flooring
Like stone and hardwood, tile provides a firm and even surface that wheelchair users can move across with ease. Most tile
types do not stain very
easily and are not easily damaged by standing water. Ideally, this means less maintenance is required to keep your floors
looking as good as the day they
were installed. However, tile can be very slippery when wet. For this reason, tile may not be recommended for bathroom and
kitchen installation for
wheelchair or walker users.
Pros
- Water resistant when properly installed and sealed
- Deters household allergens such as mites, dust and pet dander
- Maintains a relatively cool surface temperature that may be ideal for warm rooms or climates
- Some tile types are stain resistant
- Tile can be easy to clean and maintain
- Textured tiles are available that can help reduce slippage
Cons
- Surface can be slippery
- Grout can collect dust and stain
- Hard surface may be unforgiving on joints
Disability–Friendly Flooring Tips – Tile Flooring
- Protect your subfloor with a moisture barrier or underlayment such as cork or foam rubber
- Immediately clean up spills, dirt and debris
- Tile flooring can be slippery when wet. To minimize falls, place non–slip mats or rugs on pathways and
high–traffic areas, as well as
beneath sinks and dishwashers
