Best Options for Non-Slip Flooring
What are Non-Slip Floors?
According to the National Institute on Aging, 6 out of 10 falls occur in the home. Non-slip flooring options for the home are textured, provide traction, or are manufactured in large pieces to prevent tripping. Even flooring that is typically quite smooth and slick can sometimes be manufactured as a non-slip alternative; therefore, regardless of the type of flooring you prefer, it is worthwhile to investigate the alternatives available.
What is the best slip-resistant flooring?
Various flooring options will be required for various rooms in the home. Here are a few of the best options for non-slip flooring:
Nonslip Flooring for Living and Sleeping Areas
This is where the majority of your time is spent. With so much activity taking place on these floors, and especially if you are aging in place, consider some of these popular non-slip options.
Vinyl
This material is not only good for traction, but it is also one of the most affordable options available. Vinyl is versatile and now comes in a variety of prints to match the more expensive (and slippery!) flooring you may desire, such as wood or marble. Vinyl is also resistant to moisture, so you can use it in your kitchen and bathroom if you like its appearance. Vinyl is available in planks and sheets. Since the purpose of vinyl is to imitate the appearance of wood and other materials, planks are preferred. However, sheets are less expensive due to mass production.
Best for: Since it can withstand spills, it is ideal for use throughout the house, including the bathroom and laundry room.
How to Install: Installing vinyl is simple; it can be applied to virtually any flat surface. There is a "click" variety of planks, as well as a peel-and-stick variety. Vinyl is relatively simple to install on your own, but there will be some trial and error required to ensure a uniform appearance.
Cork
Cork is an excellent choice for main rooms that are not exposed to excessive moisture, such as the living room and dining room, especially for people who are aging in place. Cork is not only slip-resistant, but it is also soft underfoot, blocks out a great deal of sound, and biodegrades. However, it is easily damaged and therefore inappropriate for homes with pets whose paws can damage the flooring.
Best for: Cork floors are ideal for homes in colder climates because they are warm. Due to its soundproofing properties, cork is an excellent choice for bedrooms and high-traffic areas.
How to Install: Cork tiles are installed with adhesive and are not considered a project for beginners. The adhesive is extremely strong and there is little room for error; an experienced contractor may be better suited for this project.
Carpet
If you are looking for a surface that is not at all prone to becoming slippery and provides a soft, comfortable feel underfoot, carpet may be the ideal choice. It is also sound-absorbing, like cork. Carpet is a great option for bedrooms because it is especially soft and comfortable. Carpets should not be installed in areas where leaks and spills are more likely to occur, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
Best for: Ideal for bedrooms, main living areas, playrooms, and other low-moisture spaces.
How to Install: The carpet installation process requires the installation of a pad. Installation of the pad and carpet typically takes between a few hours and a day, depending on the square footage being covered.
Slip-Resistant Floors for Bathrooms and Showers
Since bathrooms and showers receive the most water in your home, it is particularly important to install non slip flooring here. You will also want to ensure that the flooring in your shower is non-slip. If a textured shower floor is insufficient to prevent slips, you may want to consider a walk-in tub, which comes with a non-slip floor and seat as standard.
Here are some excellent options for slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms and other moist areas.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Traditional flooring options in these areas include porcelain and ceramic tile. Both are constructed similarly and are durable, resistant to moisture, and simple to clean. However, they are also slippery when wet due to their smoothness. If you appreciate the benefits of these tiles, you should seek out non-slip varieties. These will be advertised as non-slip and have a textured surface to reduce the likelihood of slipping.
Best for: Every room in the house, but especially bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas that are frequently exposed to water and humidity.
How to Install: Porcelain and ceramic tile are installed by applying mortar and then setting the tile on top of it. In addition, grout is applied over it. To fit properly around corners and edges, tile must be cut to size. For large rooms, it's best to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done properly. Do-it-yourselfers may feel comfortable tackling small areas. Incorrectly installed tile has a shorter lifespan and is susceptible to cracking.
Natural Stone
The most expensive material is natural stone, which is both beautiful and slip-resistant due to its texture. However, this non-slip flooring option is very expensive to install and requires sealant to be applied on a regular basis, so for some it is too high-maintenance.
Best for: This material is widely used for bathroom walls and floors, as well as shower floors.
How to Install: Installing natural stone floors requires multiple layers, including two layers of membrane separated by thinset, followed by the tiling. Due to the fact that this is a natural material, each tile will not be perfectly uniform, so you must take your time. As with porcelain and ceramic tile, grout is applied over it.
Outdoor Non-Slip Flooring
From stray hose water to precipitation and snow, the areas immediately outside your home are also prone to becoming slick. Here are some non-slip outdoor tile and decking options.
Patio Pavers
Patio pavers are a good option whether you are installing a new patio or laying something over your existing patio. When installing a new patio, you can select pavers made from stone, brick, and numerous other materials. Some paver materials are naturally slip-resistant due to their textured surface, while others can be sprayed with a non-slip coating. If you have an existing patio that you don't want to tear up, you can add a non-slip surface by laying rubber or elastic pavers on top of it.
Best for: backyards and front steps/entrances Rubber or elastic pavers may also be used to pave a path from your car or garage to your front door, as well as in areas of your backyard that require additional traction.
How to Install: New patios using stone, brick, and other more permanent pavers should be installed by a professional who can ensure that the material will not shift once it has been laid, although an experienced do-it-yourselfer may be able to complete the task. If you feel up to the task, you can install rubber or elastic pavers yourself by interlocking the pavers directly on top of slippery areas.
Outdoor Tile
Similar to indoor tile, non-slip outdoor tile can be made of (or resemble) stone and other natural substances. Porcelain is even used to create outdoor tiles that are non-slip. For a less slippery surface, you can typically install these large tiles in small areas (such as on top of grass or dirt) or permanently, such as around the perimeter of a pool. Always look for tiles with a textured surface and a matte finish when purchasing non-slip outdoor tile. Typically, the shinier something is, the more slippery it is.
Best for: Wet outdoor areas, such as around a swimming pool, at an outdoor bar, or on top of slick grass or dirt.
How to Install: These tiles are typically heavy, but you can install them on any solid, even, hard surface if you are able to lift them. If your surface is soft or uneven, you may need additional assistance to get it ready. If you are installing outdoor tiles around a pool or in another permanent location, you should hire a professional.
Additional Tips for Avoiding Slips and Falls
In addition to installing non slip flooring, there are other measures you can take to ensure the safety of your home:
Eliminate potential trip hazards, such as stray boxes, wires and cords, and paperwork.
Allow sufficient space for people to turn and navigate between furniture in confined areas.
Store frequently utilized items at a convenient height for family members.
Check the condition of the floorboards and carpeting to prevent tripping.
Purchase non slip area rugs and bath mats with grips on the side that is placed on the floor.
Consider purchasing rubber mats, stair treads, and anti-slip tape for any areas where you require additional traction or are concerned about slipping.
Ensure that your home is adequately illuminated to prevent family members from tripping over objects.
