If you run an assisted living facility, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) plays a huge role in how your spaces are designed, especially bathrooms. Enacted in the 1990s, the ADA guarantees equal opportunity accommodations for people with disabilities. The legislation also established design requirements “for the construction and alteration of facilities subject to the law.”
In terms of flooring, the ADA specifically states that “floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip-resistant,” in order to ensure the safety of individuals with wheelchairs.
So, which types of flooring comply with these requirements? And which are best suited for bathrooms? To answer both questions, here are some of the best bathroom flooring options for individuals with wheelchairs:
Tile for ADA
Ceramic or porcelain tile is widely regarded as the best wheelchair flooring, largely because of its impressive durability. You certainly don’t have to worry about tile flooring getting scratched or dented under a wheelchair. Tile flooring also comes in a variety of textures, so you can choose an option that provides maximum traction. The ideal tile has a textured surface, as a completely smooth tile has less slip resistance.
Vinyl for ADA
Vinyl flooring is another durable option that can provide a sturdy, level surface for wheelchairs. Specifically, we recommend commercial-grade vinyl flooring since it’s thicker and designed to last longer. Vinyl flooring is also available in different types of cores, which offer different levels of durability. The toughest type is made out of stone, and called Stone Plastic Composite, or Solid Polymer Core (SPC). At a close second is Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), which is softer and warmer underfoot.
Even if your flooring becomes worn out over time, vinyl is not only very easy to replace, but highly affordable as well.
Laminate for ADA
Laminate flooring is specifically designed to withstand constant activity, and it’s highly resistant to scuffs and scratches. Assisted living facilities may also favor laminate because it’s designed to mimic the warm and elegant appearance of hardwood, making the space look more attractive to potential residents.
When shopping for laminate, it’s recommended for assisted living facilities to choose options above an Abrasion Class (AC) rating of 3 (AC3), which means it’s suited for heavier traffic. How far above AC3 depends on the traffic level.
Engineered Hardwood for ADA
Engineered hardwood gives you the appearance and durability of wood flooring without the hefty price tag. It’s also less vulnerable to scratches than real wood flooring, and the wood grain texture offers sufficient traction and slip-resistance for wheelchairs.
Certain species of wood are more durable than others. When shopping for hardwood flooring, the most durable options can be distinguished by their high Janka rating, which is a reflection of hardness and general resistance to wear and tear. A high Janka rating is anything over the industry median of 1260. Some of the hardest wood species include oak, hickory, and maple, whereas pine and fir are among the softest.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these options, all of which check the most important boxes for ADA compatibility: slip resistance, firmness, stability, and smoothness.
For any further questions related to ADA compatible flooring, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. We’ve installed flooring for households with disabled individuals many times, so we’re confident we can guide you to the best option for your facility. Contact us today and let’s start your flooring project.
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