Slip-resistance: Does the flooring material offer a non-slip surface even when wet?Ease of travel: Is the flooring material easy to move over for a person using a cane, walker, or wheelchair?Cleaning and maintenance: How much work does it require to maintain the flooring?Comfort: How does the flooring material feel underfoot?Cushion: Does the flooring offer some shock absorption in the event of a fall?
The importance of these qualities may vary depending on the location. For example, if you’re looking for bathroom flooring, it’s most important to choose a non-slip material that’s easy to walk on and is easy to clean and maintain. In a hallway, ease of travel may be most important, while in a living room, comfort may be the top consideration.
Benefits
Cleanliness: Linoleum is easy to clean and maintain. It doesn’t hold onto dust, pollen, and other air contaminants as does carpeting.Durability: Linoleum is water- and stain-resistant enough to work well in kitchens and bathrooms, but standing water can get into the seams of linoleum tiles and planks. Sheet linoleum is more water-resistant. Smooth and hard: Linoleum has a flat, smooth surface and is installed directly over subflooring or wood underlayment, so it is good for wheelchairs and walkers. Natural: Many homeowners like the fact that linoleum is made with natural materials, such as linseed oil, pine rosin, and cork or jute. This makes it a natural alternative to its closest cousin, vinyl flooring.
Drawbacks
Cost: Linoleum can be a relatively expensive flooring material, starting at around $3 to $4 per square foot for the material itself, not including installation.Hardness: While not as hard or cold as tile, linoleum offers very little cushion and can be relatively cold underfoot.
Ceramic or porcelain tile: Tile is extremely hard-wearing and highly water-resistant, but it’s a very hard material and is cold underfoot. Tiles with wide grout joints or uneven surfaces can be a trip hazard. Standard tile is very slippery when wet. If the tile is used anywhere, it should have a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.6 or higher for slip-resistance. Honed tiles are typically less slippery than standard tiles and may be a safer alternative. Area rugs and transitions: Area rugs can be slippery on hard floors and can easily bunch up to create a serious trip hazard. With any flooring material, you should avoid tall transitions between rooms or transitions between different materials; floors should be as flush as possible, for both ease of travel and to prevent tripping accidents.
