Choose Kitchen Flooring that is Resilient Slip Resistant and Environm
Choose Kitchen Flooring that is Resilient, Slip Resistant and Environm...
Have a question on how to make your home more user-friendly with universal design? E-mail your query to Rosemary Bakker, Certified Interior Designer,at .
Be sure to include your name, state and ZIP code. Your name will not be published. Flooring that is slip-resistant and comfortable to stand on is essential in a universal kitchen. Slip resistance is vital because grease, spills and even wet food like lettuce leaves can cause a nasty fall. And comfort underfoot becomes even more important as we age: Our knees, legs and feet become easily fatigued while we’re standing on hard surfaces. As gorgeous as tile and stone floorings are, they’re tiring to stand on, and dishes break all too easily when dropped.
If your existing floor is in relatively good condition, you may be able to cover it with new slip-resistant flooring without spending a fortune. Two popular choices are vinyl and linoleum. Vinyl is plastic made from petroleum (not very eco-friendly) and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including faux wood and stone. Linoleum is made primarily from linseed oil and comes in a rainbow of colors — and it’s eco-friendly.
Once you’ve decided on the material for the flooring, choose mottled color tones that hide dirt or skid marks and a matte finish that reduces slipperiness. If replacing your kitchen flooring is not an option at this time, place a rubber or low-pile (polypropylene) mat with a beveled edge in front of the sink or work area to reduce fatigue and slips.
Here are a few of the more popular green flooring choices:
Linoleum today is attractive, healthy and green. Made primarily from linseed oil with jute or cork backing, linoleum is available in an attractive palette of natural pigments.
Cork is a renewable resource, has good insulating properties, is antibacterial, and is easy on knees and legs.
Wood is a beautiful, natural material and relatively easy to maintain. Choose wood from sustainably harvested forests or reclaimed from old homes and buildings.
Bamboo is a green option and especially durable. In fact, in a 2008 Consumer Reports test, bamboo flooring actually beat oak for durability. Rosemary Bakker is the author of the AARP Guide to Revitalizing Your Home, which is available through . Ms. Bakker holds a master of science degree in gerontology and is a certified interior designer. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Choose Comfortable Kitchen Flooring
The best materials are resilient slip-resistant and environmentally friendly
Related
Have a question on how to make your home more user-friendly with universal design? E-mail your query to Rosemary Bakker, Certified Interior Designer,at .
Be sure to include your name, state and ZIP code. Your name will not be published. Flooring that is slip-resistant and comfortable to stand on is essential in a universal kitchen. Slip resistance is vital because grease, spills and even wet food like lettuce leaves can cause a nasty fall. And comfort underfoot becomes even more important as we age: Our knees, legs and feet become easily fatigued while we’re standing on hard surfaces. As gorgeous as tile and stone floorings are, they’re tiring to stand on, and dishes break all too easily when dropped.
If your existing floor is in relatively good condition, you may be able to cover it with new slip-resistant flooring without spending a fortune. Two popular choices are vinyl and linoleum. Vinyl is plastic made from petroleum (not very eco-friendly) and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including faux wood and stone. Linoleum is made primarily from linseed oil and comes in a rainbow of colors — and it’s eco-friendly.
Once you’ve decided on the material for the flooring, choose mottled color tones that hide dirt or skid marks and a matte finish that reduces slipperiness. If replacing your kitchen flooring is not an option at this time, place a rubber or low-pile (polypropylene) mat with a beveled edge in front of the sink or work area to reduce fatigue and slips.
Green Kitchen Flooring
Green flooring is more affordable and readily available than ever before. Functional, long lasting and beautiful too, eco-friendly flooring helps to preserve the natural environment while keeping indoor air healthy.Here are a few of the more popular green flooring choices:
Linoleum today is attractive, healthy and green. Made primarily from linseed oil with jute or cork backing, linoleum is available in an attractive palette of natural pigments.
Cork is a renewable resource, has good insulating properties, is antibacterial, and is easy on knees and legs.
Wood is a beautiful, natural material and relatively easy to maintain. Choose wood from sustainably harvested forests or reclaimed from old homes and buildings.
Bamboo is a green option and especially durable. In fact, in a 2008 Consumer Reports test, bamboo flooring actually beat oak for durability. Rosemary Bakker is the author of the AARP Guide to Revitalizing Your Home, which is available through . Ms. Bakker holds a master of science degree in gerontology and is a certified interior designer. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures