What is the best hardwood floor for wheelchair users?
Posted: February 17, 2025Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
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Hardwood floors bring the timeless beauty and elegance to any home. However, when considering a hardwood flooring option for people who use wheelchairs, extra care must be taken to ensure the surface is both durable and practical. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best hardwood floor for wheelchair accessibility.
Key Features to Look for in Hardwood Floors
When selecting a hardwood floor, it’s important to focus on durability, texture, and resistance to wear. Below we break down the essential factors to consider.
Hardwood Species
Hardwood species vary greatly in durability, measured by the Janka hardness scale. Here are some top options:
Oak, Hickory and Maple: These domestic species are widely available, highly durable, sustainably harvested, making them an excellent choice for heavy use.
Exotic Hardwoods: If you’re looking for something extra durable, you can consider an exotic hardwood like Brazilian Cherry, Ipe, or Mahogany. However, these options tend to be more expensive and not necessarily from sustainable sources or ethical manufacturing.
Finish Matters
The finish of your hardwood floor impacts both its appearance and its ability to withstand wear and tear.
Satin or Matte Finishes: These finishes are better at hiding scratches and scuffs versus high gloss sheens, which tend to highlight imperfections.
Factory Finished Floors: Prefinished hardwood flooring is coated with a more durable finish such as aluminum oxide compared to floors finished on site, which can be game changer in high traffic areas.
Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood
There are two main types of hardwood flooring: engineered and solid hardwood.
Engineered Hardwood: Made of multiple layers, this option is more stable and less likely to warp under pressure or changes in humidity.
Solid Hardwood: While it can be refinished more times than engineered hardwood flooring, solid wood may be more susceptible to wear in extreme environments.
Protective Coatings
The right coating can significantly extend the life of your hardwood floors.
Aluminum Oxide Finish: This hard finish is highly resistant to scratches and wear.
Polyurethane: A great choice for high traffic areas, polyurethane offers a durable and smooth protective layer.
Water Based Catalyzed Finishes: Also a great choice for high traffic areas, with the advantage of low VOC’s versus oil based polyurethanes which can takes days to off gas.
Tips to Enhance Longevity and Performance
Use Area Rugs and Mats: Protect high traffic areas such as hallways with durable rugs, mats, or runners to reduce wear and tear.
Wheelchair Friendly Accessories: Encourage the use of rubber wheels instead of hard plastic or metal wheels, which can cause more damage.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the floors clean and well maintained to prevent debris from scratching the surface.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hardwood floor for wheelchair users involves balancing durability, style, and practicality. Durable hardwood species and protective finishes ensure that your flooring will not only last but also maintain its beauty over time.
With thoughtful selection and well maintained care, your hardwood floors can provide both functionality and elegance for wheelchair users for years to come.
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