Adapting your home for disability Flooring

Getting the right type of flooring is vital to avoid trips and falls and to help people feel confident in their own home. Different surfaces suit different people – the needs of someone who uses a wheelchair are quite separate from someone with impaired vision, so we have suggested the best type of flooring for some of the most common disabilities.

Best type of flooring for different disabilities
Type of disability Type of flooring required Example
Blind Easy to hear
people coming
Well-laid laminate or timber, at a consistent level
Dementia Pattern free Carpets, vinyl (all plain), at a consistent level
Hard of hearing/deaf Ease of cleaning if they have a hearing dog Vinyl or laminate flooring
Poor mobility on legs Easy to see, seamless, non-slip Well-laid laminate,
vinyl, carpet
Wheelchair Easy to use and durable, seamless Well-laid timber,
laminate or vinyl
Which? works for you