Family ... House and Home
Two and a Half Alternative Choices to Glazed Ceramic Tile Floors
by Alesha E. Churba, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, A.E. Churba Design
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Mature living home improvement can be a bit tricky. Keep in mind that for best results, you will need to think past current home decorating trends and think forward to create a place of comfort, low maintenance and safety for now and in the future. Many of us have areas in our homes that could potentially be dangerous to us without our even realizing it. Sometimes the very things that increased the homes value or caught our attention when we were looking at the home originally are actually unsafe choices if we want to remain in our home indefinitely and/or age in place.
Consider this situation; does your home have beautiful ceramic tile floors in the bathroom, entry way or kitchen areas? What could possibly be wrong with these surfaces you ask? This type of surface can be an unsafe finish because the tile is very hard and when wet, unless there is a texture to the tile, it becomes extremely slick. Tile is essentially like a concrete finish and standing on concrete is just not very comfortable for any length of time. There is no give to tile. If a person should fall on a tile surface, they could potentially get very hurt. Remember falling on the sidewalk or driveway as a kid? Ouch!
Additionally, what about that grout in between the tiles? Grout is a porous substance and will require maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Sure, an option is to choose a dark grout to hide the dirt (eww) or seal the grout. Are you going to be able to seal grout or be able to afford someone to seal grout when you are 80?
So, what would be some better options than these tile surfaces? A finish that is easy to care for, slip resistant and looks good, correct? Right!
You could choose from one of the new laminate floors by Tarkette that are specifically designed for slip resistance. They have beautiful colors and styles. While there, check out their vinyl styles that look like tile or wood but are easy care, has some give to it and is slip resistant. No stripping or waxing these floors!
Finally, if really committed to tile, make sure to choose a tile with a good texture that will provide some slip resistance. Consider using an unglazed ceramic tile. The rugged, matte surface will provide better slip resistance than a highly polished ceramic tile.
Choose an acrylic grout that will have some water resistance. Acrylic grout will not change color as easily as cementitious grout either.
So what if you already have tile floors and don’t want to replace them? Consider getting some walk-off mats that will provide a safer surface in the danger-zone areas such as the entry way, the kitchen and bathrooms. Walk-off carpets, or anti-slip mats generally have a rubber backing that provides a good grip with the floor even in wet conditions.
Evaluate your choices carefully when choosing a floor finish in slip prone areas of your home and consider the two and a half alternative solutions discussed. Remember you don’t be a slave to home decorating trends and you should carefully consider safety and low maintenance when choosing your finishes.
Prepare for the future by planning now. Your home does not and should not have to feel like an institution when planning for your future. Consider design that is comfortable, safe and requires low maintenance. You will benefit not only in the future but now too.
Written by Alesha E. Churba, Certified Aging in Place Specialist. She can be reached by phone (208)-313-6414, by e-mail at Alesha@aechurba-design.com or through her business website at www.aechurba-design.com. Alesha is an interior designer and a full-time instructor in the Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) program at Idaho State University College of Technology. She emphasizes and writes about the need and importance of safety, comfort and low maintenance through interior design for baby boomers and beyond.
