7 replies to this topic

[MatthewC]

Hi all,

I am a C-5 quad and use a power wheelchair. My wife and I purchased house that we are in the process of making accessible for me. We have chosen vinyl planking for our flooring in most of the living areas, but our contractor advised that against it stating that after about five years it may starts showing track marks from the power wheelchair. He then recommended tile instead. We were trying to avoid tile since it requires a lot of grout cleaning over time. I was wondering if anybody had any positive or negative experiences with power wheelchairs and vinyl flooring?

Thanks,
Matthew

[redryder49]

Try a wood flooring, maybe bamboo floor.

[edlee]

The subfloor is going to be more important than the surface treatment. If you're on concrete,, anything you put on top will last as long as it's quality offers. If you are on wood framing and the subfloor isn't thick enough,, or well fastened,, nothing you put over it will last.

That said,, vinyl would be my last choice under any circumstance.
ed

[airart1]

i used pergo, and yeah after 8 years its shown some wear, but 8 yrs of riding on it, dragging dirt, mud, sand, etc in on it and it still looks good and the stuff now is 10 times better and looks great, i can take a 3 pd hammer and smack the floor and it wont put a dent in it.......

[Adil]

I have hardwood and tile. I prefer the tile. Hardwood requires more maintenance, unless you go with prego (but it does't look real). I have no grout line so the grout is a non-issue.

[davjed]

The wheel torque on some chairs is so great that if you spin your wheels on it (like at the bottom of a ramp) it will damage the surface of vinyls.

[Adil]

Tires also mark wood. Tile is your best bet yet again for another reason. I like natural stone.

[bpetti]

Hi Matthew, I saw your question on Google so I created an account to reply because your question gets asked a lot. Laminate Flooring with a rating of AC4+ will do the job perfectly. Brands like Alloc and Quick Step will honor the warranties if wear happened from wheelchair of scooter use. The installation has to be done as per the specs of the manufacturers however. Go to this site http://www.bestlamin...net/adaflooring and there are hand selected laminates that are perfect for you. They also offer discounts for Americans with Disabilities. Good luck!

Edited by bpetti, 23 May 2012 - 02:21 PM.