Wheelchairs on wood floors

[johnnie2130]

I'm ripping up the carpet in my room. I'd like to replace it with solid wood floors. Do any of you have wood floors? I wanted to know how it holds up with the wheelchair rolling on it so much. They showed me a vinyl plank that's supposed to look like wood, but it looks like vinyl when you compare the two. Any wood floor users here?

[gigi]

Wood floors have been great in our house, no wear from the wheelchair at all. (Now, the trim around the doors is another thing! That gets dinged on a regular basis.)

It is an older home with original hard woods that were refinished just before we moved in. They are also so much easier to maneuver on.

[Geoffrey]

Hi,
Go to http://www.cpa-odyssey.org/ and then "modifications" and look up Geoffrey Olsen. Then you will see my wood floors.

I have 'site finished' Brazillian Cherry Wood floors through out the entire house. I love it. The only thing is that my dusty wheels will leave tracks on it. So I have to do a little cleaning - don't mind it at all. The reason for the site finished is that I do not have any bevelled edges so the floor is toally flat. I didn't want the little edges because I could feel the bumps all the time.

[Geoffrey]

I forgot.

The way you can get around the tire tracks is get a lighter wood - like beech.

G

[Lazlo]

Laminate flooring holds up well, we have it throughout our house.

[2jazzyjeff]

I have wood floors up and down. They seem to be handling my powerchair very well. :)

[vjls]

lol i am cheap this was a foreclosure the carpets were worse than nasty. i just left the concrete floor suits me its clean granted doesn/t look as nice
but ......

[Leif]

I'm ripping up the carpet in my room. I'd like to replace it with solid wood floors. Do any of you have wood floors? I wanted to know how it holds up with the wheelchair rolling on it so much. They showed me a vinyl plank that's supposed to look like wood, but it looks like vinyl when you compare the two. Any wood floor users here?
Hello johnnie2130,

I have parquet oak flooring in my living rooms – no carpets – anywhere. And are very pleased with that.

These types of floors are very durable I find (well one could go for tiles or something but that is not so forgivable if one should flip over or loose something) and I have had it and wheeled on it since around 2000 and just a few minor scratches shows and I have done nothing with it. Very easy to clean as well due to the smooth surface.

And if one buys some good parquet flooring of some thickness one can also grind and lacquer it several times over several decades if the surface is not looking too good after some years.

And if choosing say some parquet flooring go for the harder wood types, like nice cherry wood is softer than for example oak and then more vulnerable for scratches and marks.

Depending on the facing direction of the room vs. the sun and window areas in the room you plan to install wooden floor in, it can also be a smart thing to look into and consider this as how much daylight you get into your room. Like if you get little daylight into you’re room a smart thing could be to install wood types that are lighter in colour. Like for example oak are much lighter than mentioned cherry wood.

As for vinyl plank or vinyl laminated look-alike flooring vs. real wood parquet or wood flooring I wouldn’t go for that although such vinyl flooring is very durable due to such vinyl flooring is very cold in itself (might not be a problem in Louisiana though). But next time at the shop, check the temp by fingers (for those who can feel) on the surface of the two and compare between laminated vinyl floor and real parquet wood flooring, one will be surprised. I have cables in my floors, but I only use that wintertime.

Hope some tips here could help you to decide. And off course there are also many other ways to make wooden flooring and different types of floor but that is for you to might want to look at. If you have an existing floor with carpet on you would like to modify, I’d go for wooden parquet or some other similar systems.

Oh, and if installing some wooden flooring, parquet or otherwise. Don’t fall into the trap of making some fancy zigzag pattern or something although it might seem like a good idea at first. You’d’ soon enough become tired of such an installation of the floor. Go for old fashion parallels, easy for the eyes over time and will never go out of fashion.

Good luck.

[fishin'guy]

Johnnie, did the same thing, my wife is a genius. We ripped up the gawd awful shag carpet in the front,dining,hallway and found beautiful oak floors from the 1950's. AND, just so happened about 6 mo later oldest sone went into hardwood floor co work. He had acess to swedish finish and replaced a couple of spots that were moisture stained, beautiful, it's been 11 yrs and people still walkin and gasp at the expanse of floors and the condition.(we actually just acquired an old (my grandmothers from the 40's , woven carpet) to cover high traffic in front room) But it is HEAVEN compared to carpets!
The only prob is if you go in an out the tires track crap in here(raining Seattle, with trees all around the house),got most of family trained to remove shoes but I haven't quite figured out the remove wheels routine.

[gigi]

Don't know if your house is on a slab or not, but stained concrete floors are wonderful for wheelchairs. One of our favorite restaurants has them, and my boyfriend is totally in love with wheeling around on them.

This site has some good pictures. http://www.concreteideas.com/concrete_ideas/interior_floors

I'm pretty sure you have to be able to pour new concrete, or a new layer of concrete on existing concrete to get the appropriate smoothness, finish and color.

[Leif]

The only prob is if you go in an out the tires track crap in here(raining Seattle, with trees all around the house),got most of family trained to remove shoes but I haven't quite figured out the remove wheels routine.THEN comes a little carpet sneaking in :) , just place it or somting similar inside next to the front door in the hall.

[johnnie2130]

This gives me a lot of info on wood floors and any worries. I know some of you have old floors with the original wood that's very durable. Does anybody have the solid wood planks that the flooring company puts down? I'm pretty sure that some of you said you do, but I want to make sure before I spend so much money. I've heard the wood will slightly sink if my chair were to sit on it in the same place over a long period of time. Anybody know about this?

Thanks for all of the very helpful replies!

[WheelieMike]

We just remodeled our house 2 yrs ago and put laminate in half of the house w/ tile in the other have. The laminate is holding up nicely. My in-laws have hard wood floors and the only problem is dropping things. My MIL dropped a steak knife and it stuck it's landing. Boy was she upset. I don't guess it helped that I laughed.

[SoFla]

I've heard the wood will slightly sink if my chair were to sit on it in the same place over a long period of time. Anybody know about this?

Thanks for all of the very helpful replies!

There are two ways to install the wood flooring. A flooring that is floated has space between it and whatever is underneath. That you do not want because it will sag, and it sounds hollow when walked on. You want the flooring applied directly to the existing floor. I have hardwood applied directly on cement foundation, but it is in a room I rarely use with my chair so will not comment on its durability.

[SoFla]

Don't know if your house is on a slab or not, but stained concrete floors are wonderful for wheelchairs.

I'm pretty sure you have to be able to pour new concrete, or a new layer of concrete on existing concrete to get the appropriate smoothness, finish and color.
It is wonderful for wheelchairs! I have three rooms that I stained after tearing out the carpeting, many years ago. No need to pour anew. If you have a smooth, or even semi-smooth slab, all you need to do is make certain the floor is absolutely clean. I gave the floor an acid wash, nutralized with a vinegar wash. Once it was dry I vacuumed up all the debris, and set about painting. I am very proud of the floor I made look like slate stepping stones.

[Eileen]

I have oak floors and they have held up great. I love them. A little swiffer action and they are good to go. I live in a condo, so when my wheels are caked with snow I do sort of drive around the carpeted "common area" a bit to let them dry off before I hit my own floors, but I know things have spilled or been put there (not to be gross, but cat upchucking not found till I get home) and there is no evidence of damage.

[eshoreman]

I have the same concerns as you. Getting ready to put down Bruce Hardwood. Pulling up Berber carpet that I had down for 4 days, and started showing wear where I sit at the computer. My salesman recommends a chair pad to disperse the weight. I have a hallway to my bedroom that is wood, does not show any wear after 5 1/2 years.

[Ashley]

i have pergo flooring that looks like wood, totally easy to clean and holds up nicely when my quad hands drop stuff!

[trainman]

If you have wet wheels, or take corners too sharp, it can be a bit noisy. Other than that, it's pretty good.

The hospital I regularly use has wood floors in the patient rooms. For that reason, I'm hesitant about it in the house, looks too much like my home away from home.

[James Patrick]

We put in oak solid flooring about 3 years ago throughout the house and it has held up perfectly to the power wheelchair and other equiptment. I put inexpensive indoor/outdoor carpeting on the indoor ramp coming into the house to allow the snow and rain to absorb, figuring I could just screw down another inexpensive piece when it got ratty, but it has upheld well, no movement problem and is easily vacummed when soiled.

[byron977]

I think you can't go wrong with solid oak flooring (http://www.csun.edu/%7Ejlg70068/business/flooring.html). I never had any problems with it and they're easy to clean and keep in shape. Fortunately, I've never dropped any sharp things or acid liquids yet. Now my oak floor is over 5 years old and still looks good.

[bailey5774]

Ok what do you all do after some of the snow has melted and your wheels get all muddy? I'm in a power chair right now (hoping to get a manual within a years time) and I went for a walk yesterday with my sister and friend and came home. My mom was sweeping the floors the rest of the day!! Is there anything I can do before I come in from a long walk to clean my chair off? She said that if I keep coming in like this all the left over salt and dirt is going to ruin our wood floors. I would like to know what others do weather in a power or manual chair. Thanks.

[Chris Chappell]

Hardwood is the way to go. I have hickory throughout.

Cleaning ur chair with a damp rag or towel after coming in might help. Also, a good wax / protectant on ur floors should help as well. There's a product called Bona-x, available in most grocery stores, which helps as well.

[christopher]

Ok what do you all do after some of the snow has melted and your wheels get all muddy? I'm in a power chair right now (hoping to get a manual within a years time) and I went for a walk yesterday with my sister and friend and came home. My mom was sweeping the floors the rest of the day!! Is there anything I can do before I come in from a long walk to clean my chair off? She said that if I keep coming in like this all the left over salt and dirt is going to ruin our wood floors. I would like to know what others do weather in a power or manual chair. Thanks.

I have an industrial piece of carpet at my entrance that I park my motor chair on, then I transfer in my manual chair. Other than that I have parquet wood flooring, which is pretty standard in the apartments here. I know very few people with wall to wll carpet. with the nicer weather, I'll be leaving tracks throughout my house from rolling in my manual out on the wet sidewalks.

[RAFS]

I'm ripping up the carpet in my room. I'd like to replace it with solid wood floors. Do any of you have wood floors? I wanted to know how it holds up with the wheelchair rolling on it so much. They showed me a vinyl plank that's supposed to look like wood, but it looks like vinyl when you compare the two. Any wood floor users here?
I know some one who owns his own home & he has Bamboo wood floors as well as area rugs in his dining area & living room. As far as I know the floors have holding up well to his daily use of a power chair.

[fuentejps]

pergo here. great stuff, bullet proof. there are varying ranges of it. we got pergo passages i believe, thicker laminate and backing. i wouldnt do wood, w/ the chair, me dropping shit daily and the dog, it would be toast.

[Tiger Racing]

A flooring that is floated has space between it and whatever is underneath. That you do not want because it will sag, and it sounds hollow when walked on.

Uh-oh, that's not right. "Floating" a floor refers to leveling it, often by use of a liquid epoxy or with concrete. Then the tile or wood or laminate is installed on top of the flat surface. There's no sag or hollow sound.

Oh! As to the basic topic, I love my solid, oak floors. We were lucky to be able to restore them when we bought our 50s era house. They're gorgeous and don't seem to mind my wheelchair at all.

C.

[zillazangel]

Ok what do you all do after some of the snow has melted and your wheels get all muddy? I'm in a power chair right now (hoping to get a manual within a years time) and I went for a walk yesterday with my sister and friend and came home. My mom was sweeping the floors the rest of the day!! Is there anything I can do before I come in from a long walk to clean my chair off? She said that if I keep coming in like this all the left over salt and dirt is going to ruin our wood floors. I would like to know what others do weather in a power or manual chair. Thanks.

We have the same problem (but also add in two big dogs and a 8 year old boy who treks in the same stuff). Unfortunately, I have no solution other than to sweep and mop alot. We don't deal with salt down here at least. But ... we had our bedroom redone from carpet to hardwoods last week. Everywhere in the house was hardwood except our bedroom. After 3 years, we threw in the towel and got the hardwoods. The installer said that its pretty impossible to ruin hardwoods, even with dirt, etc. He said its just the finish that ends up looking bad, and you can resand and refinish when needed if it gets really bad.

[johndvogt]

My grandmother has an assisted living home for the elderly and that's exactly what we did several years ago. She has just installed new carpet several years earlier and it was not working out at all. We installed some Pergo laminate flooring (http://laminate-flooring-advice.com/), it wasn't too hard to put in, took us like two days, and it still looks good today.

-John
Anchorage

[cripple4life]

we had carpet in are house since we moved in it 38 years ago. my mom wanted new carpet my brothers came over and started taking up the old carpet and there were hardwood floors underneath. my mom said cleaned a spot and then waxed it they looked good. it took days of cleaning but after 38 years and 8 kids it was a little nasty. i have been rolling on them for a while now you can't even tell. you might want to put a rug in it the door for when your wheels get wet or have a old towel to wipe them off. it makes pushing a lot easier. one push and i can go from one side of the house to the other.

[goldnucs]

We tore out a good part of the carpeting in my house just about a year ago and replaced it with laminate wood flooring. What a difference! After 20 years, I couldn't believe the amount of dirt in and under the carpet. Add the dog pee, shit and puke, cat pee and puke and MY pee stains; Absolutely disgusting. The laminate is easy to maintain [no waxing necessary, just a damp mop] and, depending on what you buy, can come with very long warranties. It's, obviously, easy to roll around on and you don't have to worry about your tires trashing the carpeting. We bought a few area rugs to break-up the wood and to absorb sound.

r

[SeabeeMom]

There's a product called Dri-Dek that's got both drainability, little micro nubbies for getting glop off your wheels/feet, and it can be graded on the edges with little finishing strips. It snaps together easily and comes in various colors and sizes (of squares). It makes a great front porch/ramp decking and saves my foyer. It's used in wet areas in bars/restaurants, commercial kitchens and hospitals, pools/spas, etc.

[SeabeeMom]

PS..Dri-Dek comes in rolls, too -- great for ramps, esp. roll it up and use it on those darned slimy wood ramps that some places have.

[ekephart]

We also found hardwoods under the nasty carpet in the living room and hallway of our house-built in the 70's. The bedrooms and the room that is supposed to be a formal dining room had only sub floor. We put bamboo in the "formal dining room" and laminates in Ryan's old bedroom. The dining room is bigger and has doors to the kitchen and the living room. That is now Ryan's room. I LOVE the bamboo. He has even spilled grape juice and a damp mop took are of it. Nothing hurt is. The laminate in his old room is OK. We now use it as a therapy room, it has the therapy mat and his exercise gear. It has a few scratches and I believe that it would stain unlike the bamboo. The oak in the living room and hallway work fine-also have baseboard and door jam issues from the power chair but that is a driving issue. I do not plan to refinish them anytime soon though they could use it. If you are putting in flooring, I would go with the bamboo. It is less expensive than hardwoods, a little more than the laminate, durable, stain proof, and wears great.--eak

[christopher]

My floors need to be redone. I was 'imprisoned' in my motor chair while I had a VAC attached and, coming in from a snowstorm, the snow melted into the floor and lifted up the wooden tiles. So it's going to be revarnished, resealed, with ceramic tile laid down at the entrance and in the kitchen.

Does anyone have any experience with ceramic or stone flooring? I'm worried the weight of my chair will break the ceramic tiles.

[LooseCannon]

Does anyone have any experience with ceramic or stone flooring? I'm worried the weight of my chair will break the ceramic tiles.
ceramic will withstand the weight without cracking as long the sub-floor is level. bad thing about going w/ceramic is cleaning the grout. i have light colored tiles and grout on my bathroom floors and have to scrub the grout with a toothbrush monthly.