Have you ever wondered why standing or walking on certain flooring leaves you with knee pain, sore feet, or a backache? The flooring you’ve been standing or walking on is likely a hard surface. The problem with hard surfaces, such as concrete and stone, is that they’re inflexible and have no give. Because these hard floors don’t provide shock absorbency, they can be brutal on the feet and joints.
If you stand or walk on concrete flooring regularly for a long time, not only will your feet and back ache, but you may also end up with varicose veins, lumbar strains, shin splints, swollen legs, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinitis. Over time, these can become worse and become chronic issues. And it can exacerbate existing health issues such as arthritis, herniated disc, or plantar fasciitis.
Fortunately, there are other flooring options – ones that are easy on the body. Here are flooring options that not only enhance the beauty of your home but are also safer and more comfortable to walk and stand on.
Luxury Vinyl Floors
From tiles that emulate stone effects to hand-scraped wood, luxury vinyl’s stunning and stylish floors will match any design vision you have for your space. Luxury vinyl flooring not only provides realistic designs but is also durable, hard wearing, and waterproof.
Cork
Cork floors provide a porous, insulated surface. Many eco-friendly homeowners choose cork for their homes because the flooring is biodegradable and an easily replenishable material. Cork is easy on the body because it provides a soft, cushioned surface. It is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial and easy to install and maintain.
Unfortunately, because of its relatively soft surface, heavy furniture and appliances may cause dents or depressions in the floor. Cork is also not ideal for homes with pets because animal claws can easily cause damage. Also, cork floors aren’t recommended in rooms that are exposed to too much natural light, which can cause discoloration.
Solid Hardwood
Hardwood is easier and more comfortable on your feet than harder surfaces such as tile. This is especially noticeable in kitchens where you often spend more time. Tile floors tire you out faster, and once your feet are tired, your back and whole body gets tired.
If you’re the type that doesn’t like the feel of carpet and fibers under your feet, luxury vinyl floors are the best option. They’re more shock-absorbent than other types of flooring, making them easier on your feet, knees, and back. While vinyl is relatively hard, they have more give than ceramic tile or stone floor – which aren’t only harder to walk on but feel colder.
