Flooring and Arthritis

Q: Hi, my grandfather would like to know the best type of flooring to have if dealing with arthritis. He currently has a floor that is carpeted over concrete, do you believe that would cause more problems than say a wood floor? What do you recommend?
Thanks!
A: Carpeting can be great when it comes to arthritis, but with the floor being over concrete you will want to ensure you have a good pad for the carpet to cushion while still being somewhat supportive.
An alternative would be cork flooring. Cork is naturally a bit softer at a Janka Hardness rating of 200 when compared to wood flooring (Oak being the average comparison at 1360). Unlike carpet, cork is naturally a bit more dense, which gives it a bit more support while still having enough flex and cushion to be comfortable under foot. Cork’s qualities are part of why it has become very popular in commercial applications, especially in kitchens where people are on their feet all day. Cork has been used in Birkenstock shoes for years now to provide a form fitting, comfortable and supportive base for shoes.
In the end here it will depend on how your grandfather feels on the current carpet and what his physician suggests. If he would like to get a different floor, cork can be a great option. If installed floating, which I would suggest, use a cork underlayment to keep a comfortable, but supportive floor.