- Floors
- Soft, stable, slip-resistant and wipeable
- Wall padding
- Only where needed; wipeable, fixed securely, no gaps to pull at
- Ask installers
- Fire-safety information, cleaning, wear, warranty and fixing method
- Cost
- Varies widely; see the cost guide for package prices
What flooring suits your space?
The right floor depends on what happens in the room:
- Calm rooms. A soft, warm surface is comfortable for sitting and lying. Carpet tiles, a thick rug or padded matting over a firm floor are common.
- Movement rooms. Floors need cushioning under swings, crash mats and trampolines, with a firm surface elsewhere for standing and walking. Check the manufacturer's guidance for fall zones.
- Wheelchair and hoist access. Soft floors can make wheelchairs hard to push. Keep a firm, flat route through the room.
- Messy or sensory play. Choose a wipeable, hard-wearing floor that can take spills.
Common options
- Carpet or carpet tiles. Warm and quiet. Choose a low pile so wheels and feet move easily, and check cleaning and stain resistance.
- Vinyl or safety flooring. Easy to wipe clean and hard-wearing; add mats for comfort.
- Rubber or foam matting. Cushioned, available in tiles or rolls, and used in soft play and movement areas.
- Padded floor panels. Thicker padding for areas where falls are a risk.
- Rugs and floor cushions. A low-cost way to make a soft zone in a corner.
Where might padding be needed?
Padding is not automatically right for every room. It can make a space feel clinical, and it may create a false sense of safety. Use it where there is a clear reason, such as:
- Below swings, rockers and climbing items
- Around a trampoline or crash area
- On walls where people may bump into them or throw themselves
- Near corners and edges in rooms for people who may fall
Padded rooms for people at risk of harming themselves or others need professional advice and should follow your organisation's policies. See de-escalation rooms and safety and risk assessment.
What is wall padding made of?
Wall padding usually has a foam core with a wipeable covering such as vinyl. It comes as panels, tiles or custom-cut sheets in plain colours or soft patterns. Things to check:
- Is the covering wipeable and tear-resistant?
- Is it fixed securely, with no gaps or loose edges to pull at?
- Can panels be replaced individually if damaged?
- Does it come with fire-safety information from the manufacturer?
- Does the colour suit the room? See colours and lighting.
Does padding help with sound?
Soft materials can reduce echo inside a room, which can make it feel calmer. Padding on its own does not soundproof a room. Blocking sound from coming in or out is a building job and depends on walls, doors and gaps. TODO(source): add a sourced note on acoustics, for example BB93 for schools, in the sound and acoustics guide.
How do you keep flooring and padding clean?
- Choose wipeable covers and floors
- Clean on a schedule and after each user in shared rooms
- Use cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer
- Replace damaged covers promptly
- Wash or replace soft items regularly
What should you ask an installer?
- What is the product made of, and does it have fire-safety information?
- How is it fixed, and who fits it?
- How do I clean it, and what does cleaning cost over time?
- How long will it last, and what is the warranty?
- Is it slip-resistant and suitable for wheelchairs and hoists?
- Can you supply samples?
- Can damaged panels be replaced individually?
Get several quotes and ask for the same details from each. Our planner helps you write a brief to share.
How much do flooring and padding cost?
It varies with size, thickness and fitting. Cheap rugs and mats cost a few tens of pounds; fitted padding and flooring can form a significant part of a room budget. Packages from UK suppliers often include flooring or padding, so check what is included. See the cost guide.