Selecting medical center flooring is not an easy task. Hospitals and medical centers have many departments, wards, operating rooms, an emergency room, cafeteria, clinics, and each serve a different function. 

There is no one type of flooring that can serve the entire hospital, but neither is it practical to install several types of flooring in a hospital. All floorings have their positives and negatives, and it is important to first consider the following features before deciding on a type of medical center flooring or hospital vinyl flooring.

  1. Foot traffic: Universally, the most distinguishing characteristic that all hospitals and medical centers share is the amount of heavy foot and wheel traffic that occurs around the clock. Foot traffic is not only associated with patients, families, and visitors, but also with staff, laborers, vendors, and equipment personnel. Patients are often transported in wheelchairs, stretchers, and via hospital beds to different sections of the hospital. This can result in rapid wear and tear on any type of flooring. Therefore, the durability of a flooring type is essential; otherwise, the flooring may need to be replaced frequently. You preferably do not want to have to replace flooring every few years as it can cause a great deal of inconvenience to everyone who uses the hospital, not to mention that it would not be cost-effective.
  2. Durability: Besides heavy foot traffic, heavy equipment is also frequently transported all over the hospital (e.g., portable x-ray machines, EKG machines, administrative computers on carts, etc.) and patients are often transported in their hospital beds to wherever their needs take them. All this traffic can cause serious wear and tear more rapidly than other uses. Therefore, the durability of the flooring has to be one of the top priorities. You preferably want flooring that will easily last two decades with a minimum amount of maintenance.
  3. Ease of cleaning: From the heavy use, as could be anticipated, all types of dirt, debris, and spills occur on hospital floors. There may also be littering from coffee cups, food, bandages, gauzes, etc. In addition, patient body fluids may also spill on the floor, and it is important to have flooring which is relatively easy to clean with just detergent and water. In a hospital environment, you preferably want to avoid the use of harsh chemicals for cleaning floors. Hospital floorings usually require frequent cleaning, perhaps two formal cleanings every day (one in the morning and one at night), plus many minor cleanings when spills occur. Thus, the flooring should be easy to clean with a mop and detergent. More importantly, the flooring should dry quickly so it can be reopened for use.
  4. Type and frequency of maintenance: It is also important to select flooring that requires minimal maintenance and is easy to repair in case there are cracks, tears, or dents. You do not want to be calling for flooring repair for maintenance every few months as this gets to be expensive and also disrupts hospital functions.
  5. Aesthetics: The look and feel of the hospital or medical center is also important when it comes to hospital vinyl flooring or medical center flooring.  If there is one place that needs nice-looking flooring, it has to be the entrance and lobby areas. Having good flooring cosmesis is essential as many patients and visitors often see the flooring first when they enter a hospital. First impressions are very important; you cannot make a “second” “first impression. A tacky flooring with dirt and stains can turn prospective patients away.
  6. Slip-resistant: Because spills are common in hospitals, it is important to select a flooring that is slip-resistant. Also, many hospitalized patients have difficulty walking and it is essential that the flooring be easy to walk on without slipping. Most floorings do get slippery when wet but today there are anti-slip measures that can be added to the flooring materials.
  7. Comfort: Doctors and nurses are always on the move in hospitals and the majority are on their feet for long hours; therefore, having hospital vinyl flooring that is comfortable on feet is vital. 
  8. Should not collect dirt: You also want to select flooring that does not have grooves or pockets where dirt can collect and become a harbinger for bacteria. 
  9. Anti-allergy: Because many hospitalized patients have a wide range of allergies and asthma issues, you also want to select a flooring that is free of artificial chemicals.
  10. Color: Hospitals have numerous corridors and hallways that connect the different departments and clinical areas. Because they are the main walkway, hallways and corridors see a lot of use. To bridge the corridor between each one, it is important to select a light or whitish color, which can be patterned to create a clear path guide for patients and staff. The light hallway color can also help promote healing, relieve stress, and encourage patients to walk. The downside of light colors is that even minor dirt can become conspicuous quickly; patterns or textures can be a good choice.

In general, rather than having several types of flooring material, it is important to select one to three types of medical center flooring that meet most of the above criteria. Considering these factors, some of the choices for hospital flooring include the following.

Entrance flooring 

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT. To make the hospital welcoming and inviting, you have several flooring choices that include luxury vinyl tile or vinyl plank, rubber, and porcelain tile. Most experts recommend luxury vinyl since it is durable, scratch- and moisture-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. It is a great option for hallways and entrances because it is available in many styles, designs, and colors that can even mimic wood. Best of all, luxury vinyl stands up well to heavy loads and a high volume of foot traffic.

Luxury vinyl tile can be purchased in sheets or vinyl planks.  Luxury vinyl plank is the newest vinyl tile product, and it is composed of layers of materials with a special backing.  It is very popular and versatile, with a wide range of designs and colors available.  The final layer is called the “wear layer” and is typically about 10 mils thick, making the flooring very durable as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Rubber.  Rubber is commonly found as medical center flooring (either in rolls or sheets) due to its resiliency and its ability to help maintain sanitary conditions, like those in operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units.  It is also good for hallways and nurse’s stations.  Rubber is resistant to bacteria, it’s difficult to damage and easy to maintain.

Porcelain tile. This material is great for entrances and walls.  Porcelain tile is a great choice for high-traffic areas. It is extremely durable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and has the ability to withstand hot or cold temperatures very well.  The newer forms of tile have the ability to mimic the look of other materials (such as wood or marble), while keeping all its own qualities intact, making it a welcome choice for hospitals and medical centers.

Corridors and Hallways

For hospital corridors and hallways, rubber and luxury vinyl are probably the flooring of choice. They both are durable, easy to clean and require low maintenance. And both can withstand significant traffic from feet, stretchers, and/or wheelchairs. Both require little maintenance and can easily last several decades. Sheet vinyl and sheet rubber are available in many styles and designs and can even mimic hardwood, marble, and stone.

Patient Rooms

Patient rooms need flooring that is more like a home environment. It should be inviting, warm, and comfortable. It should also be easy to clean. Two floorings ideal for these rooms includes luxury vinyl and rubber. Both are comfortable to walk on. The advantage of luxury vinyl is that it is available in many designs and styles that can brighten the room.  Another choice is popular for some patient rooms, and that is broadloom carpet, which is more durable than regular carpet and can provide a “homier” feel.  Regular vacuuming can keep it clean and sanitary.

Conclusion

There is no one flooring material that has all the qualities desired for hospitals in every situation, but luxury vinyl and rubber flooring probably come the closest.  It’s good that a variety of choices are available to help accommodate every need for medical center flooring and hospital vinyl flooring.  To know more about flooring for your clinic or healthcare institution, contact the professionals at East Coast Flooring & Interiors, where you can learn the pros and cons of the different flooring types.  Call 1-954-266-0789 or 1-954-626-8053 today.