When thinking about the best hospital flooring, it is important to consider the best choices for each area of the hospital. There is no one flooring that can serve the entire hospital and some flooring materials are best suited to certain areas more than others.
For example, at the entrance, you will want flooring with good aesthetics but that can also stand up to heavy foot traffic. Luxury vinyl may be a great option but for the corridors, you may want to opt for rubber flooring as it muffles sound, is durable, easy on the feet, and requires little maintenance.
At the entrance, you want flooring that immediately sends a message of cleanliness, reassurance, calm, and professionalism. Some other details about flooring in hospitals that you need to consider include the following notes.
Ease of installation:
Hospitals are complex large institutions and can be busy at all hours of the day and night. Therefore, you do not want to close an entire hospital room floor or department frequently to undertake maintenance, repairs, or installation. You want the best hospital flooring that is relatively easy to install without compromising the hospital function for too long.
Budget:
Flooring for an entire hospital can be prohibitively expensive; therefore, it is important to have a budget. Some flooring materials are more expensive than others. Affordable flooring materials include luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl sheets, and rubber sheets.
Slip Resistance:
Because many patients in hospitals have difficulty walking, it is important to select hospital room flooring that is stable and textured so that it helps prevent people from falling and slipping. Plus, when installing the best hospital flooring, it is important to ensure that the edges are smooth and that there is no height difference, or it is possible that some may trip. Finally, liquid spills are very common hospital room flooring must have anti-slip properties.
Cushioning:
In addition to slip-resistant flooring, it is important to ensure that the material has some degree of cushioning or softness in case someone falls. Patients in hospitals are often debilitated, weak, and/or have poor gait, and the risk of a fall is very high. Therefore, flooring with good cushioning can help prevent serious injury. Flooring that is cushioned can also make it comfortable to walk on and can prevent leg tiredness and fatigue for doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.
Antimicrobial:
There is one unique feature about hospital room flooring that has to be a priority. The flooring that is selected should be resistant to the growth of organisms or bacteria. The flooring should be easy to clean so that all dirt, debris, and other liquids can be wiped up right away, with little-to-no chance of bacteria accumulating.
Recommended and the most common hospital room flooring includes the following.
For hospital entrances, waiting rooms, and lobbies, luxury vinyl tile is an excellent choice and perhaps the best hospital flooring. The majority of patients, families, and visitors usually see the entrance when they visit the hospital. First impressions do count. Entrance areas are usually associated with heavy foot and wheel traffic (wheelchairs and walkers). Here you preferably want flooring that is not only aesthetic but durable, welcoming and creates a strong first impression.
Luxury vinyl tiles are a great option for the entrance. They are available in many designs to match the decor of the rest of the hospital. Luxury vinyl tiles can tolerate heavy foot and wheel traffic. In addition, luxury vinyl is waterproof, and this is important as patients and visitors may sometimes walk in with wet shoes, depending on the weather conditions or their situations.
For emergency rooms, patient rooms, and nurses’ stations, sheet vinyl has proven to be resilient and a solid choice for the healthcare environment. It is recommended that when sheet vinyl is installed in a hospital, it is heat-welded with flash coving to seal each seam evenly. This process reduces the chances that liquids, spills, or bacteria would get caught and remain in the flooring.
Hospital corridors are the main arteries to the different departments and typically see heavy use. Besides foot traffic, there is traffic from rolling loads, like medication carts, equipment carts, stretchers, and wheelchairs. Because of these features, the flooring selected has to be durable, comfortable on the feet, and easy to clean. Nothing beats rubber flooring for corridors. Rubber flooring has excellent properties that include:
- Muffles sound
- Durable
- Available in light colors, which can brighten the surrounding area
- Comfortable on the feet
- Can help cushion patient falls and minimize injury
- Easy to clean
- Hypoallergenic
- Will not scratch or dent easily, and if compressed by heavy loads, it has excellent elasticity to revert to its original form and shape
- Rubber flooring can help promote healing and it encourages patients to walk as it is comfortable
- Can be demarcated to highlight the path so people know where to walk
- Is relatively easy to install
- Is water-resistant
Both rubber flooring and sheet vinyl flooring are recommended in emergency rooms and operating areas. These two areas of the hospital have to not only be functional and easy on the feet, but the flooring should minimize dirt accumulation and prevent organisms from growing. Both the emergency room and operating areas are always busy with heavy foot and roller traffic; therefore, you want something durable, slip-resistant, and can be quickly cleaned.
Conclusion
Most hospitals select either rubber or luxury vinyl as their flooring of choice for the best hospital flooring. Both these materials have many beneficial properties. For answers to your questions or to learn more about the options available for hospital flooring, contact an experienced representative at East Coast Flooring & Interiors at 1-954-379-8161.
FAQs About Hospital Flooring
- What are the most important factors to consider when choosing hospital flooring?
The key factors to consider include ease of installation, budget, slip resistance, cushioning, and antimicrobial properties. Hospital flooring should be durable, easy to clean, and able to withstand heavy foot traffic and rolling loads.
2. Which types of flooring are commonly used in hospitals?
The three most common types of hospital flooring are luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, and rubber flooring. Each type is suited for different areas of the hospital based on its specific properties and benefits.
3. What is the best flooring option for hospital entrances and waiting areas?
Luxury vinyl tile is an excellent choice for hospital entrances, waiting rooms, and lobbies. It’s durable, waterproof, and available in various designs to match the hospital’s decor while creating a strong first impression.
4. Why is rubber flooring recommended for hospital corridors?
Rubber flooring is ideal for corridors because it muffles sound, is durable, comfortable on the feet, and easy to clean. It can also cushion patient falls, is hypoallergenic, and can be demarcated to highlight walking paths.
5. What flooring options are suitable for emergency rooms and operating areas?
Both rubber flooring and sheet vinyl flooring are recommended for emergency rooms and operating areas. These options are functional, easy on the feet, minimize dirt accumulation, and prevent organism growth. They are also durable, slip-resistant, and can be quickly cleaned.