When you walk into a hospital, you probably don’t think about the floor, but it plays a much bigger role than you might expect. Hospital flooring needs to be strong, safe, easy to clean, and comfortable for people who are on their feet all day. With so many people coming and going, spills happening, and equipment rolling through, not just any flooring will do.

That’s why picking the right hospital flooring types is such an important part of planning or remodeling any medical center.

In this blog, we’ll go over the 2 best hospital flooring types for medical centers, and explain why they work so well in busy healthcare environments.

Our Expert Take: The Top 2 Hospital Flooring Types You Can Rely On

At East Coast Flooring & Interiors, we’ve worked with some of South Florida’s leading healthcare facilities to deliver flooring solutions that balance performance, safety, and style. With years of experience in commercial and medical flooring, we know what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to hospital environments. Based on what we’ve seen deliver the best long-term results in real-world settings, here are the two hospital flooring types we recommend most often for medical centers looking for durability, hygiene, and comfort.

1. Sheet Vinyl – A Clean and Durable Favorite

If there’s one flooring material you’ll find in almost every hospital, it’s sheet vinyl, and for good reason. Hospitals need floors that can handle a lot: people moving nonstop, equipment rolling back and forth, and surfaces that must be cleaned often. Sheet vinyl checks all those boxes and more.

So, what is sheet vinyl exactly? It’s a type of flooring that comes in large, flexible rolls. During installation, these rolls are cut to fit the room and laid out in wide sections with as few seams as possible. In most cases, the seams are heat-welded, which means they’re melted together to create a smooth, continuous surface.

That smooth, seamless surface is what makes sheet vinyl one of the most popular hospital flooring types out there.

Why Hospitals Use Sheet Vinyl

Let’s break down what makes sheet vinyl such a great choice for medical centers:

✔ Seamless Design
 One of the biggest reasons hospitals choose sheet vinyl is because it creates a surface with almost no seams or cracks. This is really important in healthcare because seams can collect dirt, bacteria, and moisture, things you definitely don’t want in a hospital. With sheet vinyl, cleaning crews can disinfect surfaces quickly and thoroughly, helping prevent the spread of germs.

✔ Water and Stain Resistant
 In hospitals, spills are common, from liquids in patient rooms to cleaning chemicals in hallways. Sheet vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture, and it resists stains, making it easier to wipe up messes right away. This helps protect both the floor and the people walking on it.

✔ Slip-Resistant Options
 Hospitals need to reduce fall risks as much as possible, especially for elderly or injured patients. That’s why many types of sheet vinyl are manufactured with slip-resistant textures or finishes. This provides better traction, even when the floor is wet, which helps keep everyone safe.

✔ Tough and Long-Lasting
 Hospitals never stop moving, and the floors need to keep up. Sheet vinyl is strong enough to handle rolling hospital beds, wheelchairs, carts, and constant foot traffic, without tearing or wearing down easily. Some products are even designed to resist dents from heavy equipment.

✔ Design-Friendly
 Let’s face it, hospitals don’t have to look cold and sterile. Many modern hospitals aim to create a welcoming, calm atmosphere, and flooring plays a big role in that. Sheet vinyl comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, some even look like wood or stone. This helps create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff alike.

Where Sheet Vinyl Works Best

Because sheet vinyl is so versatile and easy to clean, it works well in many areas of a hospital. Some of the most common places you’ll find it include:

  • Patient Rooms – Provides a clean and quiet surface for patients recovering.
  • Hallways and Corridors – Handles heavy foot traffic and equipment without wearing down.
  • Operating Rooms – The seamless design helps maintain strict hygiene standards.
  • Emergency Rooms – Withstands frequent spills, cleaning, and fast-paced activity.
  • Labs – Resistant to chemicals and easy to sanitize between procedures.

Is Sheet Vinyl the Best Option for Every Hospital Space?

While sheet vinyl is one of the best hospital flooring types, it may not be the right fit for every area. For example, in areas where comfort and noise reduction are more important, like staff lounges or pediatric recovery rooms, rubber flooring might be a better choice.

However, when it comes to balancing durability, hygiene, safety, and cost-effectiveness, sheet vinyl is hard to beat. It’s especially useful in spaces where infection control is critical, and where floors need to be cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day.

How Long Does Sheet Vinyl Flooring Last in Hospitals?

That depends on the product and how well it’s maintained, but many commercial-grade sheet vinyl floors can last 10–20 years or more. Since hospitals don’t have the luxury of frequent downtime for renovations, long-lasting materials like sheet vinyl save time and money in the long run.

Is Sheet Vinyl Eco-Friendly?

Some newer sheet vinyl products are made with sustainability in mind, using low-VOC materials (which means they give off fewer harmful gases) and recyclable components. If sustainability is a priority for your project, it’s worth asking your flooring provider about eco-conscious options.

2. Rubber Flooring – Comfortable and Quiet

If comfort and quiet are top priorities, rubber flooring is one of the best hospital flooring types to consider. This material is soft, flexible, and incredibly durable, making it a favorite for areas where healthcare workers are on their feet for long hours or where patients need a more calming environment.

Unlike harder flooring materials, rubber has a bit of “give” to it. That means it feels easier on your joints when walking or standing, which is why so many hospitals choose it for spaces like nurses’ stations and therapy rooms. But the benefits don’t stop there.

What Makes Rubber Flooring So Great?

Here’s why hospitals love rubber flooring, and why it might be the perfect fit for certain areas in your facility:

✔ Comfortable to Walk On
 One of the biggest perks of rubber flooring is how soft it feels underfoot. In a hospital, doctors, nurses, and support staff are often walking or standing for 10 to 12 hours straight. Hard floors can lead to sore legs, aching backs, and general fatigue. Rubber reduces that strain, providing more comfort during long shifts.

✔ Quiet and Sound-Absorbing
 Hospitals are busy places, but they also need to stay quiet, especially in patient care areas. Rubber naturally absorbs sound, which helps reduce the echo of footsteps, rolling carts, and other noises. This creates a calmer environment for healing and rest. In spaces like recovery rooms or pediatric wings, that peace and quiet can make a big difference.

✔ Slip-Resistant, Even When Wet
 Safety is always a top concern in medical settings. Rubber flooring has natural slip-resistant properties, and many products are designed with extra texture or grip to make them even safer. Whether someone is walking quickly during an emergency or just came in from the rain, rubber floors help prevent slips and falls.

✔ Durable and Flexible
 Despite its soft feel, rubber is incredibly strong. It resists dents, scuffs, and damage from rolling equipment like wheelchairs, IV stands, or food carts. It can also handle heavy foot traffic without wearing down, which makes it a great long-term flooring option for hospitals.

✔ Environmentally Friendly Choices
 Many rubber floors are made from recycled materials, such as old tires, and can be recycled again at the end of their life. Plus, rubber flooring typically contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which improves indoor air quality, especially important in medical spaces.

Where Does Rubber Flooring Work Best in a Hospital?

While it might not be the right fit for every room, rubber flooring is a great choice for areas that need to balance comfort, quiet, and durability. Here are a few hospital spaces where it really shines:

  • Nurses’ Stations – Staff can spend hours at a time standing here. Rubber helps ease foot and leg fatigue.
  • Recovery Rooms – Patients benefit from a quieter, softer space while they heal.
  • Pediatric Units – Kids need safe, cushioned surfaces that are both cheerful and secure.
  • Physical Therapy & Rehab Rooms – Rubber flooring provides good traction and a soft landing for therapy exercises or mobility training.
  • Waiting Areas – Adds comfort for visitors while helping reduce noise in public zones.

Is Rubber Flooring Easy to Clean?

Yes! Rubber flooring is naturally resistant to water, dirt, and stains, so it’s fairly easy to maintain. Daily sweeping and mopping with mild cleaners are usually all that’s needed to keep it looking good. Some higher-end rubber floors also have protective coatings that make cleaning even easier and help prevent discoloration over time.

How Long Does Rubber Flooring Last in Hospitals?

When properly maintained, rubber flooring can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, sometimes even longer. It’s designed to handle heavy use in commercial spaces, so it’s more than capable of keeping up in a busy hospital setting.

What About Cost?

Rubber flooring can cost a bit more upfront than other options like vinyl, but it pays off in the long run. Its durability, safety features, and low maintenance needs help reduce repair and replacement costs over time. Plus, the added comfort for staff can lead to fewer injuries and better productivity.

Other Hospital Flooring Types to Know About

When it comes to hospital design, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all floor. Different areas of a hospital serve different purposes, and that means they have different needs when it comes to flooring. That’s why hospitals often use a mix of flooring types throughout the building.

While sheet vinyl and rubber are two of the most popular options, there are several other materials used in medical centers, each with its own benefits depending on where it’s installed. Here’s a closer look at some other hospital flooring types you might see and why they’re used.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

What is it? Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a strong and stylish flooring material that mimics the look of wood, stone, or ceramic tile, but without the high cost or upkeep.

Why hospitals use it: LVT is a favorite for non-clinical areas like offices, waiting rooms, and staff break rooms because it adds a more natural, comforting look while still being durable and easy to clean. It’s also water-resistant and can handle moderate foot traffic. Many hospitals choose LVT in areas where appearance matters but where strict infection control isn’t as critical.

Common areas for LVT in hospitals:

  • Administrative offices
  • Reception areas
  • Outpatient waiting rooms
  • Conference rooms

Linoleum

What is it? Linoleum is a natural flooring material made from things like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and natural pigments. It’s been used for over a century and is known for being both durable and environmentally friendly.

Why hospitals use it: Hospitals that want to use eco-friendly materials often choose linoleum for non-clinical or lightly used spaces. It’s biodegradable, low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and resistant to bacteria, making it a green alternative to traditional vinyl. It also comes in many colors and patterns.

Where linoleum works best:

  • Staff lounges
  • Low-traffic offices
  • Supply closets
  • Older healthcare buildings with sustainability goals

Is it as durable as vinyl? Not quite, but with regular maintenance and sealing, linoleum can still last 20–30 years in low-traffic areas.

Porcelain Tile

What is it? Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile made from very dense clay. It’s fired at high temperatures, which makes it incredibly hard, durable, and water-resistant.

Why hospitals use it: Porcelain tile is ideal for public areas that get a lot of foot traffic and need to look polished and professional. It’s often used in hospital lobbies, cafeterias, and public restrooms because it stands up well to moisture and stains while offering a more upscale appearance.

Pros:

  • Very durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Doesn’t absorb water
  • Available in lots of styles

Cons:

  • Hard underfoot, which can be tiring for staff
  • More expensive to install
  • Can be slippery when wet unless textured

Carpet Tiles

What are they? Carpet tiles are squares of carpet that can be installed one at a time, making them easy to replace if a section gets stained or damaged.

Why hospitals use them: Carpet tiles are used sparingly in hospitals, usually in non-patient areas where comfort and a quiet atmosphere are more important than sanitization. Because they’re softer and quieter than hard surfaces, they’re a good option for office spaces, family lounges, or behavioral health units where a calming environment is needed.

Pros:

  • Reduces noise
  • Softer for walking or standing
  • Warmer and more inviting feel

Cons:

  • Harder to sanitize
  • Not good for wet or high-traffic clinical areas
  • Needs regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning

How Do Hospitals Choose the Right Flooring for Each Space?

The choice really comes down to what the room is used for. For example:

  • In patient care areas, infection control is the top priority, so smooth, seamless floors like sheet vinyl or rubber are best.
  • In public-facing spaces, design and durability matter, so tile or LVT may be the top pick.
  • In staff areas, comfort and noise reduction are key, so rubber, LVT, or carpet tiles might be used.

In other words, hospitals make flooring decisions based on what each space needs most: safety, hygiene, durability, comfort, or design.

What Is the Best Flooring for Hospitals?

So, what’s the best flooring for hospitals? It really depends on where it’s going. But if we’re talking about top choices overall, sheet vinyl and rubber flooring are both excellent options.

  • Sheet vinyl is perfect for areas that need to stay clean and dry, like patient rooms and surgical suites.
  • Rubber flooring works well in places where comfort and quiet matter most.

Both offer a combination of safety, durability, and easy maintenance, exactly what hospitals need.

What type of floor is used in hospitals?

Hospitals use different types of flooring depending on the room, the needs of the space, and how much traffic it gets. The most common hospital flooring types are:

  • Sheet Vinyl Flooring: This is one of the most widely used materials in hospitals. It’s installed in large sheets with very few seams, which makes it easier to clean and sanitize. It’s also water-resistant, durable, and safe underfoot.
  • Rubber Flooring: Used in areas where comfort and noise control are important, such as nurses’ stations and recovery rooms. It’s soft, slip-resistant, and great at absorbing sound.
  • Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Looks like natural wood or stone but is much easier to clean and more affordable. It’s often used in less critical areas like hallways, waiting rooms, or administrative spaces.
  • Linoleum: An eco-friendly option made from natural materials. It’s not used as often as vinyl but is still found in some medical centers.
  • Porcelain Tile: Very durable and often used in bathrooms, entryways, or lobbies. It holds up well against spills and foot traffic but is harder and colder than vinyl or rubber.

Each area of a hospital might use a different type of flooring depending on what’s needed, for example, easy cleaning in an operating room versus comfort in a therapy room.

What is the best flooring for a hospital?

The best flooring for a hospital depends on what room you’re talking about, but overall, sheet vinyl and rubber flooring are the top choices.

  • Sheet Vinyl is best for areas where cleanliness is critical, like operating rooms, emergency departments, and labs. Its seamless surface makes it easy to disinfect, and it’s tough enough to handle gurneys and rolling carts.
  • Rubber Flooring is ideal for spaces where comfort and quiet are needed, like nurses’ stations, pediatric units, and rehab rooms. It reduces noise and provides cushioning for long shifts on your feet.

These two types are considered the best because they combine safety, durability, and hygiene, all essential qualities in a hospital setting.

What are the hospital floors called?

Hospital floors don’t have one specific name, but the materials used in them are often referred to as healthcare flooring or medical-grade flooring. You might also hear them called by their material type, such as:

  • Sheet Vinyl Flooring
  • Rubber Flooring
  • Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
  • Linoleum
  • Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

When contractors or architects talk about hospital flooring, they usually refer to the specific material rather than using a general term. However, in the industry, all of these fall under the broader category of commercial healthcare flooring.

What is medical grade flooring?

Medical grade flooring is a special type of flooring designed to meet the high standards of healthcare environments. These floors are built to handle the unique challenges hospitals, clinics, and medical centers face every day.

Here’s what makes flooring “medical grade”:

  • Seamless or Low-Seam Design: Helps stop bacteria, mold, and dirt from getting into cracks.
  • Non-Slip Surface: Reduces the risk of slips and falls, even when wet.
  • Chemical Resistance: Stands up to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and spills without getting damaged.
  • Durability: Built to last under heavy foot traffic, equipment, and daily cleaning.
  • Easy to Sanitize: Smooth surfaces make it fast and simple to clean thoroughly.
  • Comfort Options: Some medical-grade floors are cushioned for better comfort during long shifts.

Medical grade flooring isn’t just tough, it also helps protect patients and staff by creating a safer, cleaner environment. That’s why it’s used in everything from surgical suites to outpatient clinics.

Let the Experts Help You Choose

Picking the right hospital flooring types is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At East Coast Flooring & Interiors, we help hospitals and medical centers across South Florida choose floors that work hard, look great, and last for years.

We install high-quality flooring from top manufacturers, including eco-friendly and heavy-duty options like sheet vinyl, rubber, LVT, and more. Whether you’re remodeling a small clinic or designing an entire hospital, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re planning a healthcare project and want expert advice on the best flooring for hospitals, we’re here to help. Click here to explore our commercial flooring services or contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s build something safe, strong, and made to last.

This article was originally published on 3/5/2022 and has been updated on 5/19/2025 to provide the most accurate and relevant information.