Healthcare institutions, including urgent care centers, hospitals, medical centers, and clinics need to have flooring that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. With the amount of foot and wheel traffic that can occur any time of the day or night, it is important to have the right flooring installed. 

If not careful on the initial selection, one may end up replacing the flooring frequently, which can cause a great deal of inconvenience to both staff and patients. There is no one flooring that is suitable for all the departments in a hospital; while one flooring may be durable, it may not have the best aesthetics, etc. 

On the other hand, another may be affordable and can mimic hardwood or stone, but it does not have good water resistance, and/or it might also be prone to scratches. Hardwood may have the best aesthetics, but it is not soundproof or moisture resistant. Hence, some compromises must be made depending on flooring priorities. 

Today, several types of flooring can be installed in hospitals, and below we have listed the pros and cons of each. 

Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is widely used in healthcare settings because it has many desirable features that include the following:

  • Beautiful aesthetics
  • Available in vivid colors, patterns, and designs
  • Can mimic hardwood, stone, or marble
  • Can withstand heavy foot and wheel traffic without compromising aesthetics
  • Versatile flooring that can be installed in most places in a hospital
  • Does not scratch or chip easily
  • Cleaning is relatively easy (all it needs is regular mopping or sweeping)
  • Spills can be cleaned with a mop, detergent, and water
  • Requires minimal maintenance
  • Can easily last 10-25 years with good maintenance

The tile is durable but does require a bit more maintenance than other floors, with stripping, waxing, and polishing required for optimal sanitation and cleanliness. Luxury vinyl flooring is versatile and can be installed in almost every department in the hospital.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring has been widely used in gyms, exercise rooms, weight-lifting centers, fieldhouses, and in factories. Now, rubber hospital flooring and rubber flooring for medical centers is increasing in popularity, chiefly because of its versatile properties, which include the following:

  • It is very durable and will easily last several decades with minimal maintenance.
  • It is free of synthetic chemicals.
  • It is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for the hospital environment.
  • It has excellent sound absorption properties.
  • It can withstand heavy foot traffic without resulting in lasting dents, chips, or cracks. Even if it is compressed by heavy loads, like a wheelchair, it has excellent resiliency and will restore to its original shape.
  • It is easy to clean and maintain.
  • It is water and moisture-resistant.
  • It will not scratch easily.
  • It is resistant to stains, mildew, and bacteria.
  • It is comfortable to walk on.
  • It affords great cushioning, and this is very useful in case a patient falls.

Due to these properties and because it is available in many colors and textures, rubber flooring can be installed in the cafeteria, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, and clinics. In healthcare settings, you cannot go wrong choosing rubber hospital flooring or rubber flooring for medical centers.

Tiles

Tiles have been around for a long time and are widely used as flooring not only in homes but also in all types of businesses. Porcelain tile is a type of flooring material that can be used in hospitals because of its versatility and ability to be adjusted and customized.

Porcelain tiles differ from ceramic tiles in that they are constructed from a denser clay material, along with sand that has been finely ground.  Porcelain tiles are then baked at higher temperatures and for a longer period of time to drive more moisture from the material and make it more durable.  It is water-resistant and also a great choice for hospital entrances or even the walls.

Carpet

While most people would immediately say no to carpet flooring for a hospital, it is important to know that the world of carpet is huge and diverse. Broadloom carpet can be used successfully in waiting rooms, resident rooms, and assisted living facilities. For the right situation, there are carpets of every style, design, color, size, and shape to meet the demands of any hospital or medical center needs. 

Conclusion

Rubber hospital flooring or rubber flooring for medical centers is an exceptional choice and is very common in those types of settings. To select flooring for your hospital or clinic, it is first important to know what features you desire and affordability. 

The best way to know what is available in flooring and whether it meets your needs is to consult with an East Coast Flooring & Interiors specialist. The company has been in business since 1985 and offers state-of-the-art flooring to meet the needs of most businesses. Contact one of their professionals today at 1-954-266-0789 or 1-954-626-8053.