Medical flooring begins with the office. This is what patients and their families first see upon entering your building. Medical office flooring communicates cleanliness, organization, and professionalism. It also needs to meet some strict standards to help control infection. Where should you start when considering medical office flooring ideas?
BEST MEDICAL OFFICE FLOORING OPTIONS: LUXURY VINYL VS. LINOLEUM
Even though many people use the terms vinyl and linoleum interchangeably, these two flooring materials have subtle differences, despite the similarity of materials used in the manufacturing process. These are generally the most popular options because they install quickly, adhere to precise standards that must be met, are durable, and have a lot of flexibility in their visual design and practical purpose. if you are considering medical office flooring ideas for your medical office or clinic, here are the key features of both flooring materials.
LINOLEUM VS. VINYL FLOORING: HISTORY AND MANUFACTURE
Linoleum is one of the oldest flooring materials, first patented sometime in the 19th century. The material was accidentally discovered as a flooring material after it was noted that linseed oil used as a paint thinner developed a tough, flexible film that floated on the paint’s surface. Later, it was shown that linseed oil could be blended with other substances to create a durable material that was ideal for flooring. The first generation of linoleum products lacked aesthetics and looked tacky and dull.
Over the past century, linoleum flooring has undergone a major renaissance. The latest products have superb aesthetics and features that make them ideal flooring materials for residential and commercial businesses. For much of the past, linoleum has been the flooring of choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements because of its durability and ability to resist moisture. With the help of modern technology, the latest products are also used as flooring in commercial businesses, including medical offices.
Vinyl is a completely synthetic material that was developed in the 1920s. It is composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its popularity grew very fast in the past as it was identified as a less expensive alternative to linoleum. Vinyl flooring comes with a felt core over a fiberglass backing and a durable surface layer that is resistant to stains, moisture, and scratches.
Plus, vinyl flooring has evolved rapidly, and, over the years, numerous styles, designs, and patterns have become available. The one major concern for vinyl use is that, since it is made from PVC, there may be a risk of chemicals being released into the environment. However, these concerns have been found to be meritless, and vinyl flooring has proven very safe for use in both residential and business settings.
APPEARANCE
Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring both have excellent aesthetics. Beneath the surface wear layer is a printed design layer. One has an unlimited option for colors, images, patterns, and styles. This permits one to achieve vibrant, exotic, and realistic flooring. In fact, vinyl flooring can mimic hardwood, stone, or marble for a fraction of the cost. While the first-generation vinyl material is considered to be less-than-stellar, the latest vinyl flooring is elegant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain.
Linoleum flooring has a uniform color that is not only present on the surface but throughout the entire thickness of the material. Unlike vinyl, linoleum is available in limited designs and patterns, but the fact is that the flooring will retain the same color and pattern for many years without looking old or faded.
Overall, luxury vinyl tile flooring and plank flooring are better options for designing a particular appearance. Linoleum has a vast range of preset options but less range to have a unique pattern or look designed.
When considering medical office flooring ideas, one must remember that medical offices tend to be bright and use colors in a specific way. This encourages a clean, well-kept look. Luxury vinyl can be cleaned with almost any common cleaner used in a medical office. Linoleum can see its color change over time if specific cleaning products are used. This means luxury vinyl is better at holding its appearance over a long period of time.
Luxury vinyl offers much more precise control over its look. It can also be designed to emulate the look of other materials, including wood. This can go far in helping patients feel comfortable and well cared for.
DURABILITY
Both luxury vinyl and linoleum are coated in order to protect their appearance and increase their durability. Coatings for each allow them to resist heavy foot traffic, chemicals, stains, dents, scratches, punctures, and the list goes on. Each coating is comparable, though you may likely find some higher-grade coatings for luxury vinyl.
Luxury vinyl is superior in terms of core material, chiefly in its moisture resistance. Its resistance across the board increases if and when a homogeneous vinyl sheet is used. Most of the currently available vinyl products are water resistant and can be installed in wet environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
The first-generation vinyl products had felt backing and were not moisture resistant, so selecting vinyl flooring with fiberglass backing is important. Further, sheet vinyl products are more moisture resistant than vinyl tiles since they have fewer seams that can permit water to seep through.
Linoleum is more susceptible to moisture damage, mold, and mildew growth due to this. In addition, the flooring has to be checked regularly so that the seams are not damaged. In excess humidity or sudden exposure to water (e.g., flooding), linoleum can be damaged and start to curl up along the corners. Linoleum requires ongoing re-sealing. Luxury vinyl maintains its durability without the same time and money invested in its maintenance.
If you want flooring that is water resistant, then vinyl is your choice. But if you want flooring resistant to heat damage, go with linoleum, as it takes on heat better. Mind you; the latest linoleum products may have an extra surface coating that makes them more moisture resistant.
EASE OF CLEANING
Vinyl is one of the easiest floorings to keep clean. You can sweep and vacuum vinyl regularly or mop it with a mild detergent without having to worry about color fading. To keep vinyl looking like new, all you need to do is keep it wiped clean.
Like vinyl, linoleum is also easy to care for, so the flooring is widely used in hospitals, schools, and airports. All it needs is regular sweeping and vacuuming. Stains can be removed with a mild detergent.
INSTALLATION
Both options are efficient to install. They each cure quickly. Adhering to design standards is straightforward for either material. They both allow heat welding for seamless flash coving up the walls. This prevents moisture, fluids, or chemicals from becoming trapped underneath the floor.
However, each material has some difference in the efficacy of that heat welding. Heat welding offers improved performance and durability in luxury vinyl.
The heat-welding process in linoleum isn’t bad. It is a solid, reliable process. However, where heat welding vinyl fuses two sheets directly together, heat welding linoleum requires two sheets to be heat welded to a linoleum rod in between. In other words, the sheets aren’t directly attached to each other with linoleum. They’re attached through a medium. This means more points of welding and an increased risk that a bond somewhere will lack durability.
Understand: heat welding linoleum is reliable and very strong. However, luxury vinyl offers advantages in its heat welding process that linoleum lacks. Luxury vinyl is even more reliable and even stronger.
This is a big part of the reason that linoleum needs to be re-sealed so often and why luxury vinyl doesn’t require as much maintenance. In other words, they both install quickly and can be kept to a fast schedule. The difference in the installation techniques required for each type of flooring leads back to that durability question.
COST
In general, vinyl flooring is slightly less expensive than linoleum, but this also depends on the quality and type of product you select. Designer brands cost more than generic brands. Vinyl costs range from $1-$3 per square foot. Linoleum varies in price from $3 to $6 per square foot. The price for installation for both is similar.
LIFESPAN
If well-maintained, vinyl flooring can last 2-3 decades, and, with advancing age, the glossy appearance will fade. Linoleum can last 2-4 decades as long as it has been professionally installed. Again, with advancing age, it will show signs of the weathered look.
OTHER MEDICAL OFFICE FLOORING OPTIONS
Larger medical offices may incorporate additional rooms. For instance, the entrance and waiting rooms are connected or dual-purpose in many smaller medical offices. However, for those with a separate entrance area that might lead to different departments, terrazzo is a good choice to consider. Its lifespan is incredibly long. This comes from its materials. It’s usually made from a cement matrix or an epoxy resin that’s mixed with materials such as marble.
Terrazzo is low maintenance and has a high resistance to moisture and microbial growth, and epoxy resin terrazzo means zero volatile organic compounds will give off gas.
For medical offices with long corridors or specific clinical areas, luxury vinyl can also work here. You might also consider how some hospitals approach these areas by using rubber flooring. With protective coatings, rubber is extraordinarily resistant and easy to install. Luxury vinyl tile, plank, and sheets still offer the best look for corridors. This is because it can be made to look like so many other materials.
CHOOSE EXPERIENCE
Even more important than the materials you choose is the installer. Get different opinions so you can be sure to secure an experienced installer. You want someone who has a portfolio of successful medical flooring installations. This allows you to see their eye for design and allows you to find references to contact.
When getting ready to hire someone to help you make your choice among medical office flooring ideas, you want someone who can evidence that they’ve met schedule and timeframes and that their medical office flooring has truly stood the test of time.
They also need to be fully aware of medical and EPA requirements for medical flooring. This means more than having a list they can check off. It means being able to have a conversation with you that helps you understand whether each type of flooring meets or exceeds requirements. They’re not just an installer but also a resource for you. After all, it’s going to be your medical flooring – a part of your building. You need to know that your installer can communicate with you swiftly and with the knowledge to help you make the best decision.
East Coast Flooring & Interiors meets the above qualifications. Contact them today at 1-954-626-8053 to get your questions answered and get well on your way to having the best flooring for your medical office.