Hospital Commercial Flooring: A Guide for Designers and Facility Managers

Hospital flooring is a crucial element of the healthcare environment, as it affects the safety, comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the space. Choosing the right flooring for different areas of the hospital requires careful consideration of various factors, such as infection control, durability, maintenance, acoustics, ergonomics, and design. In this article, we will explore the types of flooring available for hospital settings, their advantages and disadvantages, the solutions for choosing the best flooring option, and some frequently asked questions.

Types of Flooring for Hospital Settings

There are many types of flooring materials that can be used in hospital settings, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different areas. Some of the most common types are:

• Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) 
  LVT is a versatile and multipurpose flooring material that is made of multiple layers of vinyl to provide durability and protection from common foot traffic. It can mimic the appearance of wood, tile, stone, concrete, and other materials, offering a wide range of design options. LVT is easy to clean and maintain, and can be used in most areas of the hospital, except for surgical suites, operating rooms, procedural rooms, and ICU, where it may not meet the infection control and rolling load requirements.
• Vinyl composite tile (VCT) 
  VCT is a less expensive alternative to LVT, made of natural ground stone, plastics, fillers, and pigments. It is durable and resistant to stains and scratches, but it requires frequent stripping, waxing, and polishing to maintain its appearance. VCT may also expand and contract due to temperature and humidity changes, leaving gaps between the tiles that can harbor bacteria. VCT is suitable for corridors, waiting rooms, patient rooms, and entryways, but not for areas that require high levels of infection control and hygiene.
• Sheet vinyl: Sheet vinyl is a monolithic flooring material that comes in rolls up to six-feet wide. It has fewer seams than LVT or VCT, which are heat sealed to ensure that microorganisms won’t penetrate in between. Sheet vinyl can also be coved up a wall, creating an integral installation at the wall area. Sheet vinyl is ideal for procedural rooms and surgical suites, where the highest level of infection control is required. It is also easy to clean and maintain, and comes in multiple patterns and styles.
• Sheet rubber 
  Sheet rubber is another monolithic flooring material that is made of natural or synthetic rubber. It is resilient and comfortable, reducing the fatigue and stress of the staff and patients. It is also slip-resistant, fire-resistant, and sound-absorbing, enhancing the safety and acoustics of the space. Sheet rubber is durable and resistant to chemicals, stains, and abrasions, but it may fade or discolor over time. Sheet rubber is suitable for areas that require high levels of comfort and resilience, such as corridors, patient rooms, and physical therapy rooms.
• Bamboo Flooring
  Bamboo wood flooring is another sustainable option to consider. However, due to its higher cost, it is not commonly used in the common areas of hospitals. Bamboo flooring requires significant maintenance to maintain its appearance, and it is not suitable for high-traffic areas or places where a seamless look is desired. Additionally, installation costs tend to be higher.Bamboo flooring can be appropriate for office spaces and may add a unique touch to specialty areas such as chapels or art displays.
• Commercial Carpet
  Commercial carpeting used to be a popular choice in healthcare settings, particularly in waiting areas, entryways, offices, and corridors. However, its usage has decreased due to the maintenance requirements and concerns about potential microbial harboring in its fibers. In the current healthcare environment, hospitals prefer low-maintenance options.Despite its drawbacks, commercial carpeting has appealing features such as a wide variety of colors and patterns, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. It also helps in sound absorption and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. As a result, it is still occasionally used in offices, waiting rooms, lobbies, and public corridors.

Solutions for Choosing the Best Flooring Option

Choosing the best flooring option for a hospital setting depends on several factors, such as:

• The function and use of the area:
  Different areas of the hospital have different functions and uses, which affect the flooring requirements. For example, operating rooms and laboratories require flooring that is seamless, hygienic, and easy to clean and disinfect, while corridors and patient rooms require flooring that is comfortable, resilient, and sound-absorbing. The function and use of the area also determine the amount and type of traffic, load, and impact that the flooring will endure, which affect the durability and performance of the flooring.
• The budget and life cycle cost of the flooring:
  Different flooring options have different initial and ongoing costs, which affect the budget and life cycle cost of the flooring. For example, VCT is cheaper than LVT, but it requires more maintenance and replacement, which may increase the total cost of ownership. The budget and life cycle cost of the flooring also depend on the availability and quality of the flooring materials, the installation and labor costs, and the warranty and service of the flooring provider.
• The design and aesthetics of the space:
  Different flooring options have different design and aesthetics, which affect the look and feel of the space. For example, LVT can create a warm and homey atmosphere, while tile can create a sleek and modern ambiance. The design and aesthetics of the space also depend on the color, pattern, texture, and size of the flooring, as well as the coordination and contrast with the other elements of the space, such as the walls, furniture, and lighting.

To choose the best flooring option for a hospital setting, it is important to consult with a flooring expert who can provide professional advice and guidance, as well as samples and mock-ups of the flooring options. It is also important to consider the feedback and preferences of the staff, patients, and visitors, who will use and experience the flooring on a daily basis.

Maintain Hospital Floor

Maintaining the hospital floor is an important task to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of the healthcare environment. Some general steps to maintain the hospital floor are:

• Wear disposable gloves and change them frequently to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaners that are suitable for the type of flooring material and the level of infection control required.
• Clean and disinfect the high-touch areas and the visible marks on the walls, windows, and glass.
• Start from the cleanest areas and work your way to the dirtiest areas, and from the healthiest patients to the sickest patients.
• Dispose of the trash, sharps, and biohazards in designated containers and bags.
• Sweep and mop the floor as required, and polish the mirrors and other surfaces.
• Place a caution sign in front of the doors after cleaning to warn others of the wet floor.

Conclusion

Hospital flooring is a vital component of the healthcare environment, as it affects the safety, comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the space. Choosing the right flooring for different areas of the hospital requires careful consideration of various factors, such as infection control, durability, maintenance, acoustics, ergonomics, and design. There are many types of flooring materials available for hospital settings, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different areas. Some of the most common types are LVT, VCT, sheet vinyl, sheet rubber, poured flooring, and tile. To choose the best flooring option for a hospital setting, it is important to consult with a flooring expert, and to consider the feedback and preferences of the staff, patients, and visitors.

 Hospital Commercial Flooring FAQs

1. What are the benefits of hospital commercial flooring?Hospital commercial flooring is designed to meet the specific needs and challenges of the healthcare environment, such as infection control, durability, maintenance, acoustics, ergonomics, and aesthetics. Hospital commercial flooring can help create a safe, comfortable, functional, and attractive space for the staff, patients, and visitors.
2. What are the types of hospital commercial flooring?There are many types of hospital commercial flooring, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different areas. Some of the most common types are luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl composite tile (VCT), sheet vinyl, sheet rubber, poured flooring, and tile.
3.  How to choose the best hospital commercial flooring option?Choosing the best hospital commercial flooring option depends on several factors, such as the function and use of the area, the budget and life cycle cost of the flooring, and the design and aesthetics of the space. It is important to consult with a flooring expert who can provide professional advice and guidance, as well as samples and mock-ups of the flooring options. It is also important to consider the feedback and preferences of the staff, patients, and visitors, who will use and experience the flooring on a daily basis.
4. How to maintain and clean hospital commercial flooring?Maintaining and cleaning hospital commercial flooring is an important task to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of the healthcare environment. The maintenance and cleaning procedures may vary depending on the type of flooring material and the level of infection control required. Some general steps to maintain and clean hospital commercial flooring are: wear disposable gloves and change them frequently to avoid cross-contamination, use hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaners that are suitable for the type of flooring material, clean and disinfect the high-touch areas and the visible marks on the walls, windows, and glass, start from the cleanest areas and work your way to the dirtiest areas, and from the healthiest patients to the sickest patients, dispose of the trash, sharps, and biohazards in designated containers and bags, sweep and mop the floor as required, and polish the mirrors and other surfaces, and place a caution sign in front of the doors after cleaning to warn others of the wet floor.
5. What are the best flooring options for infection control? The best flooring options for infection control are monolithic flooring materials that have no seams or joints, such as sheet vinyl, sheet rubber, or poured flooring. These flooring materials prevent the penetration and accumulation of microorganisms, fluids, and dirt, and are easy to clean and disinfect. They also have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
6. What are the best flooring options for comfort and ergonomics?The best flooring options for comfort and ergonomics are resilient flooring materials that have some cushioning and flexibility, such as LVT, sheet rubber, or poured flooring. These flooring materials reduce the fatigue and stress of the staff and patients, who spend long hours standing or walking on the floor. They also reduce the noise and vibration of the space, creating a quieter and calmer environment.
7. What are the best flooring options for durability and performance?The best flooring options for durability and performance are flooring materials that can withstand the wear and tear of the hospital environment, such as LVT, sheet vinyl, sheet rubber, or tile. These flooring materials are resistant to chemicals, stains, scratches, and abrasions, and can support the heavy loads and impacts of the equipment and furniture. They also have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance and repair.
8. What are the best flooring options for design and aesthetics?The best flooring options for design and aesthetics are flooring materials that can create a warm, comforting, and attractive environment for the staff, patients, and visitors, such as LVT, tile, or poured flooring. These flooring materials can mimic the appearance of wood, tile, stone, concrete, and other materials, offering a wide range of design options. They also come in multiple colors, patterns, textures, and sizes, allowing for customization and coordination with the other elements of the space.
9. How to install hospital commercial flooring?Installing hospital commercial flooring is a complex and specialized process that requires the expertise and skills of a flooring contractor. The installation process may vary depending on the type of flooring material and the condition of the subfloor. Some general steps to install hospital commercial flooring are: prepare the subfloor by removing any existing flooring, repairing any cracks or damages, and leveling and cleaning the surface, measure and mark the layout of the flooring, cut and fit the flooring material according to the layout, apply the adhesive or primer to the subfloor and the flooring material, press and roll the flooring material onto the subfloor, seal the seams and edges of the flooring material, and apply the finish and protective coating to the flooring material.
10. How to repair hospital commercial flooring?Repairing hospital commercial flooring is a necessary and inevitable task that requires the attention and care of a flooring contractor. The repair process may vary depending on the type and extent of the damage and the type of flooring material. Some general steps to repair hospital commercial flooring are: identify and assess the damage and the cause of the damage, remove and dispose of the damaged flooring material, clean and prepare the subfloor and the surrounding flooring material, cut and fit the replacement flooring material according to the size and shape of the damage, apply the adhesive or primer to the subfloor and the replacement flooring material, press and roll the replacement flooring material onto the subfloor, seal the seams and edges of the replacement flooring material, and apply the finish and protective coating to the replacement flooring material.