Marketplace

Flooring makers address health care requirements

New products stress safety, acoustics, maintenance, infection control and more

Feb 20, 2025 |

Image courtesy of Smart Facility Software

Flooring requirements for health care facilities include safety, comfort, acoustics, mobility, maintenance, infection control and aesthetics. Additionally, there is increased demand for products that address material health and sustainability, and cost-effectiveness is another important consideration.

Now more than ever, flooring is seen as an interactive solution, rather than a passive product, and it’s important to understand the role flooring plays in a patient’s experience and outcomes.

Features and challenges

Health care flooring must balance utility with the attributes mentioned above. At the same time, there’s a trend toward creating home-like environments that enhance comfort and reduce stress, says Fred Reitz, vice president of commercial at AHF Products in Mountville, Pa.

“Homogeneous and heterogeneous sheet vinyl options are ideal for spaces that require infection control, thanks to seamless installations that prevent moisture and germs from getting underneath,” Reitz says. “Homogeneous sheet is widely used in patient rooms, operating rooms and emergency areas, while heterogeneous sheet vinyl is popular in outpatient facilities. We also see luxury vinyl tile (LVT) — and especially dry-back LVT — making inroads. This offers durability, stability for glue-down installations and sound dampening, which is perfect for high-traffic areas.”

The latest aesthetic design trends emphasize calm, recovery-focused environments. “In hospitals, busy patterns or bright colors are avoided, as they can detract from the overall therapeutic atmosphere,” says Steve DeCarlo, vice president for HFLOR products at LX Hausys America Inc. in Alpharetta, Ga. “Sheet goods such as wood-look, concrete and textile patterns remain dominant, while operating rooms still require homogeneous sheet goods that are easy to clean and allow for easy identification of dropped instruments.”

Flooring materials that promote indoor air quality by avoiding toxic substances and reducing volatile organic compound emissions represent a growing trend, vendors say. Also in demand are solutions that minimize water waste and align with green cleaning practices.

Installing floors within a functioning hospital can pose difficulties. Tight deadlines are essential to minimize downtime, so precise planning and execution are important. “Manufacturers and installers must implement detailed schedules, multi-phase installations and methods to reduce sound, vibration and odors to ensure minimal disruption to hospital operations,” says Christopher Trageser, commercial product manager for technical service at Stonhard in Maple Shade, N.J.

There are differences in product requirements between hospitals and off-site facilities, vendors say. Hospitals demand flooring that withstands higher traffic, intensive cleaning and strict infection control protocols while offering features such as noise reduction. In contrast, off-site facilities may prioritize aesthetics, comfort and wayfinding applications to create a welcoming and navigable space for patients. These spaces still require durable, cleanable flooring but typically experience lighter use, allowing for more flexibility in design and materials.

Product innovations

New products designed to improve hospital operations include AHF Products’ relaunched Armstrong Flooring MedinPure polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free homogeneous sheet with Diamond 10 technology coating. The low-maintenance, polish-optional flooring is easy to heat weld and flash cove for spaces that demand infection control, according to Reitz. Also, the through-pattern construction resists abrasion, scratches and scuffs.

“MedinPure offers a newly refreshed and design-forward color palette that promotes well-being and calm. These colors foster a sense of serenity,” Reitz notes. “Available in 20 calming colors, it coordinates seamlessly with other Armstrong Flooring solutions for comprehensive design integration. Colors are suitable for a wide range of environments, such as children’s centers, waiting areas and working labs.” AHF Products also offers Crossville low-maintenance, moisture-resistant, durable sanitary tile.

Patcraft in Cartersville, Ga., offers ReMaterial, a PVC-free, recyclable resilient flooring solution that transforms material performance through circular design, according to Kent Clauson, director of performance markets. “It provides a cost-effective, sustainable option that meets growing demand for PVC-free product solutions,” Clauson says. Featuring a multi-layer core that can withstand indentation up to 2,500 pounds per square inch, ReMaterial is constructed for high-traffic areas. An ExoGuard+ finish resists scratches and abrasions, ensuring long-lasting quality and appearance retention.

To facilitate installation of resilient sheet products and minimize downtime of acute care spaces, Patcraft has introduced Geometrix, a system designed for cutting and installing resilient sheet flooring in hospitals. “Geometrix precisely maps intricate room details, including corners and coves, to ensure a perfect fit for even the most complex angles,” Clauson says.

Mannington Commercial in Calhoun, Ga., offers the White Sands Collection of LVT and heterogeneous sheet, which are designed to work together. Similar thickness profiles allow for easy installation without the need for ramping or additional floor prep. According to Kathy Griffel, LEED AP, EDAC, senior segment leader for health and wellness, “Both products share adhesive systems, performance attributes (e.g., static load) and maintenance protocols, making the use of sheet and LVT seamless.”

Mannington’s White Sands Collection features visuals that create a calming atmosphere, making it ideal for hospital interiors, Griffel adds. “Our sheet product, Harmony, available in 6-, 9- and 12-foot widths, minimizes seams, which makes cleaning easier while reducing contamination risks, thus meeting infection control demands of hospitals,” she says.

LX Hausys America offers Natural Selection Plus Modern, a heterogeneous sheet collection that comes in a wide range of neutral colors with textile and concrete patterns, providing an alternative to traditional wood designs. The company recently introduced Atmosphere Homogeneous Sheet Goods, which is similar to Natural Selection Plus but incorporates a Clean Finish option to achieve a polished look. “The subdued pattern helps identify dropped items, making it ideal for operating rooms,” DeCarlo says.

Other options

Stonhard offers the Stonres line of products, which feature a seamless surface to support infection control. The products can withstand heavy foot traffic and regular cleaning with harsh sterilizers. “The ergonomic, cushioned surfaces provide comfort underfoot, helping to reduce fatigue for staff, while their acoustic properties minimize noise, creating a quieter environment for patients,” Trageser says. “Also, Stonres offers chemical- and wear-resistance, making it ideal for high-intensity areas such as operating rooms.”

ECOsurfaces by Ecore in Lancaster, Pa., has introduced AssurGrip Rx, a performance flooring surface crafted for commercial spaces such as hospitals, where safety, ergonomic support, comfort and hygiene are important. “AssurGrip Rx is engineered with a slip-resistant floor surface layer that is fusion bonded to a 5-millimeter vulcanized composition rubber (VCR) base layer featuring the company’s ItsTru technology,” says Rich Willett, president of flooring and industrial.

The surface’s VCR backing provides a force reduction of 11.9% and energy restitution of 66.6% for optimal performance and safety. Willett adds, “The technology develops and captures energy, so flooring surfaces can absorb force while returning usable energy back to the body, eliminating the need for an underlayment.” 

Tarkett North America in Solon, Ohio, has unveiled a refreshed palette for its iQ Optima collection of homogeneous vinyl flooring, which is engineered to retain its beauty over time, support indoor air quality and simplify maintenance, according to Sandi Soraci, director of segment strategy for health care and senior living. “Our iQ vinyl sheet collections never need a floor finish. The floors are continually restored with a simple dry buffing, enabling environmental services teams to work more efficiently and with fewer chemicals,” Soraci says.

The iQ collection meets the requirement for monolithic floor and wall base assemblies with an integral coved wall base that is carried up the wall a minimum of 6 inches to support infection control protocols, Soraci adds. Tarkett’s iQEminent, Granit and Optima collections also are certified to be asthma- and allergy-friendly, which means iQ surfaces are suitable for sterile applications, minimizing infection and allowing for decontamination.

SelecTech Inc. in Avon, Mass., offers homogeneous flooring that incorporates interlocking sections and safeguards against static electricity. “Having electrostatic discharge (ESD) control flooring helps mitigate ESD risks in hospitals,” says Tom Ricciardelli, president. “Our flooring products meet those needs while providing other technical and aesthetic requirements.”

SelecTech Inc. also has introduced an interlocking tile, EcoLock Flooring, which can be installed directly on top of existing flooring, reducing downtime during renovation projects, according to Ricciardelli. The interlocking tile can be made liquid-tight to meet cleanability and infection control requirements.

Matter Surfaces, a distributor based in Stoughton, Mass., offers Purline bio-based polyurethane flooring, which is made from renewable materials and has proven performance in hospitals, according to Rich Ruhlin, chief growth and product officer. “The use of non-toxic, sustainable materials like Purline ensures better indoor air quality. Our research and development efforts will expand on this alternative polymer material platform to bring further enhancements in commercial flooring while helping hospitals meet sustainability objectives without compromising on performance, comfort or safety,” Ruhlin says.

American Biltrite in Sherbrooke, Canada, offers the ABPure Infinity collection, a rubber sheet flooring solution designed to meet the needs of hospitals. It addresses critical factors such as ergonomic support, acoustic performance, ease of maintenance and compatibility with rigorous disinfection protocols, according to Maeva Groulx, marketing leader of the company’s flooring division. It also is non-toxic, contributes to improved indoor air quality and aligns with sustainability goals as a carbon-neutral product.

“ABPure Infinity features a wide range of colors inspired by nature,” Groulx says. “From soothing and restorative tones to cheerful and nostalgic palettes, the color offering is designed to positively influence the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and staff. This makes the collection adaptable to various hospital settings by creating a calming environment in patient rooms or adding vibrancy to communal spaces like cafeterias.”

Interface in Atlanta has introduced new products in its nora by Interface rubber flooring portfolio, including noraplan dariva, norament pado and norament satura. “Our noraplan dariva product features earthy, muted tones and soft marbling to connect occupants to the sense of awe found in nature’s colors,” says Paula Meason, health care segment expert. “Its smooth surface and dense rubber structure support reduced noise and underfoot comfort needs, as well as operational challenges like high-traffic, frequent hygiene protocols and heavy rolling loads.”

Interface also has released a color-line refresh of its norament 926 satura rubber flooring collection, so designers and specifiers can choose from 22 colors ranging from elegant neutrals to vibrant accents. “Our norarubber products are free of PVC and other halogenated polymers or phthalate plasticizers, making them safe, low-emission and low-pollutant flooring products for any health care space,” Meason says.

Significant advances

Manufacturers expect to see significant advances in smart flooring technologies, such as integrated sensors that monitor foot traffic and laser-type sensors for cleanliness through particulate identification.

“These systems are commercially available and rapidly advancing,” Ruhlin notes. “In addition, eco-friendly and sustainable flooring options will become more prevalent as hospitals aim to reduce their environmental impact.”

Enhanced infection control will remain a top priority as well, vendors say. “Flooring solutions will be designed to keep pace with advances in hospital procedures, such as the increased use of ultraviolet equipment for disinfecting,” Trageser says.

Also, acoustic flooring properties will be refined to reduce noise and create quieter, more comfortable environments.