A buyers guide to hospital flooring

So you’ve been set the mammoth task of hunting for a new flooring for the healthcare sector. But where to start?

Millions of square metres of floor coverings are installed into healthcare establishments around the world every year. From reception areas with high footfall, to waiting rooms that require a relaxed atmosphere, to areas demanding infection and static control.

Here at DCTUK we have a range of products to suit your needs and this guide should help you understand the basic dos and don'ts when it comes to selecting a new flooring.

Flooring for Hospital Reception Areas

Round the clock visitors can mean that entrance and reception areas take quite the pounding. This requires the flooring to be highly durable in order to withstand the never-ending traffic and heavy footfall.

Altro Operetta is a perfect solution where durability is key. This robust range is ideal for high traffic areas and entrances whilst boasting designer looks with 4db sound reduction. Pair with Altro Orchestra and Altro Serenade to create a complete look throughout.

Forbo Eternal meets the three essential requirements; resistant to chemicals, extremely durable and very easy to clean. The Eternal range is extremely hard wearing and able to withstand the heavy footfall a reception endures whilst offering a range of visual textures designed to inspire.

Polyflor Pearlazzo PUR features a high quality cross-linked polyurethane reinforced (PUR) layer and is UV cured to provide a low-cost and polish free maintenance regime. Suited for heavy traffic areas, Pearlazzo enables you to bring a special brand of style and elegance to the reception area thanks to its unique multi-flake decoration.

Flooring for Hospital Waiting Rooms

Hospitals can be noisy places, however achieving low noise pollution in waiting areas is essential in creating a welcoming atmosphere and promoting the well being and comfort of patients and staff.

Altro Serenade provides 19db sound reduction to reduce noise levels. Ideal for use where the passage of sound must be prevented, this vinyl is the perfect solution for waiting rooms allowing the much needed privacy for patients and families.

Forbo Sarlon is an excellent all round performer, especially where noise pollution can be an issue. With an impact sound reduction of 15db - 19db, Sarlon absorbs sound to create a calmer environment for patients and staff.

Polysafe Wood FX & Polyflor Forest FX Acoustic similarly provide an impact sound reduction level of 19db. Both Wood and Forest FX feature authentic reproductions of popular and high clarity wood designs to create a safe yet attractive interior for any waiting room.

Flooring for Hospital Wards

Ensuring safety and comfort of staff and patients is key. Staff spend all day on their feet, therefore underfoot comfort, slip resistance and durability is a must when selecting flooring for the wards and circulation areas.

Altro Orchestra has been designed to create a pleasant working environment, offering 15db sound reduction and comfort underfoot to help reduce fatigue for staff. Orchestra also provides low residual indentation for heavy equipment and furniture.

Forbo Marmoleum is ideal for areas where durability and hygiene is required. Naturally bacteriostatic, Marmoleum is proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria and spread of infections. It’s unique Topshield2 finish reduces soiling and remains the only resilient floor covering to be approved by Allergy UK. Rated BREEEAM A+ in healthcare sector, Marmoleum is guaranteed to provide a healthier and more hygienic environment.

Polyfsafe Standard PUR, standard by name but certainly not standard by nature. Providing one of the best vinyl flooring solutions, Polysafe Standard PUR is ideal for heavy traffic areas where spillages are frequent. Scoring 36+ on the Pendulum test, aluminium oxide and silicon carbide particles are also incorporated in the vinyl to improve traction and safety underfoot. 

Flooring for Hospital WC's

Slip resistant and low maintenance is of utmost importance where water could affect safety underfoot. For hospital patients, using facilities without worrying about slipping provides peace of mind.

Altro Aquarius is designed for areas where wet, dry, shoe and barefoot use are all necessary. Featuring Altro’s Easyclean Maxis PUR technology, this robust safety vinyl promises to keep its long term ‘cleanability’ and effortless maintenance in check.

Forbo Surestep Laguna is developed especially for barefoot, footwear and wheelchair use. Laguna significantly reduces the risk of slipping in wet areas whilst still creating a modern and fresh interior.

Polysafe Hydro Evolve is a highly decorative and a visually appealing product, but you should never underestimate its level of endurance and anti-slip capabilities. This carborundum-free safety flooring range features slip resistant particles in the vinyl and a raised pimple emboss for added grip and underfoot safety.

Specialist Hospital Flooring

In sensitive areas such as operating theatres, intensive care units and x-ray suites, flooring presents its own unique challenges. It must not only comply with stringent hygiene regulations to prevent hospital acquired infections, it must also demonstrate that it meets any necessary safety requirements.

Polyflor OHMega EC is engineered to meet the latest international standards for ESD protection floorcoverings. Recommended for use in healthcare facilities, this range has been specifically designed by Polyflor to fight electrostatic discharge at source to ensure the protection of electronic equipment, components and even people against electro-static discharge risks.

Polyflor SD, Finesse SD, and Palettone SD have all been engineered for use where static control is required, but the resistance level of the floor does not need to be as low as that provided by a conductive floor. This floor covering is ideal for use in healthcare facilities such as scanner rooms, x-ray suites and operating theatres.

West Middlesex Hospital

DCTUK fitted 100m2 of Polyflor Mystique (a product that is now discontinued) into the reception area at West Middlesex Hospital and Polysafe Astral safety flooring in the toilet areas. Check it out HERE.

We are currently offering a whooping 15% off our nationwide fitting service, call us on 0345 302 2675 to discuss all things fitting or simply visit our fitting page online to find out more.

P.s. In light of the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic we've put into place extra precautions to ensure our fitters are protected and so are you. You can find out more here.