Should hospitals choose LVT, homogeneous flooring, or asphalt linoleum flooring for their flooring?

Several important factors need to be considered when selecting flooring materials for a hospital environment. Ideally, hospital floors should be able to withstand heavy loads and be antibacterial…

When choosing flooring for a hospital, multiple factors need to be considered simultaneously, including safety, durability, hygiene, ease of maintenance, aesthetics, and budget.

🏥 Flooring Selection Recommendations for Different Hospital Areas

✅ Why LVT is a reasonable option for hospitals？

• Hygienic and easy to clean — LVT surfaces are typically non-porous and sealed, unlike carpets which easily trap dust and bacteria. Many medical-grade LVTs also feature antibacterial or antimicrobial coatings.

• Waterproof, stain-resistant, and chemical-resistant — Hospitals require frequent disinfection and cleaning. LVTs are highly resistant to water and most cleaning agents, and are not easily permeated or deformed.

• Abrasion-resistant, pressure-resistant, and suitable for heavy-duty and high-frequency use — Hospital corridors and wards experience high traffic, with frequent movement of equipment, beds, and trolleys. High-quality LVTs, with their abrasion-resistant layers and structural design, can withstand these conditions and are not easily scratched or dented.

• Comfortable, noise-reducing, and comfortable underfoot — Compared to hard ceramic tiles or concrete floors, LVTs offer superior comfort, resilience, and sound insulation, making them more comfortable for patients and healthcare workers.

⚠️ However, LVT is not suitable for all hospital areas—limitations and risks to consider:

• Gap and sealing issues—Because LVT is a "sheet/block + seam" form, improper seam treatment can create gaps that can become sources of liquid seepage and bacterial contamination. For areas with extremely high requirements for seamlessness and leak-proofing (such as operating rooms, ICUs, sterilization rooms, laboratories, and high-cleanliness areas), ordinary LVT may not be ideal.

• Abrasion and impact resistance vs. "heavy load + long-term high frequency"—While LVT is abrasion-resistant, some hospital areas experience heavy loads, frequent dragging, and heavy equipment, requiring higher standards than ordinary residential/commercial spaces. Some reports suggest that homogeneous PVC flooring is more stable and reliable than LVT in these high-intensity scenarios.

• High requirements for installation and subfloor—LVT requires a flat, dry, and suitable subfloor. Improper subfloor preparation can lead to problems such as deformation, warping, and seam cracking after installation.

• Strict maintenance and cleaning standards are required — Although LVTs are easy to clean, hospitals have high disinfection standards and use them frequently. If they are not maintained regularly or if improper cleaning agents are used, their lifespan or hygiene performance may be affected.

✅ Why are homogeneous PVC flooring suitable for hospitals?

1. Homogeneous throughout, high wear resistance: The entire structure of homogeneous flooring is made of the same material and color from top to bottom, unlike composite flooring which has multiple layers.     ➡ Even with prolonged use and friction from moving gurneys, it is not easily worn through or faded.This makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like hospitals.

2. Easy to clean, strong antibacterial properties: The dense surface of homogeneous flooring can be welded to create a seamless structure.➡ It does not trap dirt and grime, has no seams, and offers a high level of hygiene, meeting the cleanliness requirements of hospitals.Suitable for operating rooms, ICUs, corridors, and high-infection-rate departments.

3. Corrosion-resistant, iodine-resistant, and alcohol-resistant: Hospitals use large amounts of disinfectants daily.➡ Homogeneous PVC has strong resistance to various chemicals and will not be easily corroded or discolored.

4. High anti-slip, fireproof, and safety rating
Anti-slip rating: R9–R10
Flame retardant rating: B1 (up to EN Class Bfl-s1)

Prevents elderly people, children, and nurses from slipping on the trolley, and also meets hospital fire safety requirements.

However, homogeneous flooring is not suitable for all areas of a hospital. The following areas require careful selection or the use of alternative materials:

1. Wet areas: such as toilets, shower rooms, and washing rooms. Ordinary homogeneous flooring lacks sufficient slip resistance, making it easy to slip and fall. Consider using textured, non-slip PVC flooring or safety flooring.
2. Heavy-load areas: such as equipment handling areas and storage areas. Homogeneous flooring is wear-resistant but has limited resistance to heavy loads. Rubber flooring or epoxy flooring are suitable options.
3. Areas with high decorative requirements: such as lobbies or themed areas. Homogeneous solid colors or small patterns offer limited textural effects. LVT/LVP flooring can be used.
4. Special fire-resistant areas: For the very few areas requiring Class A inorganic materials, ceramic tiles or epoxy flooring should be used.

✅ Advantages of Asphalt Felt Flooring in Hospitals，Using linoleum flooring in hospitals is feasible, but compared to homogeneous PVC flooring

• Asphalt linoleum is highly elastic and soft underfoot, making walking and pushing beds more comfortable.
• It provides some relief for nurses and medical staff who stand for long periods.
• Its abrasion resistance is generally sufficient.
• It meets the basic requirements for use in ordinary wards and corridors, but is slightly lower than homogeneous PVC.
• Customizable colors.
• Asphalt linoleum flooring can be dyed, suitable for the overall hospital environment design.
• Flexible installation methods.
• It can be installed in rolls or sheets, with seams that can be glued or welded.

Hospitals do not recommend using linoleum flooring as the primary flooring.

➡ It is easy to become a breeding ground for bacteria, which does not meet the hospital infection control standards.

➡ Surface wear and discoloration reduce durability.

➡ Safety hazards for medical staff or patients.

➡ After long-term use, dents may appear, affecting the flatness and appearance.

➡ Increased risk of infection and high maintenance costs.

📌Considering factors such as the hospital's usage environment, hygiene standards, durability, and construction costs, the recommended order for hospital flooring selection is generally: homogeneous PVC > LVT > asphalt felt.

If a hospital prioritizes hygiene, safety, durability, and ease of cleaning, homogeneous PVC is the most suitable choice. If the hospital has high requirements for decorative effect and the dry area occupies the majority of the space, LVT can be used in some areas of the dry area. Asphalt linoleum is only suitable for offices or low-risk dry areas with high comfort requirements but low hygiene requirements, and is not suitable for core medical areas.