There was a time when almost every medical center had square vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl throughout the office. Today’s options are varied and rarely do you see the same flooring throughout the facility even in a small practice. Commercial flooring design trends lean toward modern, clean, and functional rather than just clean and practical like it once did. If you’re opening a new medical office or remodeling your current facility, look at how today’s commercial flooring can enhance the feeling you want your patients to have the moment they walk in the door.
Your Flooring Should Reflect Your Practice’s Image
If you picture a community health center and a cosmetic surgeon’s office, do you see them with the same flooring? Of course not. As you work with your designer, you’ll want to look at flooring that reflects the image you want your patients to see. In high end practices, commercial flooring design trends lean toward reclaimed wood floors or luxury vinyl flooring that looks like reclaimed wood in the lobby and exam rooms. In general practice facilities, the trends we see utilize luxury vinyl flooring, commercial laminate, and commercial vinyl tile.
Color for Orientation
One thing we appreciate about both luxury vinyl flooring and commercial vinyl tiles are how seamlessly the different colors can be installed together. Both materials come in many colors and styles. When you utilize the colors to help patients with wayfinding (the term used for elements in a building that facilitate navigation), you are making it easier for patients and visitors. Of all commercial flooring design trends, this is one of the oldest, dating back to the large U.S. call centers in the late 1990s.
When you choose this option you don’t have to install an all green floor, for example. Instead, perhaps choose the highlighted color along the walls or at the entry to each room. This can be exceptionally helpful in assisted living centers. It is also helpful in large medical buildings where patients must enter through one area and navigate through the building, as long as your signage reflects the flooring color.
Choosing Flooring to Minimize Sound
In most medical offices, privacy is a concern. In some, recovery is as well. When you consider a flooring material, consider how well it absorbs sound if that is important for your practice. This may mean speaking with your commercial flooring installer about underlayment which can further dampen sound. Hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl flooring all absorb sound better than sheet vinyl or tile.
Trust Seer Flooring with Your Medical Center Flooring Needs
Whether you’re wanting to truly follow the commercial flooring design trends for your medical practice or just want some creative solutions for your flooring installation, Seer Flooring is ready to help. We’ve installed flooring in medical offices, surgery suites, and assisted living centers throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Let us provide you with a free consultation and quote today. Call (727) 469-7963 or fill out our contact form and we’ll contact you.