Effective dental clinic design is about combining multiple layers and elements to create a functional and beautiful space.
As the foundation for everything else, choosing the right flooring for your dental practice is critical. Traffic flow, durability, aesthetics, and patient comfort are all key considerations when selecting your type and style of flooring.
Primarily, flooring needs to be practical, however, it can also add to the ambience of your clinic and create a welcoming environment for patients. The question is, where do you start?
Types of dental clinic flooring
Common flooring solutions for medical environments and clinics include carpet, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and bamboo. We outline these options in detail below.
Carpet
While not suitable for treatment rooms or sterile environments, carpet can be a great option for your waiting area and reception. Carpet adds a soft texture to the room, which can make a big difference in clinical spaces. When choosing a carpet, consider its longevity, feel underfoot, and cohesiveness with other design elements.
Solid hardwood flooring
Solid timber flooring consists of one piece of wood, cut and finished as a plank. This is a popular option due to its natural durability but it can be expensive. It also requires proper maintenance to keep it in good condition long-term.
Engineered wood flooring
Engineered timber flooring is made from multiple inner layers of cost-effective wood, with a veneer of solid wood over the top. This gives all the benefits of solid timber but is more stable, cost-effective, and better suited to areas with high humidity levels. It is also easier to install and maintain, making it an excellent option for various environments.
Laminate flooring
Laminate timber flooring has a fibreboard base with an applique wood-look layer on top. This is significantly less expensive than solid timber flooring but not as durable and not recommended in high-traffic areas. It’s also worth noting that laminate flooring cannot be refinished and needs replacing when it wears out or is damaged.
Bamboo Flooring
A less common option is bamboo flooring, which is a sustainable option because bamboo grows faster than traditional hardwoods. With proper care, bamboo flooring can last for years but is more susceptible to damage than timber.
8 tips to choose the right flooring for your clinic
There are several factors to think about when choosing your clinic flooring, including:
1. Cleaning
Clinic floors need to withstand a lot of cleaning and chemicals so, while aesthetics are important, you also need to think about the rigorous daily routine it needs to endure. Whichever flooring material you end up choosing, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for which cleaning products to use.
2. Slip-resistance
To ensure your staff and patients’ safety, you need floors that are easy to walk on and slip-resistant. This will also help your staff to work more efficiently, increasing your clinic’s productivity and profitability.
3. Acoustics
Noise levels can be high in a dental clinic, especially in treatment rooms where equipment is operating. To ensure your patients’ comfort, it may be worth opting for flooring materials that soften these noises. Additionally, we also recommend investing in a quality subflooring material to deaden the transfer sound.
4. Aesthetic appeal
Flooring plays a major role in the overall feel of your clinic. Warm, welcoming, sleek, bright? Whichever vibe you’re aiming for, it starts with the right flooring. For inspiration, browse our gallery of previous projects to see how each flooring material ties the look together.
5. Durability
Your flooring will need to withstand a lot of wear and tear because patients and staff will be coming and going frequently. No matter what type of flooring you choose, ensure it is robust and that it won’t wear easily. You don’t want to be repairing or replacing your flooring too often, as this means more operational downtime.
Consider a flooring material that can withstand the daily stresses of a clinic environment, such as foot traffic, roller chairs, and contact with chemicals. The most durable flooring may vary depending on the purpose of the room.
6. Replaceability
Wear and tear is inevitable, even with the most durable flooring material you can find. To minimise your downtime, we recommend you choose flooring that is easy to maintain, repair, or replace. An easy-to-replace floor makes it easier to repair any damage or replace worn-out sections without sacrificing your clinic’s operational hours.
For example, some floorboards and carpet tiles can be replaced one board at a time, allowing you to fix the ones that are damaged without lifting the entire floor.
7. Warranties and guarantees
A reliable flooring manufacturer will have a warranty or guarantee on their product. We recommend looking for an option that covers any damage and maintenance incurred in the first few years after installation. It’s also vital to choose commercial-grade flooring that is designed to handle a higher level of wear.
This will give you peace of mind that your flooring will be covered in the case of any problems.
8. Cost
Being such a significant investment, the pricing of your flooring is obviously a key factor in your decision. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, we recommend opting for long-term value in terms of visual appeal, practicality, and longevity.
Flooring for a medical or dental fitout can range from $50 to $600 per square metre, depending on the product and installation time.
- Commercial carpet tile prices start at around $50 + GST per square metre, including the uplift of your existing product, substrate preparation, supply and installation. Most high-end carpet tiles can be installed for $100 + GST or less.
- Commercial vinyl flooring prices start at around $40 + GST per square metre.
- Commercial engineered wood flooring prices start at around $150 + GST per square metre.
Whichever material you choose, remember that it’s all about getting the highest value for your money and ensuring you can continue providing high-quality care for your patients for many years.
