Flooring used in various medical settings must fulfill several requirements. Examples of these specific needs don’t just include easy-to-clean. It also includes non-absorbent, slip-resistant, and stain-resistant.
Vinyl and linoleum floors are standard healthcare, hospital, and pharmaceutical flooring options in various industries, including healthcare. Although these two have some similarities, they are unique in various ways.
Vinyl
This is a good option for most medical or laboratory settings because it hardly wears and can withstand constant sanitization.
In addition, it comes in various designs that make the medical space more exciting. It is also easy to maintain and clean, making it one of the popular options for laboratory, hospital, and pharmacy flooring.
Linoleum
Linoleum floors are another fantastic option for laboratory and hospital flooring because of their cushioned feel, which benefits medical experts who are always on their feet.
Linoleum is not just water-resistant or eco-friendly. It also inhibits bacteria growth, which is crucial in labs and healthcare facilities.
Key Differences
Understanding the key differences between vinyl and linoleum and their purposes may help you make the right choice. Here are the key differences between the two options:
1. Look & Style
Linoleum is very limited in design options. Unlike vinyl flooring, which replaces the natural appearance of stone and wood, linoleum lacks similar style and versatility.
But it is perfect for creating blocks of color-embedded designs or large patterns. In addition, linoleum is colorfast – meaning that the hues and patterns are printed on the flooring surface and dimensionally present throughout the piece.
2. Ease of Disinfection
Linoleum can be quickly disinfected and cleaned. However, it requires more care than vinyl. Vinyl’s non-porous surface makes it easy to disinfect and sanitize. Vinyl flooring is suitable for a high-traffic area with high contamination risks as it can withstand many cleaning agents and chemicals without damage.
3. Installation
Vinyl is available in square tiles or sheets. Some medical facilities prefer plank flooring or vinyl tile for DIY projects, as they are easy to install. Installing vinyl tile is also one of the most cost-effective ways to replace flooring.
However, hiring an expert to help install linoleum will be wise if you prefer linoleum. You need skillful cuts and accurate measurements to ensure the sheets fit the space properly. In addition, linoleum needs proper sealant application to protect it from water damage.
4. Durability
Since vinyl floors are made with design layers adhered over solid PVC layers, the design layers can wear through, exposing the solid core layers. Today’s vinyl floors have tough protective wear layers, meaning no sealing or waxing is necessary.
On the other hand, linoleum is considered durable because its construction features solid material, making it suitable for healthcare settings.
In conclusion, both options are perfect for medical settings. Durability and cost-effectiveness have become backbones in design for reasons.
Vinyl is more versatile in terms of appearance and waterproof compared to linoleum. But if you want a more durable option for your hospital, you can opt for linoleum.