Commercial Flooring and the Pandemic: 4 Top Trends

May 2, 2022

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the commercial flooring industry with issues ranging from supply chain delays to volatile pricing of raw materials due to unstable crude oil prices.

Many of these challenges can be attributed to four key trends, which will continue into the foreseeable future:

  1. Supply Chain Management Impacting Flooring Products and Building Materials

The pandemic has severely hampered supply chains which impact flooring products and building materials.

“Three or four week lead times used to be common, now we’re hearing twelve to eighteen weeks and some manufacturers have had to drop a product line entirely due to supply chain disruptions,”  Amanda Darley, Vice President of Marketing at Mannington Commercial noted in a recent company article.

supply chain management impact on commercial flooring

Supply chain management impacts on flooring and building materials.

What is happening to create these challenges?

  • Labour shortages

Many jobs have shifted from office to home-based. Also, many aging workers decided to retire or people voluntarily quit resulting in many industries experiencing worker shortages. This has taken place as demand for workers is rising and economies begin to reopen.

Changing demographics are a factor behind the shortages, according to economists, as well as border controls and immigration limits. Workers are also demanding better pay and more flexible working arrangements.

  • Raw Material Shortages

Raw materials disruptions, from lack of workers and supply chain issues have also delayed delivery of product. Items such as adhesives and resins used to make many flooring products are in short supply and impact flooring products.

In addition, the volatility in the prices of raw materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to unstable crude oil prices is also negatively impacting the market.

  • International Shipping and Transport Delays

The Washington Post recently reported that the world’s 1.89 million seafarers operate more than 74,000 merchant ships, providing transportation for roughly 90% of global trade. It’s an essential job, but also a lonely and dangerous one that requires months at sea, often with little ability to contact home or touch land.

The article went on to say that Covid worsened many of these floating workplaces, and seafarers worldwide are now rethinking their commitment to the trade. Industry leaders have warned that the pandemic will make it more difficult for them to hire workers for years to come.  As a result, the global supply chain could soon face a more debilitating challenge: a chronic labor shortage.

Compounding this problem is that ocean freight vessels and containers are limited in supply, and prices have skyrocketed. In addition to sea there’s also a problem on land. The shortage of truck drivers combined with increased shipping demand is stalling delivery times.

  1. Growth in the Resilient Segment

Commercial flooring and the ongoing pandemic has impacted specific segments. Until recently the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted worldwide supply as economies across the globe either delayed or suspended construction projects. However, as global trade restrictions ease and lockdowns lift, this year is expected to be the recovery year that leads to future growth.

Construction activity is now resuming and increasing, which is driving this growth , along with the commercial availability of resilient products.

A recent resilient flooring market report reveals luxury vinyl tile (LVT) accounted for more than 38% share of global revenue in 2020. LVT popularity is increasing due to advancements in design, technology, installation and its antimicrobial properties.

LVT leads resilient flooring segment

Market growth in the resilient segment.

  1. Increased Disinfection + Cleaning

As COVID-19 continues, there’s an increased emphasis on maintaining flooring with services that are designed to keep floors clean—and virus-free. From protocols, to equipment and disinfectants, there’s plenty to consider when deciding on the proper cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of commercial flooring, states Floor Trends Magazine in a recent article.

Part of the resilient market growth mentioned above is coming from increased demand for slip-resistant and antibacterial flooring solutions.

Covid-19 flooring disinfection

Increased disinfection and cleaning of flooring in commercial spaces.

Resilient flooring applications are easier to maintain and sterilize. For example, LVT, is both cheaper than laminate or wood veneer and contains the spread of germs better as it has antimicrobial properties built into the finishing process.

Cork is an also sustainable, eco-friendly material that’s also naturally antimicrobial and water resistant. Ceramic tile can help prevent the spread of germs. There are also products being introduced with ceramic tile and grout infused with Microban technology, to protect against bacterial growth.

However, more data is still needed about how chemicals will affect interior finishes as there aren’t enough long-term studies regarding how these disinfectants will affect specific materials.  Flooring manufacturers need to provide more information about what chemicals can be safely used on floor surfaces as the increased need for disinfection continues . There’s not a lot of knowledge about what these disinfectants do to hard surfaces long term. Over time these issues could impact warranty.

  1. Increased Demand for Sustainable Solutions

Governments across the globe are launching sustainability initiatives that are expected to impact the future market and this commercial flooring trend has increased through the pandemic.

Key findings from a Reports and Data report reveals how government regulations restrict any use of harmful flooring materials and mandate producers to abide by the Leadership in Energy, and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions are increasing the scope of the market.

Flooring suppliers have been also been emphasizing sustainable products. Sustainability has been an expanding driver of growth in LVT due to the product’s length of service life, sourcing, ease of care and maintenance and associated health and safety benefits.

“I will say that there are signs that this has really galvanized the sustainability movement in a new way,” said Lisa Conway, vice president of sustainability Americas for Interface, in a recent interview with Floor Covering Weekly. “There is nothing like a major global disruption to show us that we need [to] take the present climate change threat more seriously. Seeing the pandemic unfold worldwide has brought home the reality that our interconnected global society is more vulnerable than we realized.”

sustainable flooring solutions

Increased demand for sustainable solutions.

In the article, Conway further explained that “As more people understand that the built environment contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming, we’re seeing the desire for low-carbon, carbon neutral and carbon negative building materials increase, especially within the commercial market,” from LVT to carpet tile.

Many leading flooring manufacturers agree that this trend will continue well into the future due to the ongoing pandemic. This will be a process that takes patience and ongoing communication. Managing expectations as lead times and deliverables are impacted will be key.

To see related articles regarding commercial flooring and the pandemic please click here.

For more information about flooring installation solutions please contact us here.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Global Resilient Flooring Market Report Reveals LVT in Top Spot

April 5, 2022

A recent resilient flooring market report reveals luxury vinyl tile (LVT) accounted for more than 38% share of global revenue in 2020.

The global resilient flooring market size was estimated at USD 38.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to San Francisco, CA-based, Grand View Research.

global resilient flooring market

Key Factors Driving the Resilient Market

The key factors driving the resilient flooring market include increased construction in residential and commercial segments, combined with the growing need for long lasting, durable flooring.

Increased activity in the construction sector along with demand for building improvements is also anticipated to increase demand for resilient flooring over the forecast period. Resilient products are highly sought after due to their long-term wear, low environmental impact, and ease of maintenance.

The development of environmentally-friendly solutions will also fuel industry growth, along with technological advances such as waterproof finishes (wood plastic composite).

The segment that dominated the largest market share in 2020 was vinyl sheet and floor tile products at 42.0%, due to commercial-wide application.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Market

The report further states the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted worldwide supply as economies across the globe either delayed or suspended construction projects.  However, as global trade restrictions ease and lockdowns lift, this year is expected to be the recovery year that leads to future growth.

The market in the U.S. is expected to grow due to the commercial availability of resilient products and rapid advances in installation techniques, coupled with the rising demand for sustainable and environmental materials. Innovation in construction based resilient applications are anticipated to impact the market favourably.

The report further states, that the high initial investment for flooring facility is anticipated to pose barrier for new company entrants. This compounded with the volatility in the price of raw materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), due to the instability in crude oil prices, is expected to negatively influence industry growth.

Product Insights Related to the Global Resilient Flooring Market

LVT popularity is increasing due to advancements in design and technology. New sizes, formats, and patterns, combined with the fact that it is easy to install and less costly to maintain over time, makes it appealing to a variety of industry verticals and residential applications.

“We have definitely seen and can corroborate this trend at Darwin Fisher,” says Doug McDonald, President of Darwin Fisher Commercial Flooring. “LVT is by far our biggest market. Every job is demanding LVT. We are still installing carpet tile also, but that application has not grown like LVT.”

In a recent article we featured additional research and market trends as to why LVT popularity and market share continues to grow. See LVT.

“The main thing we’ve noticed is that this increase isn’t restricted to one sector,” explains McDonald. “It’s everywhere – corporate offices, industrial buildings, student residences and so forth. It’s not one sector and is being used in a lot of different applications with varying qualities.”

The vinyl sheet and floor tile segment are also projected to significantly grow over the forecast period due to the advancement in water-resistant technology. Moreover, low maintenance costs and the long lifespan of the products are likely to increase the popularity of the products in residential end-use like laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and moisture-prone areas.

The report states that in comparison to vinyl solutions, linoleum products have better longevity and durability. These flooring applications and products are manufactured using jute resin, flax plant, limestone, and wood flour that makes them 100% biodegradable. The increasing importance of waste management and recycling in developed economies including the U.S., U.K., and Germany, is anticipated to increase demand for biodegradable flooring materials.

Rubber used in commercial resilient flooring spaces is popular for its slip-resistant properties which make it suitable for high traffic areas. There are also natural and synthetic rubber floor tiles that are used in health clubs and other high-impact areas.

Application Insights Related to the Resilient Flooring Market

When looking at the breakdown between residential and non-residential segments, as seen in the chart below, Grand View Research reports non-residential accounted for more than 64.2% of the global revenue share in 2020. Contributing factors to this market segment growth include ease of maintenance, sterilization, and slip and water resistance properties.

LVT installation global resilient flooring market

A growing population coupled with a rise in demand for single-family and multi-family residential spaces in major economies such as India, China, South Africa, Turkey, and Middle Eastern economies are projected to increase demand. Grand View attributes this growth to rising disposable income and availability of home loans.

Regional Insights Related to the Resilient Flooring Market

North America dominated the market and accounted for over 33.0% share of global revenue in 2020. This was largely due to rising demand for residential applications, an extensively developed manufacturing industry, and government initiatives to develop social infrastructure across the region.

In Asia Pacific, China dominated the market owing to rising construction projects, higher adoption of LVT, vinyl sheets & floor tiles, and rubber flooring, in residential as well as non-residential construction projects. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in Q3 2020, the construction industry grew by 2% in China, following year over year declines of 1.9% in Q2 and 17.5% in Q1 2020.

The growth of the market in Central and South America is attributed to growth in emerging economies including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Rising consumer awareness regarding the benefits of appropriate flooring and the presence of key manufacturers such as Mannington Mills, Inc., Armstrong Flooring, Inc., and Milliken is projected to have a major impact also.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights Related to the Global Resilient Flooring Market

Some of the leading players are continually developing new products which are aesthetically pleasing and offer technological application advances which increase performance and long-term wear. These players also work with with emerging entrants to develop low-cost products to gain competitive advantage.

Tarkett S.A. and Mohawk Industries, Inc. are identified as the front leaders with a large number of subsidiaries operating around the world. Tarkett S.A, based in Europe, caters to a wide range of flooring products, including resilient and non-resilient, globally. Mohawk, based in North America, has with numerous subsidiaries including IVC Group, Unilin, Pergo, etc., which account for a significant share of the global market. The leading players according to Grand View, include:

Global Resilient Flooring Market Report Scope

 

LVT flooring

For  more information regarding Grand View Research’s methodology please click here.

To see related articles regarding commercial flooring trends please click here.

For more information about flooring installation solutions please contact us here.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

5 Reasons Why LVT Popularity Continues to Grow: Research

August 4, 2021

LVT popularity is increasing due to advancements in design and technology. New sizes, formats and patterns, combined with the fact that it is easy to install and less costly to maintain over time, makes it appealing to a variety of industry verticals.

 Verified Market Research, reports in its Global Luxury Vinyl Tile-LVT Market Size By Type, By End-Use Sector, By Geographic Scope And Forecast,  that  the LVT market was valued at USD 16.11 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 37.92 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.23% from 2021 to 2028.

Commercial flooring contractor Toronto

Verified Market Research – Global LVT Market

The report also states that, “Non-residential segment is anticipated to account for the highest market share. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for Luxury Vinyl Tiles from multiple end users such as hotel and hospitality segments because of the benefits they provide like sophisticated and aesthetic interiors and ease of cleaning. Hospitals also use LVT because they don’t react to chemicals and similar agents.”

Research and Markets reports The Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) Flooring market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.3 Billion in the year 2020. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$8.3 Billion by the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 13.7% over the analysis period 2020 to 2027. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 7.1% and 8.9% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 8.1% CAGR.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) Flooring estimated at US$19.6 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$38.9 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% over the period 2020-2027.

commercial lvt flooring contractor

Research and Markets global LVT flooring growth

Why has LVT  increased in popularity? Here are the top reasons.

LVT popularity has also increased as it has become a practical choice across many industries. According to a Floor Covering Weekly  report released on June 28 of this year the top brands and suppliers are as follows.

Darwin Fisher Commercial Flooring Contractor

Floor Covering Weekly top LVT brands

5 Reasons for the rise of LVT popularity:

  1. The Way It’s Made

LVT products are generally made of moisture resistant PVC or virgin vinyl. LVT is made up of five distinct layers:

  1. Polyurethane coating (sometimes re-enforced with ceramic bead, silica bead or aluminum oxide) to improve durability
  2. Protective clear layer known as the ‘wear layer’
  3. Print film layer (with your chosen design)
  4. Vinyl core
  5. Vinyl backing

This results in a flooring solution that is easy to install, durable and easy to clean and maintain. Typically, LVT wear layers range from 20-28 mm of thickness for commercial installation projects, with thickness selected based on requirements from low through to high foot traffic areas. (i.e. low traffic office space as opposed to building entrance areas).

  1. Affordability by Design

LVT, through technological innovation, is now available in many different finishes, including those that mimic wood and stone. Designers are offered a large array of options at more affordable price points than natural materials. Designers are also drawn to the newly available patterns, colours and variety of designs offered as application pattern technology progresses.

  1. Low Maintenance

Upon initial purchase, LVT is more expensive than vinyl composite tile (VCT) products, however LVT has a lower maintenance cost over time due to its built-in protective layer, offering much more comprehensive and long-lasting protection. The protective layer doesn’t need regular waxing and polishing like VCT. However, this top layer will wear over time and may need to be reapplied for heavy traffic areas.

Each organization’s LVT cleaning and maintenance requirements will vary based on traffic. Inclement weather will also affect cleaning requirements. LVT only requires regular sweeping and mopping to remove dust and dirt which is much easier for cost-conscience maintenance budgets.

Toronto LVT Commercial Flooring

Darwin Fisher Commercial Flooring LVT IMAX installation

  1. Return on Investment: Durability

LVT popularity is driven also by the fact that it is protected by a clear layer which helps to maintain its appearance over long periods of time. The wear layer varies in terms of thickness. Thickness must be chosen in conjunction with the traffic area as heavy, long-term wear will affect appearance.  It will not expand and contract in humid or dry seasons and is a fraction of the price of stone or real wood. LVT is less likely to scuff, indent or scratch with regular use and wear and tear through foot traffic and furniture movement. This makes it a solid flooring investment choice for the long-term, combined with the fact that it requires very little maintenance.

  1. Acoustically Sound

Studies have shown that elevated noise levels from hard surface flooring can negatively affect the health and well-being of employees. LVT offers better acoustic properties than hard surface flooring like ceramic tile and it won’t chip or discolor.

Armstrong Flooring reports that building materials and furnishings can affect the acoustics of a building in three ways through information gathered on acoustical data:

  • Sound Absorption: They can absorb sound, lowering background noise levels and reducing reverberation within a room.
  • Airborne Sound Transmission: They can serve as acoustical insulation and reduce transmission of airborne sounds, such as voices, between rooms.
  • Impact Sound Transmission: They can serve as impact sound insulation and reduce the transmission of impact sound, such as footsteps, from one room to another below or adjacent to it.
Commercial Flooring Examples Toronto LVT

Darwin Fisher Commercial Flooring LVT installation at Entertainment One

In healthcare, we’ve seen a trend towards installation of newer finishes like LVT over traditional ceramic. Flooring decisions in healthcare depend on how it will affect patients, safety, indoor air quality and infection control. Floor surfaces also need to be slip resistant and offer smooth transitions from one area to another for staff/patients and related equipment. Part of the reason beyond new finishes and designs, is that these technologies offer sound transmission protection. Dentists and doctors stress the need for soundproofing. Walls, ceiling and flooring materials selected need to help protect patient privacy and hinder sound travel.

According to Verified Market Research “increase in disposable income, beneficial properties of Luxury Vinyl Tile and the increase in construction and remodeling activities are some of the major factors driving the market. The increase in disposable income of consumers had led to changes in their lifestyle choices and preferences as well. Moreover, this has also led to an increase in the number of construction-for residential as well as office space, and remodeling activities. The beneficial attributes of LVT-ease of installation and application, easy to maintenance, cost-effectiveness, resilient to chemical reactions and provides an aesthetic appeal to space make them much more popular for use in residential as well as non-residential construction.”

Many Finishes and Manufacturers

There are a number of different types of LVT products on the market. Many manufacturers offer different performance ratios from one product to another. This includes the surface of the product, to the type of backing used, in addition to thickness of the tiles. Ensure your flooring installer is knowledgeable of the differences, quality and applications that would best suit your environment, including projected wear from foot traffic/furniture, installation, and maintenance and acoustic considerations.

For more information about LVT flooring installation solutions please fill out this form on our website or email us directly at info@darwinfisher.com.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flooring Market Trends 2020 Report: Increased Growth Due Technology Advancements and Construction

March 4, 2020

The global flooring market will continue to expand due technological advancements in materials and application, coupled with the increased growth in the construction sector, according to a recently released research report.

In February, Grand View Research Inc. , headquartered in San Francisco, CA, released its global flooring market report. The report states that fuelling the global flooring market is the rising need for aesthetic interior materials in building structures, in addition to the strong growth of construction sector, especially in the emerging economies.

Commercial application dominated the market in 2019 and is anticipated to continue leading over the forecast period. Rise in construction projects for office spaces, hospitals, healthcare facilities, educational institutes, and others across the globe is likely to support the demand in the forthcoming years.

We have also witnessed these changes first hand. “Prior to the last few years, most commercial projects were straightforward functional builds,” says Doug McDonald, President of Darwin Fisher Commercial Flooring. “There wasn’t much in the way of design and many projects were similar. Today the commercial flooring market has seen a strong emergence of colour/texture palettes and a variety of applications and dimensions. More resources are now being spent on accents and textures in the design of a commercial space. There are more colours, borders and features inlayed within walls/floors in commercial projects, including non-public spaces.”

Grand View Research reports, the overall size of the global flooring market size was estimated at USD 369.26 billion in 2019 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9% from 2020 to 2027.

commercial flooring trends 2020

The report states that in U.S., the market for flooring is dominated by soft covering flooring products, such as carpets tiles and wall to wall carpets. However, consumer preferences for aesthetically improved designs, textures, and color and low maintenance and easy to install flooring options are anticipated to drive the demand for resilient materials over the forecast period.

Availability of a wide variety of customizable materials and options coupled with a wide distribution network of industry players has resulted in product reach to major construction projects, thus have supported the growth in the past few years.

GrandView Product Insights

According to Grand View past research, in 2019, soft covering flooring accounted for the revenue of USD 47.5 billion and is anticipated to accelerate at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period.

Commercial flooring market trends show the following:

  • Growing demand for cushioned floors and aesthetically enhanced materials for interior decoration is likely to support the demand for carpets and broadloom floors.
  • Resilient materials are gaining traction in commercial application, such as offices, fitness centers, and hospitality buildings. However, these materials are less likely recyclable, which is expected to restrain the growth, states the report.
  • Rubber flooring is primarily used in commercial spaces. Natural and synthetic rubber floor tiles are exclusively used in fitness centers and other high-traffic spaces.
  • Ceramic and natural stone tiles are the popular choices when it comes to durability and extended life of the floor. Seamless flooring is applied in the industrial environment, wherein, a large floor area is covered with resins and concrete materials. The maintenance and installation of seamless type is less expensive as compared to its counterparts, cites the report.

Commercial Flooring Market Application Insights

Commercial application dominated the market in 2019 and is anticipated to continue leading over the forecast period. Commercial flooring trends show that increased construction across various verticals and rising demand for highly durable and cost-efficient product for use in high-traffic commercial and industrial sectors is projected to drive the growth. The research house also says that considerably driving the market for commercial flooring is the development of new hassle-free installation techniques and related products.

commercial flooring trends 2020

For the global market industrial development in Asia Pacific with significantly increased construction spend in China and India and has majorly contributed to the establishment of new facilities and renovation of the existing ones, thus is likely to aid the demand for flooring products over the forecast period.

In North America specifically, the demand for resilient flooring stood at USD 63.4 billion and is anticipated to accelerate at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. The established construction industry here, coupled with rising demand for single-family houses is likely to provide growth opportunities for the market.

Key Commercial Flooring Market Players

For the commercial flooring trends in this report, GrandView states the prominent players in the market include Tarkett S.A.; Mohawk Industries, Inc.; Forbo Flooring; RAK Ceramics; Shaw Industries, Inc.; and Interface. These players compete based on product quality, prices, and geographical reach. They are focusing on mergers and acquisitions to enhance their portfolio and to sustain the competitive environment and enhance the product portfolio and to extend their geographical presence across the globe. Moreover, they are investing in R&D to produce recyclable and eco-friendly flooring, aggressive pricing strategies, and marketing management to compete in this market.

To contact Grand View for the full research report: Click here

For more information about commercial flooring and installation please contact info@darwinfisher.com

 

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , ,

Healthcare Flooring Trends: Emerging Products and the Patient Experience

December 4, 2019

Healthcare flooring trends, from dental offices to hospitals,  are shifting to newer technology due to advancements in materials, manufacturing, application and maintenance.

Low maintenance sheet and tile products are becoming popular choices in this sector —including rubber, linoleum, sheet vinyl, and vinyl (including luxury vinyl tile – LVT), as this vertical requires a multitude of elements, including sanitization for pathogen control and containment.

Healthcare and flooring

Flooring decisions in healthcare depend on how it will affect patients, safety, indoor air quality and infection control.

This is especially important in operating rooms, as well as pre-op exams and post-op recovery spaces where ease of cleaning, sterilization and maintenance are required. Floor surfaces also need to be slip resistant and offer smooth transitions from one area to another for both hospital staff/patients and related equipment.

Healthcare Flooring Trends: Design Moving To A More Residential Feel

In the dental care field, there have been many changes as compared to 20 years ago. In a previous blog post we looked this sector in detail. Dentist offices are no longer cold and clinical. “Dentists are now doing everything they can to make the waiting area as comfortable as possible with a more residential feel,” said Dan Burns, President of Canadian Dental Construction, who has 30 years of experience in dental office builds and renovations. “One of the first concepts to consider before all else is the flooring. It will dictate the tone for the rest of the office as it will set the style and comfort a dentist wants for its patients.”

“From a flooring contractor’s perspective, the biggest change to date that we’ve seen is the dental office flooring moving away from linoleum or ceramic tile to LVT”, says Elizabeth Zhou, project co-ordinator at Darwin Fisher. “This includes the sterilization and lab areas that have typically been ceramic tile in the past. LVT is a better solution acoustically over tile. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and repair.”

Dental office flooring

Dental office design moves from clinical to a more residential feel.

LVT is being installed as it offers a variety of finishes while providing protection from water damage. These materials also offer more padding for longer wear, are damage resistant, easier to clean and require very little maintenance.

“I do think there has been a move toward LVT especially as the product further develops its qualities into becoming more sound absorbent, chemical resistant and water resistant,” Rita Valente of Toronto-based Rita Valente Designs.” LVT gives you options for look along with its own benefits and characteristics. Tile of course does remain popular as well, but it is a much harder surface to work on all day.”

Healthcare Flooring Trends and Flooring Research

Grand View Research, Inc., reports the global commercial flooring market size for was valued at USD 27.06 billion in 2016.  The research house maintains that healthcare is projected to foresee volume growth at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2017 to 2025. Flooring materials are required in various floor spaces in the healthcare industry that includes corridors, medical hallways, operation theaters, clinics, and diagnostic centers. Resilient and seamless floorings are usually required in this industry to bear heavy foot traffic and rolling loads.

Healthcare commercial flooring market

Grand View Research, Inc.

The same types of trends seen in dental offices have also been emerging in the hospital environments. Here we see much more residential feel to help with patient comfort and healing, while flooring options contribute to overall design.

According to Floor Trends Magazine, “with flooring being an integrated part of a healing environment, manufacturers are developing systems of innovative solutions that can be used to encourage optimum health and wellness. And in a market that demands proven, documented performance, healthcare flooring manufacturers are learning the importance of defining their products in terms of human-centered properties and the ability to relate them to outcomes.”

The article goes on to say that Smart flooring choices not only have the potential to maximize efficiencies through faster installation and ease of maintenance, they also can improve patient satisfaction through noise reduction, cleanliness and colors and patterns that support a healing environment.

Dental Flooring Toronto

Healthcare flooring technology is changing in terms of technology, application and the patient experience.

Healthcare Flooring Trends Driven By Patient Experience

From homogeneous sheet in the operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers and ER’s to LVT, laminate or real wood in the gift shop, c-suite offices and chapels; LVT in the corridors, waiting rooms, lobby, and sometimes in the patient rooms and nurses stations, and linoleum, heterogeneous sheet and VCT still present as well, designers today are specifying non-institutional products that resemble the home experience during functional renovations and new builds, according to Floor Trends. Safety prevention of slips and falls is also important in terms of protecting patients and workers. See our previous article on the cost of trips and falls.

Healthcare Facilities Today states that while there is a general trend in commercial building toward sustainability and green options, the decision to choose one product over another generally still comes down to cost, durability and aesthetics. In a healthcare setting, that decision is then compounded by additional concerns, such as how it affects patient care, safety, indoor air quality and infection control.

Filed Under: Healthcare, News Tagged With: , , , , , ,