Keegan BradfordSteps to providing a clean, comfortable, and sound-absorptive setting.
Dental office spaces of the future need to be as clean as they are comfortable, especially in response to heightened concerns about safety and infection control. Forward-thinking design details make all the difference, and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring for the dental practice is helping dentists put their best foot forward.
Design trends show doctors making a switch from carpet to LVT in their offices to help support the clean factor taking priority at this time. For doctors who elect to use carpet tiles in some way, interior designers are recommending it be limited to team areas only, such as private offices, consult rooms, and behind the front desk.
Flooring for reception rooms and hallways
When it comes to reception rooms and hallways, LVT offers excellent options. Some might hesitate to make the switch, based on the sound absorption qualities of carpet, but with so many innovations in finishes, it’s possible to bid farewell to carpet while still keeping sound to a minimum.
Taylor Haight, Interior Designer with Benco Dental Design explains the benefits one such innovation: Soundscape by Shaw, whose absorptive qualities are built into the underlayer of the LVT.
“Soundcape by Shaw is such an innovative product. The ability for the LVT to have almost the same IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating as carpet opens up a wide range of possibilities for dental offices.”
“This LVT allows us to still have the great clean-ability and durability factors, while helping with the sound quality that doctors are looking for within their spaces.”
Taylor Haight, Interior Designer with Benco Dental Design
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) stands the test of time as flooring for the dental practice
Flooring that will stand the test of time is as essential as choosing a comfortable, sturdy dental chair at a dental practice. You want your patient to feel secure. You want the dexterity to give them a perfect smile; likewise, you want vinyl flooring that’s safe, durable and attractive so you can give your patients excellent care in a stylish environment.
“In the world of dentistry, we have seen Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) become a staple of the dental office floor. These floors can be found almost always in operatories, but we have also seen a trend using this material not only in the clinical area, but within the whole office.”
Amanda Griffith, CenterPoint Design Interior Designer
The Mohawk Group offers contemporary Luxury Vinyl Tile (shown) style that looks great in an operatory, office or reception room. Before you begin your design plans, there are factors to chew over. Maybe you’re expanding your practice or are planning to start your first. Here are five things to consider before you buy a vinyl floor:
Durability
When you purchase flooring, especially if it’s your first time, it’s important to remember you’re buying commercial vinyl versus residential vinyl. Commercial vinyl flooring applications require a 20 mil wear layer in order to withstand heavy foot traffic and equipment. Wear layer in an important factor to consider when choosing LVT. Vinyl flooring can be measured by different wear layer thicknesses, such as 12, 20, 30, or 40 mils.
Commercial vinyl flooring typically ranges in thickness from 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Some commercial spaces install vinyl up to 5 mm, which allows the vinyl floor to align with the height of the carpet.
The photo above features Shaw Contact’s “Cut” LVT with two-to-three vertical accents in either brass metallic or nickel metallic. The unique visual of Cut mimics natural end-cut wood floors in which individual woodblock tiles connect in an imperfect, organic installation; therefore, individual woodblock visuals do not align.
“LVT has come a long way over the years with high-performance value, an array of aesthetic designs, and many benefits such as durability, cleanability, water resistance, price, life span, and maintenance.”
Amanda Griffith, CenterPoint Design Interior Designer
Texture & Size
Two characteristics, texture and size, should be considered when selecting a vinyl floor. Textures range from smooth to light texture to highly textured.
Vinyl flooring also has a variety of size options, such as 4 inch to 9 inch wide planks to 24 inch by 24 inch wide tiles to everything in between. If you are looking for something a bit unique, you can also find hexagon and triangle shaped vinyl flooring. Whatever your preference, there is one to fit your style and need.
The photo above shows Oxidized tiles by Patcraft.
Appearance
Strength is an essential factor in flooring. But if it doesn’t look good, why buy it? The LVT you purchase will be in your office for years, if not decades. Choosing vinyl that enhances your practice’s appeal will introduce an allure your patients will appreciate.
Mannington Commercial provides a wide-array of LVT design options to match your existing or planned dental practice, such as their Amtico Wood, (seen above).
Maintenance
Many dentists choose to put LVT throughout their practices due to the fact that it requires little maintenance. Shaw Contact features ExoGuardTM, an exclusive urethane finish that protects against commercial traffic and requires no polishing.
ExoGuardTM consists of two elements. First, a top coat adds resistance to scratches, scuffing, and staining. Second, a primer coat — a layer added to the topcoat — adds adhesion and durability. Having LVT with this type of top layer can reduce the frequency and cost of cleaning services, saving you time and money.
Lifespan
Luxury vinyl floors are designed to last. Every LVT floor provider mentioned in this article offers a limited commercial 10-year warranty, at a minimum.
Like any new product you buy, you want to see it, touch it—even walk on it! If you’re ready to order new LVT for your practice, visit one of three CenterPoint Design showrooms of the nation’s leading dental supplier, Benco Dental.
“Whether you are refreshing an old space or building new, LVT is a great option,” Amanda Griffith, CenterPoint Design Interior Designer at Benco Dental.
Ready to take the best first step?
Choosing flooring that’s right for a dental practice might seem daunting, but speaking with an industry expert is the best first step. The Benco Dental team includes knowledgeable designers who are ready to assist. For details on how to bring these ideas to life or additional information about how to revitalize your interior design, contact Benco.
