Since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world, a lot of things have changed, especially the way we view hygiene practices. People are now more conscious in getting their homes thoroughly cleaned and free from germs. This has led to a growing trend in having antimicrobial building materials, flooring, fixtures, coating and décor. There is no clear evidence stating that natural or synthetic antimicrobial materials can provide protection against the coronavirus. However, anything antimicrobial or germ-busting products can be useful in keeping the spread of germs and pathogens in control.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the top antimicrobial flooring options. So, let’s get started.
Top Antimicrobial Flooring Options
Floors are inarguably some of the most dirt-prone surfaces in any given space. So, installing antimicrobial flooring is one of the wisest things to do. Here are some of the most popular antimicrobial flooring options to consider.
- Cork
- Bamboo
- Luxury Vinyl Tile
- Epoxy
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
- Linoleum
- Rubber
- PVC
- Protective coatings
Before we discuss these antimicrobial flooring options in detail, let’s check out some of the benefits of antimicrobial flooring.
- Prevents the growth of microbes, germs, mold and fungi present in the floor’s grout
- Provides increased protection in areas where contracting an infection is a risk such as in hospitals and restaurants
- Introduces clean sanitary practices and better hygiene
We will now discuss the various antimicrobial flooring options available in the market.
Cork
Cork is a natural building material which has anti-fungal, anti-microbial properties. It is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees and the entire tree is not cut in the process which makes it a good sustainable resource. Some of the benefits of using cork flooring is that it is soft under feet, provides protection from germs and pathogens and provides safety from fires as it ignites only in very high temperatures and in case of combustion doesn’t leave harmful compounds in the air unlike other composite flooring materials like vinyl or laminate.
Opting for an antimicrobial flooring doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the aesthetic appeal of your room. The cork flooring comes in a variety of styles, colours and sizes so you can pick and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Moreover, cork flooring resists mold and mildew from growing inside grout because it is coated in a natural waxy substance called suberin. It also helps control dust mites, mold, pollen, airborne chemicals and other allergy-causing bacteria that are usually found on the floor surfaces.
This improves the overall air quality of the room. The soft cork flooring is naturally insulated and is a best fit for regions having more cold months. If you are looking for added protection consider using surface finishes that prevent the accumulation of dust and bacteria on the floors. There are various brands available in the market offering built-in Microban antibacterial technology that offers added protection against microbes and odor causing bacteria.
Bamboo
Just like cork, bamboo is also an eco-friendly flooring option with natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It looks great appearance-wise and mimics hardwood flooring when polished and installed in the bedroom or living space. Bamboo is considered a better sustainable resource as it is a fast-growing grass and can be regrown within five years’ time. Besides this, bamboo has an innate ability to discourage bacterial growth and even when the bamboo plant is growing any bacteria that attaches itself to the plant is eradicated. This makes it a popular choice of flooring for kitchens where maintaining hygiene is a top priority.
Other benefits of bamboo flooring include its shock resistance ability, durability and strength which when combined with its flexible nature makes it long lasting.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
If you prefer the look of traditional hardwood then luxury vinyl tile has a surface finish that is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. You do not have to install added coating for protection. This safety feature of luxury vinyl tile makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms and even kitchens. Antimicrobial vinyl tiles also resist moisture and water content which means you can place it in the bathroom and kitchen without any worries. Placing an added anti-slip coating would make it a good choice even if you have elderly people living with you.
Epoxy
Epoxy flooring is a seamless flooring option without having any grout or joints that can allow any growth of germs and bacteria. If you want the entire epoxy flooring to become antimicrobial, then you can use an antimicrobial epoxy flooring which is made at the factory. The antimicrobial solution is mixed at the factory to ensure effective mixing, dispersion and right dosing through the entire resin. It would then need to be applied on the floor. You won’t find any particular difference in an antimicrobial epoxy and a normal epoxy floor appearance-wise and both look the same.
Epoxy flooring is a non-porous material, which doesn’t allow any liquid or air to enter. This doesn’t provide the right environment for germs and pathogens to grow. Any liquid if spilled on an epoxy floor will remain suspended and won’t seep in. This no-joint seamless floor is ideally placed in industrial kitchens, pharmaceuticals and hospitals. Apart from this, when constructing a home, homeowners consider installing epoxy flooring in the kitchen as it is one of the best antimicrobial flooring options and comes in attractive colours and styles, so your cooking space doesn’t necessarily need to look boring and dull.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tiles are one of the most common building materials used both in residential and commercial spaces. It is mostly used in flooring, walls, sinks and also as kitchen countertop. The constant use of ceramic surfaces in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens makes it exposed to humid conditions which can cause mold, mildew and germs to grow and thrive. There are certain additive elements used in ceramic tiles that prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes.
If we look up close, production of ceramic tiles is quite complex. They are made of earthen elements and clay so, there can be significant differences in the composition of the natural elements. Moreover, the addition of antibacterial elements onto the tile can be tricky as it can interfere with the auxiliary minerals in the glaze. That is why, it is important to carefully choose the right antimicrobial flooring for ceramic tiles. If you are buying tiles, then take a look at our detailed guide on: Floor tiles and their rates.
Linoleum
There are minimal seams in linoleum flooring, providing less space for bacteria and germs to hide in. This is why you will find linoleum flooring in most hospital settings. Inside residential units, linoleum flooring is placed in kitchens and bathrooms.
It is a natural eco-friendly material made from cork, dust, jute and fiber. It has natural antimicrobial properties that protect against germs. This means you really don’t need to add any additive or surface finish to the product to enhance the antimicrobial ability. Its inherent nature can keep bacteria at bay and the best part is that it won’t wear off and get washed away.
Rubber
Rubber is a seamless material which is highly durable and powerful. Because of its durability, it is one of the best flooring options for garages where heavy vehicles are parked. But this is not the only quality of rubber that makes it popular. The fact that it holds well to moisture makes it an ideal flooring choice for homeowners looking for germ-busting floors. It is also great for closed spaces like basements where humidity and moisture content is high and the floor can provide favourable conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Rubber flooring due to its ability to resist moisture is not a good host for mold and bacterial growth.
Silver, thiabendazole, and isothiazolinone are some of the antimicrobial floor finishes added to rubber flooring to make it completely anti-bacterial. Moreover, it is slip-resistant which is why you will find it in hospitals. In homes, you can install rubber flooring in playrooms and in the hallways.
If you do not intend to use rubber in the entire floor, then purchase some rubber door mats. Place them outside the room or at the front door. This will ensure that anyone walking into the house or room is not bringing in any germs with them. These rubber floor mats trap dirt and debris, providing you with one of the best antimicrobial flooring options to consider.
So, these were some of the best antimicrobial flooring options you can choose from. You can also take benefit from these useful guides on:
- Rates and types of wood flooring in Pakistan
- Modern flooring options and their rates
- Marble price and types in Pakistan
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