Antimicrobial Flooring: Why it's So Important

When you are looking for new flooring for your health club, you might be looking for specific colors, textures, styles and even durability. But, what should be the most important thing to consider for your flooring is whether or not it is antimicrobial. An antimicrobial surface contains an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface. Owning a health club during a pandemic is not easy, so making sure your members are protected, starting with flooring, should be your No. 1 priority this year.

So, what type of flooring should you consider for your health club? There are different types of flooring you can choose from that are considered antimicrobial. Some of them are considered antimicrobial because they have a protective coating added on top or into the material. This type of flooring may include tile, vinyl, epoxy, cork, carpet and even concrete. There is also flooring that is antimicrobial throughout, and that is rubber flooring.

Aside from being antimicrobial, you also want to make sure to choose a flooring that is non-porous or impermeable. Having a non-porous surface prevents moisture and contaminants such as sweat, bacteria and viruses from penetrating the surface and harboring within. You also want to be sure the flooring you choose is easy to clean. Having a non-porous or impermeable floor keeps these dangers on the surface, making them easy to wipe away.

The flooring you choose for your fitness room may be different than the flooring you choose for your locker rooms or weight rooms. Either way, you want to make sure the flooring you choose is antimicrobial. Locker room flooring is another area where a lot of bacteria can harbor, especially if you have flooring that does not allow water to easily drain from the surface. Consider looking for wet-area flooring that is antimicrobial and allows water to easily drain and not sit on the surface.

Whether you are replacing flooring in a fitness area, weight room, locker room or gymnasium, make sure you choose a surface that is antimicrobial and easy to clean.