The International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction (PDC Summit) in Atlanta, Georgia, showcased the latest healthcare facility innovations, with flooring manufacturers highlighting solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and ease of installation—all critical concerns for healthcare environments where facility downtime directly impacts patient care. Read on to discover high-performance flooring that transforms healing spaces.

Rapid Installation Solutions

Porcelanosa highlighted its Rapid Tile dry lay vinyl tile system, dramatically reducing installation time. This double-sided membrane system allows installers to complete an installation in about 20 minutes with just two people, making it ideal for healthcare spaces that can't afford extended closures, said Said Maria, regional project manager, Porcelanosa.

Similarly, Patcraft introduced Geometrix, a patented innovation for faster sheet installation using laser measurement technology. The system addresses critical healthcare challenges: "In healthcare where you're doing a lot of cove and corners, it's really challenging with installation," said Kent Clausen, director of performance markets, Patcraft. "And a big challenge you have is that they can't go down, ORs [operating rooms] can't go down in terms of time." The technology creates custom-fit pieces, reducing labor needs and downtime.

Wellness-Focused Technology

Spartan Surfaces showcased innovative anti-slip flooring with ergonomic and acoustic properties. "Anti-slip flooring is a common category in the healthcare space, but what's not common for healthcare spaces is having an ergonomic and acoustical anti-slip floor," said Neil O'Brien, business development director for Spartan's D.C. Metro region. EcoSurfaces's AssurGrip Rx creates a quiet environment while providing comfort to stand on for long periods, addressing acoustic concerns and staff fatigue issues common in healthcare settings.

The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association emphasized terrazzo's exceptional durability and sustainability credentials for healthcare environments. "When they want sustainability... put it in a hospital. It's going to be there forever," said Gary French, technical director, highlighting how terrazzo's longevity makes it particularly cost-effective for healthcare facilities with long-term planning horizons, but the up-front cost is greater than other flooring solutions.  

While terrazzo has traditionally been used in hospitals for its seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces, the association noted evolving aesthetic preferences among designers. "The trend is away from finer aggregates to bigger aggregates," French noted. This aligns with broader healthcare design trends toward more visually interesting surfaces that contribute to positive patient experiences while maintaining the practical benefits of highly durable materials.

PVC-Free Innovations

Multiple exhibitors discussed the growing demand for PVC-free flooring options.

Spartan Surfaces noted HMTX Commercial's Teknoflor Healthscapes HPD TPU Flooring, which offers an innovative thermoplastic polyurethane construction. This next-generation material delivers the timeless elegance of terrazzo within a flexible, adaptable color system that empowers designers to create healing environments tailored to specific needs. The PVC-free solution combines exceptional resilience with ergonomic comfort—providing both noise reduction and underfoot support for healthcare professionals working long shifts.

Gerflor's Paul McKinney provided detailed insights into the technical challenges of PVC-free materials in healthcare environments: "PVC-free is more expensive and it limits your flexibility in terms of what you can do," he explained, particularly when it comes to creating seamless installations that are critical for infection control. 

McKinney demonstrated how traditional vinyl flooring can be heat-welded at joints and formed into rounded corners that have been "shown through third-party verification to be optimal for infection control and EVS outcomes."

The rounded corners are easier to clean and easier to access, making them ideal for healthcare settings. However, he noted that many PVC-free alternatives are "more brittle" and can't achieve the same seamless installation. Despite these current limitations, McKinney acknowledged the growing demand for PVC-free solutions in specific markets, particularly on the West and East Coasts, suggesting that continued research and development might eventually overcome these technical barriers.