A Guide to Hygienic Flooring Materials and Coatings

What Is Hygienic Flooring?

Hygienic flooring refers to specialized flooring systems designed to maintain cleanliness, prevent contamination and support infection control protocols. These flooring systems are engineered to meet strict sanitary standards and are often required in industries where hygiene is non-negotiable. Their construction and material composition are optimized to eliminate seams, reduce porosity and resist the buildup of bacteria, fungi and other harmful microorganisms.

The Importance of Hygienic Flooring in Clean Environments 

In clean environments, the smallest crack or seam in the flooring can harbor pathogens, contaminants and debris, compromising the sterile conditions required by regulatory bodies. Flooring is also subject to constant traffic, cleaning and exposure to chemicals—all of which can degrade subpar materials over time.

An effective hygienic flooring system provides several benefits in areas that require high levels of cleanliness:

• Compliance with health and safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, GMP)
• Reduced risk of contamination and infection
• Improved cleaning and maintenance efficiency
• Enhanced durability and long-term cost-effectiveness

Without proper hygienic flooring, facilities risk failing inspections, increased downtime for repairs and elevated health risks to employees and customers. A compromised flooring system can undermine even the most rigorous sanitation protocols, creating vulnerabilities that are difficult to mitigate without costly and disruptive overhauls.

Investing in the right flooring solution from the start not only supports operational efficiency but also maintains regulatory peace of mind.

10 Key Characteristics of Hygienic Flooring 

To be truly effective in clean and sanitary environments, hygienic flooring must meet a comprehensive list of performance requirements. Each characteristic plays a role in ensuring the floor contributes to a safe, clean and efficient facility.

1. Non-Porous and Seamless 

Non-porous and seamless floor surfaces prevent dirt, moisture and bacteria from penetrating the surface. By eliminating joints and cracks, the flooring reduces the chance of microbial harborages and supports a sterile environment.

2. Easy to Clean

Hygienic floors are designed to withstand frequent, intensive cleaning procedures. Their smooth surfaces ensure that disinfectants and cleaning agents can work effectively without leaving residues.

3. Chemical and Stain Resistance 

Flooring systems in hygienic settings must endure harsh cleaning agents and chemical spills without degrading or discoloring. These qualities are especially important in facilities where spills of caustic or staining substances are common.

4. Moisture Resistance

Hygienic flooring resists water and steam, which prevents mold growth and subfloor damage. This resistance is critical in settings like food processing or healthcare where liquid exposure is frequent.

5. Antimicrobial Properties 

Some systems are formulated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. The added protection of antimicrobial flooring enhances hygiene and supports infection control protocols in hygienic environments.

6. Impermeability 

Liquid and particulate matter cannot seep into or beneath hygienic flooring. The impermeable barrier of a durable, long-lasting hygienic floor coating helps prevent contamination of the substrate and maintain overall structural integrity.

7. Durability 

Hygienic floors must be built to withstand heavy traffic, impact, abrasion and thermal shock. Their robust nature makes them suitable for demanding environments that require long-lasting solutions.

8. Integral Cove Base

A seamless transition from floor to wall eliminates 90-degree angles where bacteria can accumulate. This design feature supports easier cleaning and a more hygienic environment overall.

9. Drainage Transitions and Joints

Proper integration with drainage systems helps direct water flow and prevents standing water. Well-designed transitions reduce the risk of slips and falls while supporting sanitation efforts.

10. Low Odor and Low VOC 

Installation with low-odor materials ensures safety during application, especially in occupied spaces. Low VOC emissions also support air quality and regulatory compliance.

Types of Flooring Materials and Their Hygienic Properties

Hard-surface flooring includes any flooring material that is not carpet. Resilient flooring is included in hard-surface flooring even though it is often constructed using “softer” materials. Linoleum, vinyl, rubber and wood are all types of resilient flooring.

Many different types of hard-surface flooring can be considered hygienic; however, unless it results in a monolithic (seamless) and chemical resistant surface, it cannot be considered truly hygienic.

Seamless floors eliminate crevices and absorptive surfaces that can harbor pathogens, harmful germs, and debris. Having a chemical resistant topcoat is also key to creating an exceptionally hygienic surface.

Tiles (Ceramic, Porcelain, Vinyl, etc.)

While the material for the tile itself may be water and chemical resistant, the seams between the tiles are not. These cracks and crevices can harbor germs.

Additionally, hard tiles using grout create a greater amount of places for germs and debris to settle. As the grout deteriorates, the floor will become more difficult to sanitize and will need to be replaced.

Solid and Engineered Hardwood

Natural and engineered hardwood floors are not water or chemical resistant. They are also not seamless. Water, debris, and microbes can settle into the cracks and allow bacteria to grow on or beneath the surface. Moisture can also warp the boards posing other health risks. 

Vinyl Plank Flooring 

Although the surface layer of vinyl plank flooring may offer some chemical resistance, the overall construction of the plank is not water resistant. Similar to hardwood flooring, plank floors are installed with seams. Water, debris and microbes can settle into the cracks and allow bacteria to grow on or beneath the surface. Moisture can also warp the boards posing other health risks.

Sheet Flooring (Vinyl, Rubber, Linoleum) 

Vinyl sheet flooring and rubber sheet flooring are chemical and water resistant. Linoleum sheet flooring is not impervious to water and can be penetrated and damaged by it. Sealing and resealing linoleum is required to address this drawback.

Sheet flooring is installed in pieces with heat or chemically welded seams. The welds technically deem the floor seamless; however, there are potential issues with welded seams, including possible contamination, intermittent gapping, concaved welds and complete seam failures where the bond doesn’t hold.

This type of flooring is not typically tied into an integral cove base and therefore creates seams where the wall and the floor meet.

Terrazzo 

Terrazzo flooring offers excellent chemical and water resistance, making it a durable and monolithic choice for various environments. While the grinding process may create pinholes or pores, these can be addressed with a grout coat, ensuring a smooth finish.

Terrazzo's versatility allows for creative patterns and joint isolation using metal strips, adding aesthetic appeal to any space. Although seams may appear over time, regular maintenance can help preserve the floor's hygiene and integrity. Integral cove bases, though less common, can be incorporated to enhance the seamless look of terrazzo flooring.

Concrete 

Concrete floors are seamless, but they can be porous. Concrete is neither chemical nor water resistant and is also prone to dusting. Concrete can be sealed to offer additional protection but can still be dinged chipped, compromising the floor’s integrity, and is therefore not recommended for sterile environments.

Resin Flooring

Resin flooring is a poured-in-place flooring option. Resinous floors are seamless, chemical resistant and water resistant. Seamless floors can be constructed with an integral cove base to create an impermeable surface from the floor to the wall.

Another nice feature for hygiene and cleaning is seamless integration into floor drains. This feature helps in daily cleaning and keeps the space drier, which can aid in less places for bacteria to grow.

Why Resin Flooring Is the Ideal Hygienic Flooring Solution 

Hard-surface flooring materials that are non-absorptive, chemical resistant and monolithic, such as resin flooring, are the most hygienic flooring options.

* CONDITIONS APPLY

Resinous flooring systems—particularly polyaspartic, epoxy and cementitious urethane coatings—are considered the gold standard for hygienic environments.

Their seamless application, high durability and superior resistance to chemicals, stains and microbial growth make them the ideal choice for facilities with stringent sanitation requirements. Bacteria and allergens can sit on the surface but cannot penetrate like they can with carpet, seams or grout. With proper sanitization, contaminants can easily be eliminated from resin floors.

Epoxy flooring offers a tough, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Cementitious urethane systems add flexibility and resistance to thermal shock, making them ideal for environments with temperature fluctuations. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) systems are excellent for projects that require fast installation and curing times.

Overall, resin floors are extremely hygienic and require little to no maintenance outside of cleaning.

•             Seamless transition to decorative cove
•             Chemical resistance to many cleaners
•             Stands up to rigorous sterilizing protocols
•             Easy to clean and maintain

How to Maintain Hygienic Flooring 

Having an established cleaning protocol in place to remove foreign material from floors is required for safety and health risks. It is also imperative for the longevity of the floor.

Seamless surfaces are easier to clean and maintain and are preferred in any environment where sterilization is key. Facilities should determine which cleaners and sanitizers are required for their space and discuss these cleaning protocols with the flooring manufacturer before choosing and installing a system. This process will ensure the topcoat selected for the flooring system can withstand the chemicals.

Once installed, proper maintenance is essential to maximize the longevity and effectiveness of a hygienic floor coating. Regular cleaning using approved, non-abrasive cleaning agents helps preserve the floor’s seamless and antimicrobial properties. Facilities should establish a routine that includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove debris, followed by wet cleaning with compatible disinfectants.

It’s important to avoid harsh scrubbing pads or chemicals that could wear down the coating or reduce its resistance to moisture and chemicals. Facility managers should also conduct periodic inspections to identify signs of wear or damage early, ensuring timely repairs that prevent further degradation.

With a consistent maintenance plan, resin floor systems can provide years of reliable, hygienic performance.

Industry-Leading Hygienic Floor Coating Solutions from Sherwin-Williams 

Choosing the right hygienic flooring is an important part of maintaining clean, safe and compliant environments. Resinous flooring systems offer a powerful combination of performance, safety and longevity, making them the preferred solution across numerous industries.

With the right flooring in place, facilities can maintain their hygiene protocols with confidence—and with Sherwin-Williams, they can trust in proven, high-performance solutions tailored to their exact needs.

At Sherwin-Williams, our resin flooring solutions are specially formulated to meet the rigorous demands of hygienic areas in industrial, commercial and institutional facilities. We offer a wide range of epoxy, polyurethane and urethane products and can tailor a solution that fits the needs of your project.

To find the best flooring for hygienic areas, contact a Sherwin-Williams representative today.

References:

1.  Capobianco, C. (2012, January 17). Heat Welding Resilient Floors. Floor Covering Installer. https://www.fcimag.com/articles/87885-heat-welding-resilient-floors
2. Sherwin-Williams High Performace Flooring, flooring.sherwin.com
3. Guo, Z., Wang, Z., Zhang, S., Li, X., Li, L., Li, C….Chen, W. (2020). Aerosol and Surface Distribution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Hospital Wards, Wuhan, China, 2020. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 26(7), 1583-1591. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2607.200885.
4. Gupta, M., Lee, S., Bisesi, M., & Lee, J. (2019). Indoor Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance on Floor Surfaces: An Exploratory Study in Three Different Building Types. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(21), 4160. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214160
5. National Institutes of Health: Office of Research Facilities (2015, July). Seamless Sheet Flooring in Laboratories. Division of Technical Resources Technical News Bulletin, (42). https://orf.od.nih.gov/TechnicalResources/Documents/Technical%20Bulletins/15TB/Seamless%20Sheet%20Flooring%20in%20Laboratories%20-%20July%202015%20Technical%20Bulletin_508.pdf
6. Pyrek, K. M. (2018, October 31). Shoe Sole and Floor Contamination: A New Consideration in the Environmental Hygiene Challenge for Hospitals. Infection Control Today. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/shoe-sole-and-floor-contamination-new-consideration-environmental-hygiene
7. Top End Terrazzo. Terrazzo, safe and sterile flooring for medical facilities. https://topendterrazzo.com/projects-and-installations/terrazzo-for-hospitals-medical-facilities/

Author: Jes Grant

Jes Grant serves as the Marketing Engagement Manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine and High Performance Flooring. With over two decades of experience in content creation across various technical industries, Jes has earned recognition for her writing and design expertise, being featured in numerous publications.