Engineered wood flooring -- Durability and attractiveness in a 500+ patients/week in physicians' office?
I don't see why not. Some of the laminates are extremely tough. You can almost put out a cigarette on some and they have great warranties.
There are 3 types of wood flooring. Solid wood panels, Laminated veneer wood panels, and pressed paper with photo copied wood grain. Make certain you get solid wood, or the type of laminated flooring that has a top layer of real wood. These two are durable and can be refinished when furniture or metal shoe taps scratches it. The type that is made of pressed paper and photocopied wood grain scratches easily and isn't repairable.
In a physicians office, I would recommend an acrylic impregnated engineered hardwood. It's commercially rated, and will hold up to more wear and tear. It definitely adds more warmth and friendliness to the area. Hartco makes a good product that I have used in many high traffic areas, as well as Permagrain. I'm assuming that you are considering this for the lobby or some other public area. The downside is noise. Not knowing how your office is set up, when patients are checking in - with a hard surface on the floor - there is nothing to absorb sound, and it can be easier for other patients to overhear what is being said. In public areas and reception, I recommend carpet tiles. The advantage is, if there is an accident, and an area gets stained - you can replace those tiles with new ones. If you want the wood look in the exam rooms, I would go with a commercial sheet vinyl. That way, you can have a more hygenic surface. I once did a whole sleep lab in wood grain sheet vinyl for that very reason. It looked great. Mannington and Armstrong make a very nice durable product. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me an email - medical offices are my speciality.
