Checklist to choosing the right hygienic wall cladding and flooring
The importance of choosing the right hygienic wall cladding and flooring can’t be overstated when it comes to creating safe, compliant and easy-to-maintain environments.
Whether you’re designing for a healthcare facility, food prep area, school, or commercial kitchen, the finishes you select play a vital role in infection control, safety, and even the overall feel of the space. But with so many options available, where do you start?
Here’s a practical checklist to help guide your decision-making and make sure the surfaces you choose work hard for your space and its people.
1. Is it a wet or dry area?
This is one of the most important considerations. In wet areas like bathrooms, changing rooms, kitchens or scrub zones, wall cladding must be completely waterproof and sealed. Floors should be slip-resistant and designed to cope with regular water exposure. There are even different options, depending on how wet the floor will be, for example, the floor in a shower room will be different to that in an area which is both bare foot and shoes, such as a swimming pool changing room.
Look for systems that allow for seamless transitions, such as thermoformed corners and welded joints, to prevent water ingress and bacterial growth.
2. Is impact resistance important?
If you’re working in a high-traffic area, like a hospital corridor, care home, or busy commercial kitchen, you need finishes that can take constant hits.
Walls are often exposed to knocks from trolleys, wheelchairs, cleaning equipment and more. In these environments, rigid, high-impact-resistant panels help maintain hygiene and reduce repair costs over time. Our wall protection ranges, such as Altro Whiterock Titanium, are designed to be more impact resistant, and have a textured finish which stops any visible scuffs or dents, whilst still having the highest hygienic integrity.
3. Do the finishes meet relevant hygiene standards?
Depending on your industry, your wall and floor finishes may need to meet very specific regulatory requirements.
For example:
Healthcare: Look for compliance with CQC and infection prevention protocols
Food production: Surfaces should meet HACCP guidelines and be non-toxic, non-absorbent and easy to sanitise
Many of Altro’s hygienic wall cladding and flooring meet the specified requirements in both these industries.
Make sure the materials you’re specifying are certified and tested for use in your sector.
4. What aesthetic are you going for - clinical or calming?
Hygienic doesn't have to mean stark white. Today’s cladding and flooring options come in a range of decorative colours and textures, allowing you to design spaces that feel warm, modern, and inviting. This is especially important in care settings, education and hospitality where, as proven by research, colour and biophilia can have a massive effect on the wellbeing of users.
Altro Whiterock Satins, for example, offers a palette of soft, contemporary shades, which provide a warm, natural look whilst still delivering the full hygienic performance expected from Altro Whiterock. On the other hand, Altro’s Chameleon Gloss range has bright colours, if you are looking to pack a punch on a feature wall etc.You can find more on the impact of colour in design here
5. Is slip resistance required (for flooring)?
Safety underfoot is key in any area prone to moisture, spills or high footfall.
Check the R-rating (e.g., R10, R11). Altro has a wide range of flooring solutions which meet the most stringent safety standards. View the full range here
In areas like commercial kitchens, barefoot zones, or care home bathrooms, slip-resistant vinyl flooring is essential. Each of these sectors need a specific type of vinyl flooring, and it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so it is vital that the flooring you choose meets all the correct health and safety standards for your area.
6. What’s the Light Reflectance Value (LRV)?
LRVs measure how much light a surface reflects. It’s especially important for creating well-lit, accessible environments, and is a consideration under the Equality Act and building regulations for inclusive design.
Choosing the right LRV can:
- Improve visibility and orientation
- Reduce the need for harsh artificial lighting
- Contribute to a more calming or energised feel depending on the tone
7. Do you need colour contrast for accessibility?
In certain environments, especially education, healthcare, and care homes, colour contrast between walls, floors, and fittings can help those with visual impairments navigate spaces safely.
Regulations stipulate there must be a 30 point difference between walls, floor or critical surfaces. This can cause problems when designing your scheme. However, with so many enhanced palettes in the Altro walls and floor ranges, now it’s easier than ever before to meet regulations with products that look good and perform as they should.
8. Are welded joints, coving and trims required?
In hygiene-critical zones, and high security and safety areas, it’s not just about the surface, but it’s how it’s installed as well.
Look for systems that allow for:
- Hot-welded joints (no gaps where bacteria can hide, and no trim caps that can be removed if there is intent to do so)
- Seamless coving between walls and floors
- Thermoformed corners for easy cleaning and a polished finish
These details make a huge difference, not only to long-term hygiene and compliance, but also to areas such as mental health facilities and prisons which require anti-ligature technology to keep their residents safe.
In summary:
Choosing the right hygienic wall cladding and flooring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking the right questions up front, you’ll end up with surfaces that:
✔ Meet your hygiene and safety standards
✔ Suit the function of the space
✔ Are easy to maintain
✔ Look great and feel appropriate for the setting
Want help selecting the right finish for your next project? Get in touch!
