Introduction: Why Flooring Matters in Aged Care Environments
Aged care facilities place unique and demanding requirements on flooring. Unlike many commercial environments, these spaces must balance resident safety, infection control, staff efficiency, and regulatory compliance — all while maintaining durability and ease of maintenance.
Floors in aged care settings are subjected to:
- Constant foot traffic
- Mobility aids and wheelchairs
- Frequent cleaning and sanitisation
- Spills and accidents
- Strict safety and hygiene standards
Choosing the wrong flooring can increase slip risks, harbour bacteria, create maintenance issues, and compromise compliance. This is why many modern aged care facilities are moving toward seamless epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems.
The Core Flooring Challenges in Aged Care
Before selecting a flooring system, it’s important to understand the primary risks aged care operators face.
1. Slip and Fall Risk
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in aged care environments. Flooring must provide sufficient traction without becoming difficult to clean.
2. Infection Control and Hygiene
Facilities must maintain strict cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Flooring that absorbs moisture or harbours contaminants presents a major risk.
3. Chemical Exposure
Daily cleaning involves strong disinfectants and chemicals that can degrade standard flooring materials over time.
4. Durability Under Constant Use
Wheelchairs, beds, trolleys, and staff movement place continuous stress on floors.
5. Compliance Requirements
Aged care providers must meet Australian safety, hygiene, and WHS standards.
Epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems address all of these challenges in a single, integrated solution.
Why Seamless Flooring Is Essential in Aged Care
Traditional flooring materials often fail because they include:
- Joints
- Grout lines
- Seams
- Edges that lift or crack
These features trap moisture, bacteria, and dirt, making cleaning less effective.
Benefits of Seamless Epoxy and PU Flooring
- No gaps for bacteria to hide
- No water penetration into concrete
- Easier and more effective cleaning
- Improved hygiene outcomes
- Reduced long-term maintenance
A seamless surface supports infection control protocols and ensures consistent cleanliness throughout the facility.
Slip-Resistant Flooring for Resident Safety
Slip resistance is critical in aged care facilities, particularly in:
- Bathrooms
- Corridors
- Kitchens
- Entry points
- Clinical and care areas
Epoxy and polyurethane flooring can be engineered to achieve R10 to R13 slip ratings, depending on the area and level of exposure to moisture.
Typical Slip Rating Applications
- R10: General living and corridor areas
- R11: Bathrooms and care areas
- R12–R13: Commercial kitchens and wet zones
Slip resistance is integrated into the surface without compromising cleanability — a key advantage over textured vinyl or tiled flooring.
Hygienic and Easy to Clean
Aged care facilities rely on frequent cleaning and sanitisation to maintain safe environments.
Epoxy and PU floors are:
- Non-porous
- Resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals
- Easy to disinfect
- Free from joints and seams
This allows cleaning staff to maintain hygiene standards efficiently while minimising wear on the floor surface.
Chemical Resistance for Daily Cleaning Regimes
Cleaning chemicals used in aged care facilities often include:
- Disinfectants
- Bleach-based cleaners
- Degreasers
- Alcohol-based solutions
Standard flooring materials can stain, degrade, or soften under repeated exposure to these products.
Why Epoxy and Polyurethane Perform Better
- Epoxy resists a wide range of cleaning chemicals
- Polyurethane offers superior resistance to repeated washdowns
- Both systems protect the underlying concrete
This ensures the floor maintains its integrity and appearance over time.
Durability for High-Use Environments
Aged care floors are in constant use and must withstand:
- Wheelchairs and walkers
- Medical equipment
- Furniture movement
- High foot traffic
Epoxy and PU flooring systems provide:
- High compressive strength
- Impact resistance
- Long-term wear performance
This reduces the need for repairs or replacements and supports uninterrupted care operations.
Comfort and Noise Reduction
Polyurethane flooring systems, in particular, offer slight flexibility compared to rigid materials. This can help:
- Reduce noise from movement
- Improve underfoot comfort
- Support resident wellbeing
These benefits contribute to a calmer and more comfortable environment for both residents and staff.
Compliance with Australian Standards
Aged care flooring must meet various compliance requirements relating to:
- Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
- Slip resistance
- Hygiene and infection control
Epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems installed by Wolffes are designed to meet relevant Australian standards and operational requirements.
Where Epoxy and PU Flooring Is Used in Aged Care
Common applications include:
- Resident rooms
- Corridors and hallways
- Bathrooms and wet areas
- Kitchens and food preparation areas
- Clinical and treatment rooms
- Storage and service areas
Each area can be tailored with the appropriate slip rating, durability, and finish.
Why Aged Care Providers Choose Wolffes
Wolffes specialises in industrial and commercial floor coatings, including aged care environments that demand high performance and compliance.
Facilities choose Wolffes for:
- Expert system selection
- Professional surface preparation
- Durable, hygienic flooring systems
- Customised slip resistance
- Long-term performance
Every installation is designed around the specific needs of the facility and its residents.
Final Thoughts
Flooring in aged care facilities plays a critical role in safety, hygiene, and daily operations. Epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems provide a seamless, durable, and compliant solution that supports resident wellbeing and operational efficiency.
By choosing the right flooring system, aged care providers can reduce risk, simplify maintenance, and create safer environments for everyone.