What to use for flooring?

Question

I know this a piece of string question, but thoughts would be much appreciated. We're converting an old garage into an osteopath clinic. About 7 x 4 m. Structure, heating, electrics, lighting, insulation, plumbing all sorted.

Choice of flooring is the difficulty and I am very much out of touch with such things. Has to be non-slip, hardwearing, low maintenance and warm to unclad feet. Carpet or carpet-like coverings are not an option. The floor will be well insulated but no underfloor heating. Wife and daughter think some kind of engineered wood. I'm not totally against this but will it stand heavy traffic? Pros, cons and alternative suggestions please. Many thanks, Nick.

NT · Accepted Answer

Real wood's cheaper.NT

S Viemeister · Answer

Cork flooring?

The Medway Handyman · Answer

I saw some really thick heavy duty vinyl in Carpetright recently.  It was around 4mm thick, maybe thicker.Worth a look.

PeterC · Answer

Some of the laminate flooring in Wickes' catalogue is rated for office use; the tile-effect type is OK for bathrooms. It needs some sort of underlay (I didn't look that far) so should be insulated to some extent. Wickes sometimes have significant discounts on it.

John Williamson · Answer

It's an advertising site, but I've seen something similar used and it's *very* easy to keep clean and it's also comfortable:- cheap, though.

Robin · Answer

Sounds commerical which, combined with osteopathy being regulated, suggests to me you ought to go for what the regulator and your insurance company think safe/hygienic for people who have bare feet (and may be prone to falls?) Beyond my ken to answer that but I'd hazard a guess wood in any form is not top of the list.

TMC · Answer

Google for Gym flooring or Hospital flooring and see what turns up

What to use for flooring?

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