Kindergartens are spaces where children have fun, learn and express their creativity. The rooms should allow children to be free and the adults worry-free about the safety of kids and the upkeep of the area. Floors, walls, and furniture should be best suited to the needs of the users.
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The choice of flooring material for a kindergarten depends on many factors. Here we list down four main criteria you may wish to consider -
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Safety
- Aesthetics
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Kindergartens see a lot of foot traffic. Also, it is impossible for the rooms to be free of dirt or spills. The material should be such that it is able to withstand high traffic, does not get damaged easily, and is long-lasting. Also, any material that does not require frequent re-coating should be preferred.
Let&#;s accept it. Kids are messy! They will drop things, break them, scribble on floors, or even spill food. Instead of curtailing their free play, it is better to invest in a flooring material that is easy to clean and maintain.
In a kindergarten children engage in activities involving a lot of play and free movement. Toddlers are in frequent contact with the floor, so it is essential that the material used is free of toxins and not harmful to their health.
Children are also prone to free falls and getting hurt. The flooring material should be such that it provides a softer landing, and cushions drops and falls.
Not just functionality, aesthetic appeal plays an important role in selecting the perfect flooring material. The flooring should be as appealing as the rest of the room.
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Now, let us look at the most preferred flooring options for kindergartens.
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Cork flooring is a wonderful option as it combines the durability of laminate and the beauty of hardwood flooring. It gives away under pressure, so children find it a fun surface.
They are easy to maintain. Since cork is anti-static, dry sweeping or vacuuming is enough to remove dust particles, and any spills can be easily wiped.
Cork wood floors are naturally insulated against the cold.
It&#;s a naturally soft and squishy material and provides a moderate degree of cushion, thereby protecting children from accidents.
Another advantage of using cork wood flooring is with regards to sound. They prevent noise from travelling and hence work wonders in noisy kindergartens.
It is environmentally safe, free from toxins, and non-allergenic.
The main disadvantage comes from its soft surface. It is prone to damage and should be avoided in areas with high foot traffic or rough play zones. Spills can also reduce life span.
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Vinyl is a water-resistant, spill-resistant, and stain-resistant flooring material. Being non-porous, it is highly resistant to moulds too, thus making it one of the most resistant flooring options.
It is also easy to install, clean, and maintain with regular cleansing agents.
Vinyl is also long-lasting and difficult to rip or tear.
Vinyl flooring is soft and children will not land on a hard surface in case of slips and falls. However, vinyl is known to emit trace amounts of toxic materials known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can cause irritation to children with respiratory problems.
Vulcanized rubber is a natural, resilient, shock-absorbing flooring material that&#;s a good choice for kindergartens.
It comes in the form of tiles and is easy to lay, strong, and long-lasting. They also provide extra cushioning, thus providing a soft-landing surface.
Thick rubber tiles can even reduce noise levels.
Maintaining rubber tiles is not a challenge as all you need is a mop, mild detergent, and warm water.
The only disadvantage comes from its noticeable odour. Even though it is not harmful like VOCs, some children might be bothered by the smell.
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Laminate is a fantastic flooring material for kindergartens. It is similar in appearance to hardwood flooring but comes with a more affordable price tag.
Kindergarteners engage in a lot of free play and floor-level activities like drawing, colouring, clay modelling, etc. Laminate is resistant to dents, stains, and scratches. Thus, allowing kids to be kids. Free and messy!
Like all materials, laminate too has a few disadvantages. The surface becomes slippery when wet. Hence it is vital to quickly mop up any spills.
Also, low-grade laminate emits VOC. This can be avoided by selecting good quality certified products.
- Cushioned PVC Floor Tiles
Made from recycled materials, Cushioned PVC Floor Tiles have excellent sound-dampening qualities. These tiles are an excellent choice for areas with high traffic. Since they have high cushioning, kids who stumble and fall will be safer.
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Foam tiles are perfect for play areas that are assigned for rough play or even gymnastics. They are latex-free, water-proof, and non-absorbent materials that are easy to lay, clean, and maintain.
In case of damage, there is no need to change the entire flooring. Replacing the respective pieces is fairly easy. Since no adhesive is used while installing these foam tiles, replacement and maintenance are quite easy.
Foam mats are a colourful latex-free material that is popularly used in kindergartens. They are also installed without the use of adhesives and hence are easy to maintain.
By Lisa Hobbie
In thinking of the best environment for young kids, it is important to consider what the best preschool flooring options are. A space that promotes creativity and fun as well as safety and cleanliness would be the ideal setting, and the flooring type plays a huge role in creating such a space.
Rubber Flooring for Indoor and Outdoor Areas
One indoor preschool flooring option made from rubber would be the
It would be a great choice for an area where young kids will run around and play. It repels water, is slip resistant, and provides impact absorption and noise reduction. Preschools choose this flooring because it is very easy to clean. It is also durable, yet, provides a level of comfort when kids want to design and build with blocks, play with cars, or simply sit on it.
An outdoor playground setting will likely have rubber flooring. One of the most popular options is the
Many preschool operators appreciate the ability to replace areas that wear down due to heavy or misuse - without having to replace the entire surface like you do with some other playground floors. This option also provides an excellent safety surface, and the 2.5 inch and thicker mats feature fall-height ratings for indoor or outdoor usage.
Foam Tiles for Indoor Play Areas
For preschool flooring in a large play area, these heavy duty
They are great for rough play and gymnastics, as they are rated for a 4 foot fall height and have a tatami top texture that prevents floor burn.
These tiles are typically quite large - 40 x 40 inches, but weigh only about 9 pounds. So, they are easy for one person to install over a solid floor or thin pile carpeted floor.
If one of these tiles should become damaged, they are easy to remove and replace, as no adhesive is necessary with this type of flooring tile. I most cases, the tiles can simply be flipped as they are reversible.
You can add comfort and a variety of colors to a portion of a classroom, providing an area of cozy and cute flooring. We would recommend choosing an option with a thatch surface to ensure their ability to stand up best to repeated use.
These floor mats are easy to install without the use of adhesives; you simply put them down like you would put a puzzle together. This is also handy if a mat should become damaged, as you simply remove it and swap it out for a new one!
PVC Floor Tiles for Indoor and Outdoor Areas
If you&#;re looking for a preschool flooring option that will give you traction and durability in a high-traffic area, Ergo Matta Cushion Tred Solid tiles are an excellent option. They provide excellent sound-dampening and anti-fatigue qualities, are made from recycled materials, and come in many colors and designs.
They also provide some cushioning, so kids who tend to stumble and fall during activities will be safer than they would be with many other flooring options. They also feature a locking lug connection system, so once they are placed, they will stay put.
This is the best flooring option for an area of the preschool where kids will be on their feet or running around for much of their play time.
Greatmats also offers a
Vinyl Flooring for Indoor Preschool Rooms
Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for preschools due to its minimal maintenance and easy-to-clean features. Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and patterns. For example,
Carpet Tiles for Preschool Rooms
Carpet tiles are another popular choice for preschools as they are a softer option than hard flooring and will also provide some sound dampening. Carpet tiles are easy to install and clean. They are available in bright and fun colors such as these
Artificial Turf for Preschool Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas
If your preschool students will participate in a game of soccer, football, or other traditionally outdoor sports, artificial turf would be among the best options for that area of preschool flooring.
The
The version with 2.25 inch pad features an 8-foot fall height rating (when installed with the recommended amount of infill), and works well for indoor or outdoor installations with its UV protection. This turf provides a soft and cushioned feel.
Greatmats for your preschool flooring needs!
As you can see, there are so many preschool flooring options available at Greatmats. Simply choose a material that will be safe and comfortable - like foam, rubber, PVC, or turf, and explore the many offerings that Greatmats has.
When you think of a preschool, many things probably come to mind. Laughter, learning, and playing are all a part of the preschool experience, as are injuries, spills, germs, and tears.In thinking of the best environment for young kids, it is important to consider what the best preschool flooring options are. A space that promotes creativity and fun as well as safety and cleanliness would be the ideal setting, and the flooring type plays a huge role in creating such a space.One indoor preschool flooring option made from rubber would be the Geneva Rubber Tile . This 3 ft. x 3 ft. tile is very easy to assemble with an interlocking design and requires no glue or adhesive. The tile is made in the USA of recycled rubber content, yet, it contains very little rubber odor.It would be a great choice for an area where young kids will run around and play. It repels water, is slip resistant, and provides impact absorption and noise reduction. Preschools choose this flooring because it is very easy to clean. It is also durable, yet, provides a level of comfort when kids want to design and build with blocks, play with cars, or simply sit on it.An outdoor playground setting will likely have rubber flooring. One of the most popular options is the Blue Sky Interlocking Playground Tiles . This option is made in the USA from recycled rubber content and features a 8 foot ASTM fall height rating.Many preschool operators appreciate the ability to replace areas that wear down due to heavy or misuse - without having to replace the entire surface like you do with some other playground floors. This option also provides an excellent safety surface, and the 2.5 inch and thicker mats feature fall-height ratings for indoor or outdoor usage.For preschool flooring in a large play area, these heavy duty Indoor Playground Tiles are an excellent choice. They provide for a fun and safe option that is latex free, waterproof, and non absorbent.They are great for rough play and gymnastics, as they are rated for a 4 foot fall height and have a tatami top texture that prevents floor burn.These tiles are typically quite large - 40 x 40 inches, but weigh only about 9 pounds. So, they are easy for one person to install over a solid floor or thin pile carpeted floor.If one of these tiles should become damaged, they are easy to remove and replace, as no adhesive is necessary with this type of flooring tile. I most cases, the tiles can simply be flipped as they are reversible. Foam Play Mats are another excellent soft flooring option. Foam play mats are lead and latex free, waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to install with the interlocking, puzzle connection design.You can add comfort and a variety of colors to a portion of a classroom, providing an area of cozy and cute flooring. We would recommend choosing an option with a thatch surface to ensure their ability to stand up best to repeated use.These floor mats are easy to install without the use of adhesives; you simply put them down like you would put a puzzle together. This is also handy if a mat should become damaged, as you simply remove it and swap it out for a new one!If you&#;re looking for a preschool flooring option that will give you traction and durability in a high-traffic area, Ergo Matta Cushion Tred Solid tiles are an excellent option. They provide excellent sound-dampening and anti-fatigue qualities, are made from recycled materials, and come in many colors and designs.They also provide some cushioning, so kids who tend to stumble and fall during activities will be safer than they would be with many other flooring options. They also feature a locking lug connection system, so once they are placed, they will stay put.This is the best flooring option for an area of the preschool where kids will be on their feet or running around for much of their play time.Greatmats also offers a perforated PVC tile that is great for outdoor play areas and has a 20-inch fall height rating.Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for preschools due to its minimal maintenance and easy-to-clean features. Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and patterns. For example, LonWood Madera with Top Seal Commercial Vinyl Rolls feature a beautiful striated wood grain pattern. The TopSeal finish reduces scuffing and simplifies maintenance. Installing LonWood Madera Rolls is not a do-it-yourself project. Installation requires a full glue-down and heat weld to the seam by a flooring professional.Carpet tiles are another popular choice for preschools as they are a softer option than hard flooring and will also provide some sound dampening. Carpet tiles are easy to install and clean. They are available in bright and fun colors such as these Colorburst Carpet Tiles or fun patterns like these Kids Carpet Tiles If your preschool students will participate in a game of soccer, football, or other traditionally outdoor sports, artificial turf would be among the best options for that area of preschool flooring.The Play Time Playground Turf is an option that will look and feel like a nice, plush lawn, but will keep your students safe if they ever suffer from a fall. This turf reacts naturally - allowing rainwater and moisture to flow through it, providing consistent performance over time.The version with 2.25 inch pad features an 8-foot fall height rating (when installed with the recommended amount of infill), and works well for indoor or outdoor installations with its UV protection. This turf provides a soft and cushioned feel.As you can see, there are so many preschool flooring options available at Greatmats. Simply choose a material that will be safe and comfortable - like foam, rubber, PVC, or turf, and explore the many offerings that Greatmats has.
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