Cost Comparison

Rubber Flooring Least Expensive Over 15 Years

An Orlando, FL Hospital fifteen year life-cycle study of VCT, sheet vinyl, carpet and rubber clearly documented that the lowest initial cost hard surface floor, VCT, was the most expensive floor over time when replacement, maintenance and cleaning costs are considered. This 1998 study by Suzanne R. Barnes, AIA, CFM, consultant and former Assistant Director of Design, Florida Hospital-Office of Design, included 1,000 sq. ft. of each surface installed in the hospital’s pediatric unit. Rubber proved the least expensive when cleaning, maintenance and replacement costs were totaled after fifteen years of use.
 
“Rubber was half the cost to clean/maintain than the other hard surfaces requiring finish, since it is a product that does not scratch or mar easily. Rubber does not require use of expensive finishes or as much maintenance as the other floor surfaces.”
Product Studied Cost to clean/maintain 1,000 sq/ft over 15 years
Rubber 2 times initial installed cost
Carpet 4 times initial installed cost
VCT 6 times initial installed cost
Sheet Vinyl 7 times initial installed cost

Click here for our White Paper on “Surprising Considerations & Economics In Evaluating Today’s Resilient Flooring Materials.” The paper looks in detail at the overall life cycle cost of resilient flooring materials used in heavy traffic areas. Cleaning costs - including the cost of materials (sealers, finishes, dressings, conditioners, etc.), maintaining the cleaning equipment, labor, and the number of years the material will be used - are the major variables in a life cycle cost analysis.  The study documents the fact that life cycle costs often favor alternative flooring products that have higher initial purchase prices than lower cost vinyl products, but are actually less expensive over the useful life of the product.


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