Cleanroom Flooring Made Easy
Cleanroom flooring refers to specialist surface solutions designed to support cleanroom environments by resisting particle accumulation, chemical exposure, and microbial growth. Cleanroom flooring plays a vital role in contamination control, regulatory compliance, and operational safety.
When planning a cleanroom, flooring can often be treated as an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. The right flooring choice is essential to maintaining a controlled environment, minimising the risk of contamination, and ensuring full compliance with GMP and ISO cleanroom standards.
In this article, we’ll explain why cleanroom flooring is important, how to choose the right option based on regulatory and operational needs, and which flooring solutions work best for different cleanroom setups.
Cleanroom flooring: key considerations
Cleanroom flooring must be addressed during the planning phase of any cleanroom build or refurbishment. It’s not simply a surface to walk on, it plays a critical role in the hygiene, functionality, and regulatory compliance of the space.
When choosing the correct flooring solution, several factors must be considered:
- GMP and ISO requirements
- Condition and level of the existing floor
- On-site processes and foot traffic
- Cleaning protocols and chemical exposure
- Cleanroom classification and type
Choosing the wrong flooring can result in increased particle generation, surface degradation, or harbouring of microorganisms, ultimately compromising the integrity of the cleanroom.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidance emphasises the importance of smooth, impervious, and unbroken surfaces.
GMP Section 4.5: “In cleanrooms and critical zones, all exposed surfaces should be smooth, impervious and unbroken in order to minimise the shedding or accumulation of particles or micro-organisms.”
GMP Section 4.6: “To reduce accumulation of dust and to facilitate cleaning there should be no recesses that are difficult to clean effectively, therefore projecting ledges, shelves, cupboards and equipment should be kept to a minimum. Doors should be designed to avoid recesses that cannot be cleaned. Sliding doors may be undesirable for this reason.”
Common cleanroom flooring options
Jigsaw flooring
Features:
- Interlocking tiles for rapid installation
- Anti-fatigue and impact-resistant
- Available in electrostatic dissipative (ESD) variants
- Can be laid over most existing floors
Benefits:
- Cost-effective and modular
- Ideal for temporary or reconfigurable cleanrooms
- Quick turnaround without lengthy downtime
- Suitable for softwall, hardwall, and monobloc cleanrooms
Vinyl flooring
Features:
- Seam-welded vinyl sheets
- Chemically resistant surface
- Compatible with coved skirting for hygienic wall junctions
- ESD variants available
Benefits:
- Seamless, easy-to-clean finish
- Strong chemical and abrasion resistance
- Long-lasting and durable
- Suitable for softwall, hardwall, and monobloc cleanrooms
Epoxy resin flooring
Features:
- Seamless poured resin
- Highly durable and chemical-resistant
- Customisable thickness and finishes
Benefits:
- Permanent, high-performance solution
- Excellent lifecycle value
- Ideal for high-traffic or heavy-duty areas
- Typically used in modular cleanrooms
Compare your options at a glance
| Flooring Type | ESD Option | Installation Speed | Durability | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw Tiles | Yes | Fast | Moderate | ISO cleanrooms |
| Vinyl Sheet | Yes | Medium | High | ISO and GMP cleanrooms |
| Epoxy Resin | No* (*ESD options may be available with specific formulations) | Slower | Very High | GMP cleanrooms |
Cleanroom flooring isn’t just a foundation; it’s a frontline defence against contamination and non-compliance. By selecting a flooring system that matches your cleanroom’s classification, operational demands, and cleaning protocols, you can ensure lasting performance and peace of mind.
Need help choosing the right flooring?
Contact our team today to discuss your project or explore our full range of cleanroom flooring solutions.
