UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
7-1.6
Flooring. Utilize hard surfaced flooring materials such as quarry tile,
porcelain tile or vinyl composition tile in interesting patterns. Carpeting is not
recommended in lobby and vestibule because of increased traffic and exposure to mud,
rain, snow, etc. Consider built-in foot grilles or mats at vestibule to minimize water and
dirt being carried into the lobby. Use glazed ceramic (non-slip type) tile in adult
restrooms only. White grout is not permitted. Use quarry or porcelain tile in kitchen--
use epoxy grout rather than simply using dark grout.
7-1.6.1
Child Activity Rooms. For floors in child activity areas, use a
combination of carpeting/large area rugs and hard surfacing as appropriate for the
specific activity areas. Specify hard surfaces under areas used for eating, painting/art,
water play, wheel toy play, access to the outside play areas, etc. and carpeting/large
area rugs elsewhere. Ensure there is enough carpeted area for sleeping mat
placement. Carpet/area rugs are not permitted in toilet areas.
The Navy requires
large area rugs/area carpet in lieu of carpet.
7-1.6.1.1
Hard Surface Flooring. Since children spend much of their time on the
floor, design floors to be warm to the touch. In certain cold climates, consider using
radiant heat, especially in the infant/toddler spaces. Use Class I or Class II fire-rated
floor coverings. Use seamless, impervious, non-skid, non-textured, and non-grouted
hard surface flooring. Provide seamless sheet vinyl with edges turned up a minimum of
150 mm (6 in.) up the wall in children's toilet rooms. Ensure that seams at corners are
chemically or heat welded, not seamed through adhesive.
7-1.6.1.2
Soft Floor Coverings. Select soft floor coverings impervious to bacteria,
fungus growth, and odor retention. Use carpets and area rugs complying with fire and
sanitation requirements. Use coverings that have anti-microbial backing, are stain and
soil resistant, 100 percent solution-dyed nylon to withstand frequent chlorine cleaning
solutions, easily cleaned, and fast drying. Do not select carpet with large patterned
designs, for example, games or alphabets. Consider carpet consisting of several
different yarn colors. Use backup material of synthetic or inorganic material. For
carpets, use direct glue type with an attached cushion/pad for additional life of the
carpet and the cushion it adds for children falling. Ensure adhesive or binding
components of the carpet do not emit toxic fumes. Use heavy commercial wear
classification carpet of level loop construction to minimize snagging. Ensure there are
no tripping hazards at carpet/vinyl transition--securely fasten area rugs/area carpet and
include transition strips. Do not use area rugs with rolled edges.
Air Force requires all carpeting comply with the Air Force Carpet
Standards as written in the most current Engineering Technical Letter
(ETL). The most current ETL is located at the following Internet address:
Replace carpet when it's useful life is over. When frayed, worn,
permanently stained, or presenting a safety hazard (buckling,
delamination, etc) or health hazard (no practical means to satisfactorily be
7-7
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