Finish Matrix
Select finishes that support the Discovery Well Being design philosophy, sustainable practices, and that are appropriate to the budget. (Refer to the design philosophy for additional information.) The materials must communicate the essence of the brand to the guests as well as a space that is impeccably clean, sanitary and well maintained. Poor choice in materials can result in increased labor costs to; sanitize and maintain the finishes, increased costs to contract professional cleaners, the early replacement of the materials, and possibly lawsuits. The finish specifications must withstand daily chemical cleaning from staff that may not be fully trained on proper techniques. Specify and install finishes that are compliant with local health and building codes.
- Select finishes that are suitable for the amount of and types of traffic.
- Choose flooring that is slip resistant, and allows easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other treatment products.
- Avoid polished stone at floors.
- Avoid porous materials for floors such as sandstones.
- Avoid materials whose surfaces may flake or cleave such as some slates.
- Ensure that transitions between floor materials are flush with one another to prevent tripping hazards.
- Natural stones, tile products, and all grouts must be sealed to maintain water and stain resistance. Grout at high traffic and high humidity areas may require resealing and/or replacement every few years.
- At entries from exterior spaces, integrate walk-off mats into the flooring design.
- Light colored grouts turn grey over time as the floors are mopped. Consider this when selecting grouts.
- Floor materials must not scuff or scratch over time.
- Install moisture resistant and mould resistant wall board in wet and humid spaces.
- Avoid the use of materials and finishes which may be prone to rust or corrosion in humid spaces.
- Specify wall coverings rated for commercial applications.
- Consider resilient surfaces at treatment rooms to prevent therapist fatigue.
- Do not provide carpeted surfaces at Skin care treatment rooms. Confirm requirements with local health codes.
Area | Space | Description | Recommended Materials | Materials to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entrance | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding high traffic. Ensure that the flooring material at entries from the exterior is slip resistant and has soil concealing abilities. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood,; Materials to complement the hotel lobby | polished stone or tile, or carpet at entries leading to the exterior |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems | acoustical ceiling tile |  |
 | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand high traffic, are easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative systems |  |
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Arrival, Retail | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding high traffic. Provide a relatively smooth hard or resilient surfaced floor to allow easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other products. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring | polished stone or tile, or carpet at entries leading to the exterior |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems | acoustical ceiling tile |
 | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand high traffic, are easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | Paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative systems |  |
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Salon/Barber | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding high traffic. Provide a relatively smooth hard surfaced floor to allow easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other nail and hair care products. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring |  |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems | acoustical ceiling tile |
 | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand high traffic, are easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative systems |  |
 | Counters: | Provide a non porous material that allows easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other nail and hair care products. | stone, wood, glass, high pressure laminate, solid surface | tile with numerous grout joints |
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Administration | Floor : | Economical durable material capable of withstanding medium traffic with some sound absorptive properties. | wood, resilient flooring, carpet, rugs |  |
 | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Economical material | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile |  |
 | Wall: | Economical material | paint, wall covering |  |
 | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate |  |
 | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate |  |
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Guest Hallways |  | Avoid institutional looking hallways. |  |  |
 | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding high traffic. Provide a relatively smooth hard surfaced floor to allow easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other treatment products. In many cases carpet runners are installed over hard surfaced floors. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring, carpet, rugs, mats |  |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tiles. Although discouraged at high end properties, acoustical ceiling tiles allow easy access to mechanical equipment and avoid the necessity for access panels. |  |
 | Wall: | Install materials that withstand high traffic, are easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. Provide attractive corner guards at all exposed corners. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative systems |  |
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Service Hallways | Floor: | Provide economical durable finishes capable of withstanding high traffic with some sound absorptive properties. Specify suitable materials if used by carts. | carpet, tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete |  |  |
 | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, wood |  |  |
 | Ceiling: | Economical material | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile |  |
 | Wall: | If hallways are used by carts install corner guards and wall guards. | paint or vinyl wall covering |  |
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Issue Storage | Floor: | Provide economical durable finishes capable of withstanding medium traffic with some sound absorptive properties. Specify suitable materials if used by carts. | tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete | Carpet |
 | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Economical material | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile |  |
 | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or vinyl wall covering |  |
 | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate |  |
 | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate |  |
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Locker Area |  | Avoid institutional looking locker areas |  |  |
 | Floor: | Provide durable finishes designed for a possibly wet and humid environment consistent with the design theme. Provide materials that feel comfortable to exposed feet. | non porous, slip resistant stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring, carpet, consider rugs, or mats over hard surfaced materials |  |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest for a potentially wet and humid environment consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems |  |
 | Wall: | Install materials that withstand high traffic, are easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. Create walls with design interest for a potentially wet and humid environment consistent with the design theme. | stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint |  |
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Sinks and Grooming | Floor: | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment consistent with the design theme. | stone, tile, terrazzo, resilient flooring |  |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, wood, |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest for a potentially wet and humid environment consistent with the design theme | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems |  |
 | Wall: | Install materials that are non porous, easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. Conform to all local building codes and health regulations dictating material selection, and the positioning of materials around the plumbing fixtures. | stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint |  |
 | Counters: | Design a counter top, fascia, and back splash of complementary materials that are non porous, stain proof, and easily cleaned. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass, solid surface |  |
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Toilet Compartment | Floor: | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment consistent with the design theme. | stone, tile, terrazzo, resilient flooring |  |
 | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, wood |  |
 | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest for a potentially wet and humid environment consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative systems |  |
 | Wall: | Install materials that are non porous, easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. Conform to all local building codes and health regulations dictating material selection, and the positioning of materials around the plumbing fixtures. | stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint |  |
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Showers |  | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. |  |  |
 | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Consider materials that are easily installed around sloped floors and around drains. Small scaled tiles provide excellent slip resistance. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass |  |
 | Ceiling: | Install suitable ceiling materials for a wet and humid environment that may receive heavy use. At a minimum, specify a gloss at painted surfaces. | gypsum board, stone, tile, terrazzo, glass |  |
 | Wall: | Provide durable, non porous, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Stopping tile short of the ceiling is not recommended. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass |  |
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| Waiting Lounges | | | | | | | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding medium traffic with some sound absorptive properties. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring, carpeting, rugs or mats | | | | Base: | A material or detail that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative system | | | | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand medium traffic, easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative system | |
| Wet Lounge | | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. | | | | | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Consider materials that are easily installed around sloped floors and around drains. Small scaled tiles provide excel slip resistance. | stone, tile, terrazzo | | | | Base: | A material or detail that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Install suitable ceiling materials for a wet and humid environment that may receive heavy use. At a minimum, specify a gloss at painted surfaces. | gypsum board, stone, tile, terrazzo | | | | Wall: | Provide durable, non porous, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. | stone, tile, gypsum board | |
| Experience Shower | | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. | | | | | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Consider materials that are easily installed around sloped floors and around drains. Small scaled tiles provide excel slip resistance. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | | | | Ceiling: | Install suitable ceiling materials for a wet and humid environment that may receive heavy use. At a minimum, specify a gloss at painted surfaces. | gypsum board, stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | | | | Wall: | Provide durable, non porous, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Stopping tile short of the ceiling is not recommended. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | |
| Steam Room, Snow Cabin, Aromatherapy, Hammam, Rhassoul | | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. | | | | | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Consider materials that are easily installed around sloped floors and around drains. Small scaled tiles provide excel slip resistance. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | | | | Ceiling: | Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a hot, wet, humid environment and consistent with the design theme. Slope the ceiling at steamed rooms to avoid condensation dripping on spa guests. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | | | | Wall: | Provide durable, non porous, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a hot, wet, humid environment and consistent with the design theme. Ceramic tile is usually easier to clean than stone tile. Stone frequently dissipates heat faster than ceramic tile and may require larger steam units. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | | | | Bench: | Ensure bench edges are rounded and comfortable for seated users. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass | |
| Sauna | | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. | | | | | Floor : | Install duck board flooring over water proof flooring below. Slope the water proof flooring to a drain for regular cleaning. | cedar, redwood, white spruce | | | | Ceiling: | Provide tongue and groove ceiling, see manufacture installation instructions for ceiling requirements. | cedar, redwood, white spruce | | | | Wall: | Provide tongue and groove wall, see manufacture installation instructions for partition requirements. | cedar, redwood, white spruce | | | | Bench: | Ensure bench edges are rounded and comfortable for seated users. | cedar, redwood, white spruce | |
| Multi-purpose treatment Rooms and Suites, Hydrotherapy Room and Couples Room | | | | | | | Floor : | Install a durable material capable of withstanding low traffic with some sound absorptive properties and allow easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other treatment products. Carpeting is not recommended but does add warmth and sound absorption to the room. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring, rugs or mats | carpeting | | | Floor at rooms offering Skin Care : | Install a durable non-porous material capable of withstanding low traffic with some sound absorptive properties and allow easy clean up of oils, waxes, and other treatment products. Carpeting may not be allowed by local building or health codes. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, resilient flooring | carpeting | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative system | acoustical ceiling tile | | | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand oils, waxes and other treatment products that is easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative system | | | | Counters: | Design a counter top, fascia, and back splash of complementary materials that are non porous, stain proof, and easily cleaned. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass, high pressure laminate | tile with numerous grout joints |
| Vichy and Scrub Rooms | | Install water resistant and mould resistant wall board at partitions and ceilings. | | | | | Floor : | Construct a tiled water proof floor sloped towards a center drain(s) located under the treatment table. Slope the floor .63cm (1/4") per foot. Provide durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet humid environment and consistent with the design theme. Consider materials that are easily installed around sloped floors and around drains. Small scaled tiles provide excellent slip resistance. | stone, tile, terrazzo | carpeting | | | Ceiling: | Install suitable ceiling materials for a wet and humid environment. Specify gloss paint at gypsum board ceilings. If the steam option is included with the Vichy shower, tile the ceiling completely. | gypsum board, stone, tile | | | | Wall: | Provide durable, non porous, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment and consistent with the design theme. Install tile a minimum of 1.82m (6') up the walls. If the steam option is included with the Vichy shower, tile the walls completely. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass , provide scrubbable architectural finish or wallcovering above if the wall is only partially tiled | | | | Counters: | Install a high quality, stain-proof, non-porous, and easily cleaned material. If the counter is close to the Vichy shower, slope the counter for drainage. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass, stainless steel | |
| Thai Massage Room | | | | | | | Floor : | Install a durable cushioned material capable of withstanding low traffic with some sound absorptive properties. | tatami, carpet, resilient floor with rugs, mats | Stone, tile | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops and vacuums. | stone, tile, terrazzo, wood, carpet | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a ceiling with design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, wood, paint, or other decorative system | acoustical ceiling tile | | | Wall: | Install interesting materials that withstand oils, waxes and other treatment products that is easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | paneling, stone, tile, wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative system | | | | Counters: | Install a high quality, stain-proof, non-porous, and easily cleaned material. If the counter is close to the Vichy shower, slope the counter for drainage. | stone, tile, terrazzo, glass, stainless steel | |
| Clean and Soiled Linen Staging | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes capable of withstanding cart traffic. | tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete, possibly carpeting | carpeting | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Install corner guards and wall guards | painted gypsum board, FRP | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | | | | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| Linen Storage, Laundry Folding | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete, possibly carpeting | carpeting | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board, FRP | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | | | | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| Staff Lounge | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring | sealed concrete, carpeting | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | | | | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| Staff Lockers | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring | sealed concrete, carpeting | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | | | | Lockers: | Economical material | plastic, metal, or plastic laminate | |
| Staff Restroom | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical, durable, non porous, slip resistant, easily cleaned, finishes designed for a wet environment. | stone, tile, terrazzo, resilient flooring | carpeting | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | stone, tile | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Install materials that are non porous, easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. Conform to all local building codes and health regulations dictating material selection, and the positioning of materials around the plumbing fixtures. | stone, tile, wall covering, paint, FRP | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate, tile | | | | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| Dispensary | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring | sealed concrete, carpeting | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | | | | Millwork: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| Storage, Recycling areas | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete, possibly carpeting | | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board | |
| Housekeeping | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide economical durable finishes | tile, resilient flooring, sealed concrete | | | | Base: | Economical material | rubber base, tile, wood | | | | Ceiling: | Economical material | painted gypsum board or acoustical ceiling tile | | | | Wall: | Economical material | painted gypsum board, FRP | | | | Counters: | Economical material | plastic laminate | |
| FITNESS | | Specify finishes consistent with an upscale health club | | | | Fitness - Cardio | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous easily cleaned, finishes designed for fitness environments. | wood , resilient flooring, occasionally carpet, rubber | | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | Wood, rubber | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a relatively economical material installed with some design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile, wood, paint, or decorative system | | | | Wall: | Install relatively economical material with some design interest that withstand medium traffic, easily cleaned, and easily repaired if damaged. | wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or decorative system | |
| Fitness - Strength | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide cushioned flooring at all free weight areas. | rubber flooring, carpet | | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a relatively economical material installed with some design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile, wood, paint, or decorative system | | | | Wall: | Provide a wall of full length mirrors | | |
| Fitness - Stability | | | | | | | Floor: | Provide durable, non porous easily cleaned, finishes designed for fitness with shock absorption. | Wood, resilient flooring | | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | wood | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a relatively economical material installed with some design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile, wood, paint, or other decorative system | | | | Wall: | Install relatively economical material with some design interest that withstands medium traffic, easily cleaned, and easily repaired. Include mirrors that could be concealed behind screening devices such as draperies, sliding panels, blinds, etc. | wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative system | |
| Fitness - Studios | | | | | | | Floor : | Provide durable, non porous easily cleaned, finishes designed for fitness with shock absorption. | wood , resilient flooring | | | | Base: | A material that complements the floor and capable of withstanding damage from mops, vacuums, and floor polishing machines | wood | | | | Ceiling: | Provide a relatively economical material installed with some design interest consistent with the design theme. | gypsum board, acoustical ceiling tile, wood, paint, or other decorative system | | | | Wall: | Install relatively economical material with some design interest that withstands medium traffic, easily cleaned, and easily repaired. Include mirrors that could be concealed behind screening devices such as draperies, sliding panels, blinds, etc. | wood, wall covering, paint, plaster, or other decorative system | |