Oak: A Grounding Element of Biophilic Design

The look of oak is a calming, natural design selection ideal for healthcare settings. Variation in stain colors for this trusty wood adds the welcome sense of the outdoors to an often-stressful environment. Incorporation of biophilic design elements such as wood, the colors of nature, water features and more enables patients, visitors, caregivers and staff to find a sense of respite.
Formica^® Brand oak décors work beautifully for furniture, cabinetry, accent walls, doors, countertops and more in spaces such as:

• Waiting and reception areas
• Lobbies and elevator cabs
• Meeting rooms
• Patient rooms
• Bathrooms
• Breakrooms
• Locker rooms

Explore how these different oak tones can achieve remarkably different design aesthetics.

It’s so nice to enter a warm, inviting healthcare space that features modern design sensibilities. Light oaks such as Formica^® Laminate in Planked Urban Oak and Planked Raw Oak accomplish this by imbuing waiting areas and patient spaces with a clean, airy feel.

Minimalist hygge interiors call for just the right woodgrain laminate. Scandi Rift Oak Formica^® Laminate is a light, whitened natural shade while Swede Rift Oak Formica^® Laminate offers a more classic, medium tone. 

Long considered a cousin to oak, ash is used extensively for furniture. With its warm, neutral tones, Ashwood Oak Formica^® Laminate is an ash woodgrain pattern stained in a modern oak color. In addition to furniture, it’s excellent for doors, tabletops and millwork. 

With elegant straight graining, Formica^® Laminate in Grayed Oak and Inked Oak offers a modern take on traditional oaks. A major benefit of these selections is that their colorations don’t fade over time like gray or black stain on natural wood. The look of gray and black oak is particularly good for vanity healthcare and elective service providers as they make a unique design statement. 

An Easily Cleaned, Sustainable Surfacing Choice

Not only is Formica^® Brand oak laminate an attractive and sustainable choice made with recycled paper content, but it’s also one that stands up to the rigorous cleaning and disinfection standards in healthcare. 

Explore the full range of oak and other wood-look options in the Formica^® Woodgrain Laminate Collection.