Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Material for Your Medical Cart

A medical cart is one of the hardest-working pieces of equipment in any healthcare setting. Its ability to support clinical workflow, withstand constant use, and, most importantly, maintain rigorous infection control standards depends largely on one key factor, the material it’s built from.
At Cartstrong, we understand that every unit and every department has unique demands. That’s why we offer our industry-leading carts in five high-performance materials. Choosing the right one ensures your equipment is not only functional but also a wise, long-term investment.
Exploring Cartstrong's Material Options
Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, cutting-edge infection control, or absolute durability, we have a material engineered for your specific environment.

Health-Grade Laminate
Our laminate is engineered beyond typical office standards, built to be fluid-resistant and withstand rigorous daily cleaning. It provides unparalleled design flexibility, allowing vast color and finish choices to create a warmer, less clinical environment.
Best for: General patient rooms, administrative areas, and supply carts where customization and aesthetics are key.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil uses a high-quality vinyl film applied with heat to create a seamless, non-porous surface that wraps edges. This process eliminates crevices where pathogens accumulate, making it extremely easy to clean and offering a superior level of hygiene.
Best for: Surfaces and panels requiring a durable and seamless, easy-to-clean finish with a polished look.
Kydex
Kydex is a tough acrylic-PVC alloy that delivers unmatched impact resistance against daily cart traffic. It resists a wide array of harsh chemicals and germicidal cleaners without breaking down, ensuring a pristine surface under heavy clinical use.
Best for: Utility carts, bedside cabinets, and high-traffic areas prone to dents, physical abuse, and constant daily wear.
Antimicrobial Plastic Resin
Our Antimicrobial carts feature a specialized plastic resin infused with an exclusive, non-leaching additive. This ensures continuous protection, proven to inhibit 99.99% of microbial growth on the surface, proactively supplementing existing cleaning protocols.
Best for: High-acuity areas, isolation rooms, ICUs, and departments where advanced infection control is paramount.
Clinical Grade Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is entirely non-porous, providing maximum resistance to microbial adherence. This rugged material is highly chemical-tolerant and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for areas requiring the harshest cleaning and extreme temperatures.
Best for: Operating rooms (ORs), procedure rooms, sterilization areas, and pharmacy.
The materials your medical carts are made from directly impact your workflow, infection control efforts, and budget. By offering a comprehensive suite of advanced options, from customizable laminate and seamless thermofoil to ultra-durable kydex, proactively clean antimicrobial resin, and sterile stainless steel, Cartstrong ensures you never have to compromise.
Ready to build a cart that meets your exact clinical needs? Contact us to request more information or to receive a quote.