How to Choose the Right Flooring for Commercial Buildings
When was the last time you walked into a building and took time to notice the floor?
Unless it was a particularly memorable pattern (like the hexagonal carpet from The Overlook Hotel in The Shining), maybe never.
Most people won’t notice or give thought to the floor of a building—unless there’s a problem. But avoiding issues associated with something that spans the entirety of your building is key to your facility’s long-term success. That’s why there are different types of flooring that cater to different operations.
When designing your project, you’ll want to select flooring that can withstand your business or organization’s day-to-day foot traffic while making the most out of your budget. It’s also worth noting that different rooms and areas in your building will require different types of flooring.
It can be overwhelming to consider all the flooring options on the market. Luckily, it’s possible to narrow down the alternatives and find the best choice for any space. To start, we created a list of things to consider when choosing the right flooring for your project.
Unique Needs of the Space
Think about the day-to-day foot traffic of the building. If you are in a business with heavy operations, such as in the industrial sector, you will have to ensure that the flooring materials can withstand heavy machinery and possible spills.
For senior living communities, hotels, and multi-family buildings, the flooring that you choose should be able to withstand spills and stains in addition to the heavy foot traffic. That said, it should also be comfortable and inviting.
Medical facilities need durable flooring that can withstand foot traffic, rolling equipment, and can be easily sanitized.
Moreover, you need to consider a material that will accommodate additional accessories such as a floor hatch.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Another important consideration when choosing commercial flooring is maintenance and cleaning.
Although there may be instances when commercial-quality carpeting can be a go-to solution, there are still many facilities that require a hard surface to ensure easy maintenance. Should you opt for carpeting, keep in mind that it often involves a significant amount of work to properly maintain and keep clean.
It’s important to weigh the long-term maintenance and replacement costs over the initial price. Laminate flooring may be more expensive initially but is easier to maintain and can last longer. And with many attractive options that mimic wood flooring and other materials, they can create a more welcoming and attractive environment for a reasonable price.
Financial Capacity
It’s easy to underestimate the impact your flooring material will have on your project’s budget. Your flooring can be a significant expense for your facility, depending on your financial resources and the nature of your business.
Aside from considering the durability and maintenance requirements, you should also ensure that the flooring is visually appealing and fits with the overall aesthetic of your building.
That said, durable, attractive flooring can often come at a premium, and your ideal option may not work with the project’s budget. Consider how much money is available for your flooring and let it guide you when choosing your materials.
Flooring Options
There are many types of flooring available on the market. These include solid wood, engineered hardwood, terrazzo, laminate wood, luxury vinyl tile, modular carpet tile, epoxy, and quarry tile – just to name a few.
While these offerings are all relatively durable and low maintenance, they’ll each have their own advantages and disadvantages that will impact your facility in unique ways.
Eco-Friendly Floors
In the past few decades, our society has adopted an increasing focus on sustainability. Whether for the well-being of the planet or for your staff, customers, or residents, eco-friendly flooring has become an increasingly popular option.
Not only do they minimize the environmental impact on the planet, but they’re typically free from harmful chemicals, irritants, and allergens.
Green floors come from environmentally friendly materials and sustainable natural components. This type of flooring is more durable than some other floors as they’re made from raw materials.
Finding the Flooring that Matches Your Needs
Flooring is a considerable investment that, if done correctly, should last a long time.
Before choosing one for your project, you should evaluate your facility’s needs and what your day-to-day operations will require of your flooring material. Choosing the wrong kind of flooring may end up in expensive maintenance or replacement costs a few years down the road.
Your construction partner can help guide you and provide insights into the choices and options that make the most sense for your specific needs and budget.
Posted May 10, 2021