Flooring systems are an essential component of any commercial building interior. Business owners factor in several considerations when choosing the right type of flooring for their workplace - whether it's a large warehouse or a mid-size office space. Despite having various flooring options to choose from and factors to consider, you must always prioritize the type of facility you have.
Commercial space flooring requirements are entirely different from residential flooring in terms of functionality and durability. A well-designed floor layout can affect work areas, control noise, and even promote safety. The style and color of commercial floors also affect worker productivity and morale and the company's brand aesthetic.
But what type of floor does your commercial space need, and how can you choose the most suitable option for your business needs? Here is a comprehensive checklist of pointers you need to consider when selecting the right flooring system for your property.
1. Sustainability
As the effects of global warming are now more evident, more businesses are becoming more environmentally responsible for adapting ecological practices and regulations by utilizing products that are made with recycled materials or offer sustainable features.
Reusable and recycled materials are now dominating the floor manufacturing industry as they help lessen the carbon footprint. While inorganic materials often have superior features than the more sustainable ones, modern advancements have gradually increased organic floor products' quality, features, and resilience.
2. Creative Design
Traditional office space designs were often monotonous and formal. Now that we are in the age of dynamic corporate culture, most of the standard workforce comprises a much younger generation - utterly different from a decade ago.
This youthful upgrade caused many variations in the color, style, and texture of flooring systems. Bold patterns and vibrantly colored floors now replace traditional monochromatic patterns. This change has dramatically affected the rise of modular flooring in the commercial sector due to its versatility and capacity to complement any office space design.
3. Safety
Safety has a considerable impact on the workplace, and it should be one of the primary considerations in choosing the design and functionality of your flooring system. To ensure the safety of your employees and clients, you need to align the flooring material and the floor hatch installed with commercial flooring regulations.
Another factor that can help you promote safety in the workplace is by choosing slip-resistant floors that can effectively cover floor entrances and other areas where spills might be more common. Installing barrier tiles and entry matting systems significantly impacts the facility's overall safety without sacrificing aesthetics and design.
4. Luxurious Flooring
Luxurious flooring is no longer reserved for the wealthy as this option is now becoming increasingly accepted in commercial settings. Manufacturers incorporate quality and cost-efficient materials to luxury vinyl tiles and textured carpet tiles to bring sophistication and style into the modern office space. While luxurious floors are more prevalent in residential homes, business owners now recognize the benefits they stand to gain in choosing luxury tiles.
5. Ease of Maintenance
Commercial floors are more susceptible to damage and deterioration than residential floors due to foot traffic and sometimes the continuous flow of heavy machinery. When choosing commercial floors, durability and water resistance are significant features that you need to look for, especially in high-traffic areas such as entryways, lobbies, and bathrooms.
Longevity and ease of maintenance are some features that you may want your business floor to have since cleanliness is essential in workspaces. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance help retain the durability and lifespan of the floor tiles, which in return, would reduce the replacement and repair cost.
Ensure that you thoroughly check the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions on the specification document. The wear rating, castor chair test, stain resistance, and color fades are critical factors in choosing the right commercial floor.
Flooring Options for Commercial Spaces
The upswing in construction spending and growth in urban areas has led to a surge in commercial flooring projects. It's not just the new facilities that require a practical and architecturally-pleasing flooring solution. Old buildings and office spaces are also showing signs of deterioration that business owners are remodeling worn surfaces to improve productivity, safety, and minor repair and maintenance costs.
While cost and functionality are the main drivers of deciding which type of floor would be best for a workspace, aesthetic and visual appeal are also considered important factors. Let's have a look at the most common flooring options that are ideal for any commercial space.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is a reliable, classic building material becoming more popular because it features a polished and contemporary look without breaking the bank. Business owners also recognize the floor's ability to reduce maintenance costs compared to other traditional options substantially.
It also features light reflectivity that can significantly lessen utility cost, which is a considerable expense in most industries. Polished concrete is also sustainable, with very minimal waste produced during installation. This trendy flooring option also helps improve air quality since the surface is mold, dust, and allergen resistant.
Epoxy Flooring
The popularity of epoxy flooring has significantly grown in recent years due to its outstanding features. It is becoming a frequent choice in commercial settings, including automotive facilities, oil and gas manufacturing plants, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage plants, airports, schools and colleges, and parking facilities.
Epoxy coatings can be customized to the workspace demands and are highly resistant to depreciation and other everyday abrasions. Moreover, epoxy floors have excellent insulating properties and can perform under a wide range of temperatures. You may also apply several coatings that provide chemical and heat resistance and high UV stability, making epoxy a top choice for high-performance areas.
Vinyl
Hardwood and stone flooring are often expensive options, but vinyl is your best option if you wish to attain the look without the upkeep maintenance it requires. It is a fully synthetic polymer with three classifications: vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl composition tile (VCT), and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Builders primarily use vinyl floors in offices, schools, hospitals, and hotel lobbies due to their moisture-resistant surface, durability, and design variations.
Laminate
Laminate floors are relatively new to the industry, but it is highly durable, hygienic, and easy to maintain. While it is generally expensive to hardwood, laminates can be challenging to repair when damaged. This floor option is also waterproof and often installed in LEED-certified facilities.
Every commercial space is slightly different; that is why you need to consider your business's needs and functions carefully. Ask yourself these key considerations and thoroughly examine each flooring solution available to ensure that your design choice will improve not only the overall appearance of your business but your employees as well.
