The best commercial kitchen flooring should meet several requirements before you consider purchasing it. As South Florida tile installers, we know what works and doesn’t. We have even been hired to tear up someone else’s previous flooring that didn’t work in order to put new flooring in; that will be a better option.

Flooring for a commercial kitchen is very important. The needs of a commercial kitchen are different than residential flooring needs or flooring in other types of rooms. The best flooring for a commercial kitchen should have the following qualities.

  1. Safety: Commercial kitchens are busy, and there are almost always water, food, and oil spills, which can make the flooring slippery. This means that no matter which flooring material one selects, it has to be safe and functional. Slip resistance should be a universal feature of all commercial kitchen floorings.
  2. Sanitary: Commercial kitchens are usually regulated by the local agencies and are policed to ensure safe and sanitary conditions are maintained.  The flooring should be seamless, easy to clean, and won’t release dirt particles in the air during the movement of heavy foot traffic.
  3. Durability: Even when many commercial kitchens are closed, the kitchen never sleeps. Often, commercial kitchens are busy 24/7, and the foot traffic can be heavy. To counter damage to the floor, one needs durable and solid flooring. At the same time, the flooring must withstand heat, humidity, and all types of food spills. Besides the heavy foot traffic, commercial kitchens also have to put up with roller traffic, heavy equipment, harsh impacts from furniture being moved around, and the possible falling of metal objects on the floor. Hence, the flooring should have an extra surface layer of coating to protect it against scratches, dents, and cracks.
  4. Aesthetics: Commercial kitchens are often exposed to the public, and, besides the vendors, even some customers may venture into the kitchen to greet the chef or say thanks to servers. Hence, having flooring with good aesthetics is also good for business. Good flooring assures the customers that the food production space is clean.
  5. Stains and grime: Commercial kitchens are synonymous with stains, oil, and grease on the flooring, no matter how well they are maintained. Therefore, the flooring should be relatively easy to clean and stain-resistant. Since food and beverage spills can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, you need flooring that is non-porous, chemical, and stain resistant.
  6. Heat: Commercial kitchens are notorious for getting hot from the cooking, and inevitably the temperature changes also lead to natural expansion and contraction of the flooring material. If the flooring material is not heat resistant, the constant expansion and contraction can lead to cracks, tears, and bubbles, lending to a faster breakdown of the flooring

THE BEST FLOORING FOR A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

The best flooring for a commercial kitchen resides with the individual needs of each kitchen.  However, quarry tile, porcelain tile, and ceramic tiles are generally good choices.  They are strong and durable materials; they are easy to clean; they are reliable choices, and they are customizable to your specific needs.

The best commercial kitchen flooring for your business needs to be safe and have traction. It needs to be sanitary and easy to clean. It also needs to be durable against impacts, wear, and serious cleaning agents. Pre-treated flooring aids with infection control. Finally, it needs to be comfortable to stand on day after day.  All this needs to be rolled into kitchen flooring that looks good and maintains your business’s atmosphere.

Temperature Variations

When considering flooring types, consider the temperature variations within this environment. For example, there is obviously a big difference between the area under the stoves/ovens and the walk-in cooler or freezer. The flooring and subflooring will contract and expand differently, and you don’t want to risk the flooring separating from the underlying layer.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

For decades, tiles have been a popular flooring for commercial kitchens. The glazed clay tiles are not only water resistant but also naturally slip resistant – making them an ideal choice.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles have been used for many years in the hospitality industry, including commercial kitchens, primarily because of their durability and strength. ceramic tiles can withstand heavy foot, roller traffic, and dings from moving furniture.

Ceramic tiles are a great solution for the best commercial kitchen flooring. You’ll need to ensure it is glazed; otherwise, the surface would be too porous (leading to the potential growth of bacteria). The glaze also adds a layer of protection from spills and daily wear and can resemble a wide variety of surfaces, such as wood or stone. This makes it a stellar choice because you can easily create the aesthetic you want. And if a tile cracks or breaks for some reason? They’re easy to replace one by one!  If you choose ceramic tile, keep in mind that it is hard underfoot. Add padded mats in areas where people will be standing for long periods of time.  Where some kitchens are usually warm and humid, ceramic tiles can be a blessing as they can impart a cool sensation on the feet.

Ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain, and it is more absorbent. It is made of natural clay and baked at a high temperature, whereas porcelain tile is made of clay that is denser along with sand that has been finely ground and baked at even higher temperatures than ceramic. Porcelain is water-resistant and a good choice for higher-traffic areas.

Proper ceramic tile flooring installation requires the expert use of different mortars, grouts, and other specialized tools. These factors make it a difficult job, so you will want to work with a flooring company that is reputable, reliable, and has the expertise to handle your flooring needs in a timely and cost-effective way. 

Ceramic is tried and true as kitchen flooring. Unglazed ceramic is porous, so you’ll need a glass glaze across the surface for a kitchen. This adds protection against wear and spills. The best features of tile include ease of cleaning and maintenance, durability, and cost.

THE RIGHT INSTALLER IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE RIGHT FLOORING

After you have chosen the best flooring for a commercial kitchen floor, you will want to find the best possible installers. Properly installed flooring requires skill and experience. Without proper installation, the money you are spending on your flooring is going to increase over time due to maintenance and repair needs. 

Rely on East Coast Flooring & Interiors for your flooring and installation needs. Kitchen flooring for your business should be professionally installed to ensure every requirement is fulfilled in a lasting way. Call them today at 1-954-266-0841 for a free estimate and to get answers to your questions.