Commercial flooring can take a beating from the very first day it is installed. No matter what type of commercial business you have, the flooring is likely to face heavy foot and roller traffic, spills from all types of liquids, people walking in with all types of shoes wear, and, of course, the rain, snow, and ice that is a common problem during the winter months in some locations.
No matter what type of commercial business you own, you still need some modicum of good aesthetics in your flooring. Inadequate flooring gives a negative impression to your customers/clients.
If you are considering installing flooring for your business, there are two major elements you should consider ahead of time:
- 1) What features are essential for commercial flooring?
- 2) What should I look for in a contractor for your commercial flooring
Features To Be Considered For Commercial Flooring
Durability
One of the most important features you want in commercial flooring is durability. Because most businesses have heavy foot and roller traffic (wheeled equipment), it is important to select flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear. You want flooring that will last at least two decades or more.
In addition, if there is a crack or tear in the flooring, ideally you would want to only have to replace the damaged section and not redo the entire floor. For the flooring to be durable, it must also be scratch-resistant, chemical liquid-resistant, moisture resistant, and be able to withstand extreme temperatures that are common in many areas.
A few durable floorings that can be used for commercial businesses include rubber, nylon carpeting, luxury vinyl (which includes floating vinyl flooring), and laminate. Floating vinyl flooring using planks is a type of flooring that uses tongue-and-groove installation to allow it to “float” above the subfloor. Another great alternative is engineered wood, which not only has pleasing aesthetics but is also very durable. Unlike hardwood, engineered wood is moisture resistant.
Aesthetics
You do not have to sacrifice aesthetics for durability; you can have both, especially in this day and age of photographic print processes. There is no question that having aesthetically pleasing flooring is necessary for most commercial businesses. One of the first things clients/customers see when they walk into a business is flooring.
You should select flooring that is inviting, warm, pleasing, and easy to keep clean. Today, several floorings are aesthetically pleasing, and they include luxury vinyl, laminate, and tiles. Hardwood is an excellent flooring material with exceptional aesthetics and durability, but because it is not moisture resistant, its use should be limited to those businesses that do not get a lot of moisture.
Ease of Cleaning
Another feature that you should consider for the best flooring for commercial use is the ease of cleaning. In most businesses, the flooring tends to get dirty quickly and needs to be cleaned or swept every day. You want flooring that is relatively easy to clean and does not require exotic solutions and machines for maintenance.
For example, carpets need regular shampooing, which can be problematic. Instead, you want flooring that can be cleaned quickly with a vacuum or a mop. You do not want to have to close entire floors in a business just for cleaning. Flooring that can be cleaned with ease includes luxury vinyl, rubber, hardwood, and laminate.
Antimicrobial
With some commercial businesses, like hospitals and clinics, not only should the flooring be easy to clean, but it should also have features that prevent the collection of bacteria and other debris in the corners and along edges. If debris is allowed to congregate, bacteria can quickly multiply and spread throughout the entire hospital, medical center, or any other susceptible location.
One of the ways to prevent this is by selecting flooring that is seamless, nonporous, and water-resistant. Flooring that meets these criteria includes rubber, tiles, luxury vinyl, and the latest generation laminate. Many of the newer floorings may have an extra surface layer that is not only moisture-resistant but also slip-resistant. Make sure that you specify your needs.
Safety
In most commercial businesses, the foot traffic is heavy, and people are rushing to get where they are going. In addition, if your business involves a cafeteria or restaurant where liquid spills are not uncommon, you definitely want to make sure that the flooring is not slippery. Hence, the safety of the flooring is critical; you do not want employees, clients, or vendors to slip or trip on the flooring. Make sure you select flooring that is anti-slip. Today, you can have an anti-slip covering placed on top of most floorings. These coverings also prevent the usual scratches and dents to the flooring.
Easy to Install
When selecting any flooring, you want to be sure that it can be installed without problems. You surely do not want to have to close the business for 5-7 days just to have the flooring installed. Depending on the size of the business, expect flooring installation to take 2-3 days. Of course, overnight installation is preferred as this prevents the business from shutting down at all unless your business operates 24/7.
In addition, you also want flooring that can be easily removed when it comes time for a replacement. Some floorings are stuck down to the floor with strong adhesives and can be very difficult to remove. Floorings that are easy to install include luxury vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, and rubber.
Floating vinyl flooring uses a tongue-and-groove method of installation. In each case, you should have the right contractor to ensure that the installation is done properly without leaving any gaps along the edges where water or dirt, and debris could seep through.
Low Maintenance
For commercial businesses, you ideally want flooring that requires little maintenance. You do not want to shut down the business every few months just because the flooring needs to be polished or resurfaced. Even if maintenance is required, the business should not have to close for the maintenance to be performed. Flooring that needs minimal maintenance includes luxury vinyl, laminate, rubber, and tiles. Of course, you still have to keep them clean.
Sustainability
Today, more businesses have become eco-friendly, and it is almost a prerequisite that flooring is sustainable. This means that the flooring is manufactured in an environmentally friendly way and is reusable and recyclable. Several floorings meet this criterion and include rubber, tiles, and luxury vinyl.
Creative Designs
In businesses, it is important to have flooring that matches the interior decor. Thankfully, almost every flooring available today comes in many styles, designs, colors, shapes, and sizes to match any decor. Besides the traditional rectangular flooring, there are different geometric shapes with vibrant colors and bold patterns to transform the workplace. With photographic printing processes, designs are almost unlimited.
What to Look for in a Flooring Contractor
Once you decide on the flooring you want for your business, it is important to work with the right contractor. To add value to your flooring and ensure that the installation is done properly, here are a few things you should look for in a contractor:
- Needs: Does he understand what you need? When you are considering flooring options for your business, the contractor must be in tune with your needs. Not only should he be a good listener but also communicate well. Any contractor that is in a hurry to start the work is not the person you want. You want to make sure that the contractor has a plan and a good sense of your priorities. Do they understand floating vinyl flooring installation if that turns out to be your choice?
- Cost: You want to have a rough idea of the costs of labor and the flooring material. He should be able to provide you with at least a rough estimate of your cost if he is experienced and has been doing this work for some time. If not, then you should look for someone else. At the same time, you also want a contractor who can provide you with a timeline of how long the installation will take. You do not want to keep the business closed for many days or weeks. You also want to partner with a contractor who is cost-effective and reasonably priced.
- Quality: Have quality control measures in place. For the best flooring for commercial uses, the contractor must be fully aware of the risks and have quality-control measures in place. The contractor should mitigate moisture accumulation and excessive use of adhesives. In addition, he or she should be fully aware of the risks of slips and falls on wet flooring and mitigate these risks with the use of proper anti-slip surface coverings.
- Safety: Lastly, you want a contractor who has an excellent safety record while working. You want the contractor and his team to be fully insured and know the hazards of flooring installation to themselves and others. And while you may pay a little more for contractors who have safety in mind, rest assured that the outcomes will be excellent and give you peace of mind.
Consult with East Coast Flooring and Interiors
There are many things to consider when seeking the best flooring for commercial use. The best advice is to consult with a flooring expert, like East Coast Flooring & Interiors, who can advise you on your flooring choices and make recommendations. By knowing more about flooring materials and the installation process, you can make a more informed decision. Call East Coast Flooring & Interiors today at 1-954-379-8161.