When selecting commercial flooring for the bathroom, one will usually have to strike a balance between aesthetics and durability, while remaining on a budget. Even if bathroom commercial flooring is hidden in a corner out of sight from the view of the public, it has to have the same character and vibe as the rest of the establishment. The flooring is critical to the bathroom, and it is one of the first things customers see when entering the place. The appearance of commercial bathrooms matter.

Bathroom commercial flooring has come a long way in terms of design. Many public bathrooms now offer cutting-edge technology and advanced materials that have sustainable as well as stylish qualities. They also have hygienic, safe, and durable characteristics. Commercial flooring for the bathroom is one of the most essential elements as it impacts everything from safety and durability to cost and liability. There are more commercial bathroom flooring options than ever: Which is the right one for you? Let’s see.

Flooring “Must-Haves” for Commercial Bathrooms

The key to commercial bathroom design is using products that provide not only stylish features but prove functional as well. New high-quality bathroom products, such as lavatory fixtures and washroom accessories that utilize stylish elements, can create a common aesthetic to integrate the look of the space. 

For example, when used throughout a bathroom, the modern design of new stainless-steel accessories (hand dryers, toilet paper dispenses, towel dispensers, waste receptables) can create a completely uniform aesthetic. Commercial flooring for the bathroom needs to be taken into consideration when designing the area. 

Commercial Bathroom Flooring Needs To Offer:

  • Water Resistance. Commercial bathrooms often deal with a large amount of water. This may be from sink splashes, overflowing toilets, a wet mop, or wet footwear. In addition, bathrooms tend to have high levels of moisture and humidity. Floors cannot be porous or permeable; this allows liquid to penetrate the surface. It becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. For the most part, too much water on the floor usually damages the flooring and reduces its lifespan. Thus, if you want to avoid damage and/or prevent the bathroom from looking old and worn, select flooring that is moisture resistant. Even though most flooring materials are sealed to prevent moisture seepage, the owner must ensure that the flooring is regularly checked for sealing damage. Flooring that is naturally resistant to water prevents this, as well as reduces costs and time associated with regular sealing of porous surfaces.
  • Durability. These spaces tend to see a great deal of foot traffic, which is worse when the establishment includes a bar and/or restaurant. You need a floor that is resistant to wear and tear, scratching, fading, and cracking.
  • Safety. Flooring that does not have adequate traction can lead to slips, falls, injuries, and lawsuits. Liability is a major concern, and you can mitigate your risk by choosing the right floor surface. Keeping customers and clients safe should be a priority and, therefore, you must select flooring that is anti-slip. In addition, you also want flooring that will cushion and reduce the impact of any fall. Both linoleum and vinyl can get slippery when wet, but vinyl also comes with a surface anti-slip coating that reduces the risk of falls.
  • Health. In addition to the growth of mold and mildew that we mentioned above (which is particularly detrimental to those with allergies or respiratory issues, like asthma), you should consider the growth of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungus) that can impact health. Some floors trap these microscopic pests, and they are all but impossible to eliminate.
  • Design. As we mentioned, design is an important element to consider. Does the bathroom align with the overall environment you’re creating? Does it convey a message of professionalism and quality? 
  • Ease of cleaning. Commercial bathrooms get dirty all the time because of the high frequency of usage. As well, some patrons can be a little sloppy. If the bathroom appears dirty, word can quickly spread and negatively affect the business. Therefore, you want flooring that is easy and quick to clean. In addition, you want to avoid flooring patterns that make the flooring look dark and dirtier than it really is. If you select flooring that looks clean to begin with, that can work well in your favor. 
  • Affordability. In addition to the initial cost, think about ongoing costs of maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement. Spending a bit more at the outset can save you both time and money later. While cost is always a consideration, it is important never to sacrifice quality. If you install low-cost flooring, then most likely it will not last long and you will end up replacing it very soon, which eventually would cost more than installing good quality flooring in the first place. Vinyl is slightly more expensive than linoleum, but it also has many features that are suitable for a commercial bathroom. Linoleum is not a bad option; the only downside is that you do not have many choices in designs to select from.

Top Commercial Bathroom Flooring Options

Below are common materials used for commercial bathroom flooring:

  • Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring: LVT is one of the most functional, versatile, and flexible commercial bathroom flooring options available. The design options are all but endless, and LVT can mimic surfaces like wood, marble, and porcelain at a fraction of the cost. In addition, it is easy to clean and maintain, install, comfortable to walk on, and impervious to water penetration. The one downside to luxury vinyl is that the installation has to be perfect so that the edges do not permit moisture to enter the subflooring; therefore, professional installation is highly recommended. If well maintained, luxury vinyl flooring can easily last several decades.
  • Vinyl: Durable and less expensive than ceramic, vinyl can be mopped or wet-cleaned because moisture can’t penetrate it. The latest vinyl also comes with a commercial-grade wear layer that can withstand significant foot traffic. It is available in 6- and 9-foot widths and should be installed in one piece to eliminate seams. Seams can pull apart over time, allowing water and dirt to intrude. This can lead to a much shorter flooring lifespan. The other negative of vinyl is that the flooring can be punctured by sharp objects and be dented by heavy objects. Finally, vinyl is not biodegradable,
  • Ceramic and Porcelain:  Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been around for decades and are perhaps the most popular flooring for bathrooms. The reason is that these tiles are naturally water resistant and very durable. They are also affordable, easy to clean, and require little maintenance. They are available in many designs, colors, shapes, and sizes. Kiln-fired ceramics are as hard as stone, and, in many cases, even harder. When treated with the right glaze, they are resistant to water penetration and staining. Like LVT, ceramic flooring can be printed to resemble other materials, like hardwood or natural stone. While both porcelain and ceramic tiles look similar, they do have a few key differences. Ceramic is more resistant than porcelain, has a lower density, and it is less expensive. Porcelain is more durable because of its high density and will last longer. Both can get slippery when wet and, therefore, spills should be cleaned promptly. If you are on a tight budget and want flooring that is elegant and durable, ceramic tiles may be the right choice for you.
  • Concrete: This is a low-cost option that is quite versatile as you can polish, paint, stain, or apply decorative treatments. Concrete is easy to maintain, and you just need to seal it regularly to keep it in top shape. It is known for its industrial-chic look – but that may be perfect for your aesthetic. Concrete is exceptionally durable and resilient, being able to withstand significant foot and heavy equipment traffic. It is almost impossible to create scratches or dents in concrete with regular use. More importantly, concrete is moisture resistant and, therefore, ideal for wet environments. Waterproof barriers can also be added to the concrete surface, as well as some coatings that can provide antibacterial protection and have anti-slip properties. Concrete flooring manufactured superior materials shouldn’t have cracks or crevices on the surface that can hide bacteria or food or dirt particles.

Properly installed and sealed concrete can easily last half a century or more even in harsh environments. This means that while concrete may have higher upfront costs, you will save money in the long run as you will most likely never need to replace the flooring. Finally, with new technology, other flooring materials can mimic concrete for a fraction of the cost. There are many designs of concrete flooring, and you are at liberty to add graphics and engravings on the surface. The few drawbacks of concrete include its hard surface, which can make it uncomfortable to walk on for long periods. However, the hardness can be reduced by placing anti-fatigue mats in select areas. Concrete also feels cold but no more than ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles. Further, concrete does not have any sound muffling ability; therefore, to lower noise, you can place heavy rugs or mats on the flooring.

  • Natural Stone: This material is durable, and the dimensional texture offers traction. Natural stone is fast becoming popular as flooring for commercial bathrooms chiefly because of its durability, beauty, and ability to resist water damage. There are several types of natural stone tiles that include granite, limestone, travertine, and marble. All are elegant and offer great functionality for a commercial bathroom. Natural stone is relatively easy to install and requires minimal maintenance aside from regular sweeping and mopping. 

The one disadvantage to natural stone is the initial cost, which can be significant depending on the bathroom size and type of stone. If you have an elegant and sophisticated business, however, your bathroom flooring should match the rest of the establishment. You certainly will not go wrong with stone tiles. Marble tends to be a more expensive choice for stone tile and it is also the most slippery. Granite that has been refined is less slippery than marble but, as with all stone, spills need to be cleaned up promptly. Keep in mind that stone floors are porous and will need to be treated once or twice each year. If a heavy object strikes it, stone can also chip or crack.

  • Brick: This is also an option for commercial bathrooms. Brick is one of the oldest building materials composed of several types of clay. Brick is widely used in residential and commercial wall construction or paving surfaces, but now it is finding usefulness in the bathroom. The brick is too heavy to be installed on a wooden frame; therefore, the subfloor should be made of concrete. Brick has many features that make it suitable for bathroom flooring, including durability, strength, and resilience. More importantly, brick is fire- and heat-proof, hypoallergenic, and very easy to clean and maintain. The downside to brick is that it requires proper sealing to prevent seepage of moisture and protect it from stains. In addition, brick is hard and cold. 

The cost of brick flooring is the same as some other floorings but less expensive than stone. The key reason why brick is popular in commercial businesses is because of its durability, ability to withstand significant traffic, and it is easy of cleaning. Brick also lends the bathroom a warm, rich, and rugged look. It is rugged, but it, too, needs to be sealed to prevent water penetration, staining, and other damage. For a commercial bathroom, brick flooring can save money in the long run.

CONCLUSION

With so many bathroom commercial flooring options available, it can be difficult to select the right one for your business. It’s a big decision and one that will have an impact on your business day in and day out. Get in touch with top South Florida flooring specialists, East Coast Flooring & Interiors. We are here to walk you through the pros and cons, show you samples, help you select what works for you, and install flooring that will perform beautifully for years.  Call us today at 1-954-266-0841.