In the world of commercial flooring options, the product you select isn’t just a backdrop to the space itself. Instead, it has the power to set the stage for the entire environment. You want a choice that is both visually appealing and as functional as possible. For many spaces, there are two clear choices – commercial-grade vinyl flooring and commercial laminate floors. To be sure, the decision between these two options isn’t a simple one. Instead, it’s a choice that requires a solid understanding of the characteristics of both, the benefits they can provide for a space, and the limitations they might come with. Which one is right for your space? This guide can help.
A Quick Definition of Both Flooring Choices
If you’re unfamiliar with the two flooring choices, it may help to first understand what each one truly is. Vinyl flooring is usually composed of four different layers of materials. The first one is typically cork or foam. It sits under the other layers so that you can install vinyl flooring right over the subfloor without any other material.
More than that, though, it typically works as a cushion for the floor. On top of that, you have the core of the flooring material, which is usually made from PVC. That helps to create support and stability. The print layer comes next, and it’s what people see when they look at the floor. The wear layer is next, and it helps to protect against any scratches. Finally, on the top sits a UV acrylic coating that can help prevent sun damage on the floor itself.
Laminate flooring is made from synthetic materials. It, too, has four different layers. The first one is the backer, then the core, then the decor layer, and finally the wear layer. All of those are sealed during a lamination process. It can be made to resemble some other types of flooring that are typically more expensive like wood or stone.
The Advantages of Commercial Grade Vinyl Flooring
Commercial-grade vinyl flooring offers a number of advantages you may want to consider. First, it’s entirely water resistant. That makes it great for areas where spills may become a problem. It’s relatively easy to clean, too, as you can vacuum, sweep, or wet mop the space. It has a fairly long lifespan, as you can typically get around 25 years from most thick vinyl floors.
If you select a thinner model, you can expect to get around ten years out of your flooring choice. The price range for this kind of floor is fairly wide. Depending on the style, you can expect to pay between $0.50 and $4.00 per square foot for commercial-grade vinyl. The installation process is usually relatively inexpensive, too, as this is a choice that is reasonably simple to install. It can be glued directly to the subfloor.
The Advantages of Commercial Laminate
There are just as many advantages of commercial laminate. It tends to look more realistic than vinyl flooring thanks to the high-definition photographic layer. You can mimic the color and species of any type of wood or stone flooring with laminate flooring, which may help add to the overall aesthetic appeal of a space.
It typically has a lifespan of between 15 and 25 years, depending on the level of quality you purchase at the outset. As with vinyl, the price range is wide when it comes to laminate flooring options. You’ll find it ranges from $0.50 to $8.00 depending on the style and quality you select.
Making the Choice
As you work to consider which type of flooring might best meet your needs, there’s likely one clear aspect that emerges in your mind – this is not a simple choice. Instead, it’s a nuanced decision that demands a closer look at your own needs and priorities when it comes to the right floor for your space.
At East Coast Flooring in South Florida, we’re excited to guide you through exploring both options, ensuring you discover the perfect choice to meet your commercial flooring needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about our assistance.