Hospitality flooring never gets a break. It takes a beating every day. Whether you own or manage a hotel, restaurant, club or other venue, you know that high foot traffic means constant wear and tear. When designing for this market, designers and proprietors are constantly evaluating hospitality design flooring ideas that are durable and sustainable.
Hospitality design flooring ideas can be challenging. Not every hospitality venue can handle the same materials. Hotels require different flooring than restaurants, and cruise ships require a host of flooring materials for different zones. No matter the venue, hospitality flooring must meet the same criterion: it must perform, be slip-resistant and be able to hold up to heavy foot traffic for long periods of time. With advances in technology and production, the materials available are vast, dramatically impacting hospitality design flooring ideas.
Carpet will always play a major role in the hospitality industry. From cruise ships to hotels to casinos to restaurants, Broadloom and Axminsters with bold patterns continue to dominate the sector in public spaces, corridors, ballrooms and meeting rooms. These popular carpet installations absorb sound, provide heat insulation and create a safe environment, providing a non-slip surface and the ability to soften any impact. In addition, these carpets absorb airborne pollutants, allowing for better air quality indoors. Plus, they are easy to clean.
Following a trend in the shelter sector, hoteliers have realized the value of hard surfaces in aesthetics, health and ease of maintenance. Today more hotels (and motels) are incorporating ceramic, stone, wood and faux wood flooring in the lobbies, baths and restaurants. Vinyl and linoleum are also popular choices across the hospitality sector for their durability and ease of maintenance. These materials are especially favored for their durability, lasting up to 15 years. There are a variety of tile sizes, patterns and colors to choose from. Vinyl and linoleum have come a long way and the reproduction of natural flooring materials enables hospitality sectors to create environments where guests will want to spend time and money. Plus, the materials are easy to clean, stain resistant and also serve both the purposes of practicality and aesthetics.
Cruise ships are also taking a cue from the hotel sector. Notorious for installing flooring that will bedazzle, many cruise lines are now adding hard surfaces at the reception area, on main decks, restaurants, clubs and bars, and in the private suites and high-traffic areas.
Restaurants present a number of flooring challenges, as each venue has different requirements. But there are some factors to consider when looking at hospitality design flooring ideas, including traffic pattern, acoustics, ease of maintenance, aesthetics, comfort for the servers and kitchen staff, and ease of moving furniture.
While carpet has long been installed in restaurants, alternative materials like polished concrete – which is highly durable and easy to maintain – is turning heads. Incredibly durable and long-lasting, concrete flooring requires virtually no maintenance. By treating the surface of the floor with a clear seal coat, owners will find that spills and other messes are easy to clean and will not stain.
Ceramic and porcelain tile are also widely used because of their strength and durability. Ceramic tile can withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as scrapes from chairs and tables, and it’s unlikely to chip or crack. Tile that is properly installed is also virtually waterproof, making it both sanitary and easy to clean. Because it is made from all-natural clay and sand, tile is also environmentally friendly and does not release harmful fumes or gases into the air. Tile is available in a large variety of styles, colors and textures, allowing restaurant owners to find a style to suit any floor plan and décor theme.
There is plenty of design flexibility when it comes to hospitality design flooring ideas. Flooring experts recommend you work with a flooring designer who can help you every step of the way.