In recent years, restaurant rubber flooring has become a popular choice for many commercial businesses, including restaurant kitchens. The reasons for selecting rubber flooring for restaurants include its ability to resist stains, durability, ease of cleaning, low maintenance, and extreme toughness with the ability to withstand significant foot and roller traffic. Despite these advantages, rubber flooring has not caught up for use in residential kitchens, and the two primary reasons are limited design and color options. Because of its ruggedness and durability, however, it is a worthwhile consideration in commercial kitchens.
BENEFITS OF RUBBER FLOORING FOR RESTAURANTS
Rubber flooring has many functional and performance advantages compared to other flooring materials when it comes to commercial kitchens, and they include the following.
Hygienic
Due to its density and seamless surface, rubber flooring for restaurants does not collect dirt or food particles as other flooring options can. The dirt remains on the surface and is easily removed with regular cleaning. Rubber does not make a good home for bacteria or viruses to collect, and is, in fact, resistant to germ proliferation.
These factors lend well to food inspectors whose job it is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions to benefit both employees and patrons. Commercial kitchens have criteria that need to be maintained in order to be compliant with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules and regulations.
Durable
One of the key benefits of restaurant rubber flooring is its toughness. Rubber is extremely hard and resists the challenges of keeping up with a heavy foot and roller traffic. Rubber flooring will not be deformed or develop cracks even when heavy objects fall on it.
Even when sharp objects fall on it and pierce it, rubber can naturally heal itself, as it were, and any puncture caused by the sharp object will not enlarge but simply close. Dropped pots, hot spills, and heavy kitchen appliances will not negatively impact rubber flooring.
Slip-resistant
The kitchen is the one place in a restaurant where water, oil, and food spills are common, and this can make the floor very slippery. Commercially available restaurant rubber flooring for the kitchen has a surface texture that makes it slip-resistant even when wet.
Environmentally friendly
Rubber flooring is made from rubber derived from the sap of the runner tree. The extraction of the sap allows multiple harvesting for many years without damaging the environment or the tree. In addition, a large number of rubber floorings are made from recycled automobile tires.
This process does not clog up the landfill sites, and there is no release of toxic gases when rubber is incinerated. Hence, use of rubber flooring is very environmentally friendly.
Soundproof
In a restaurant, customers want privacy and do not want their conversations echoing all over the place. Rubber has excellent sound-absorbing properties, and noises are muffled, so you will not have to worry about other kitchen sounds disturbing conversations.
Easy to clean and maintain
Rubber flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will get rid of any debris or dust. Any scuff marks can be removed with a wet mop and detergent. There is no need to use exotic or harsh chemicals to keep rubber flooring clean.
Comfort
Despite its toughness, rubber is very comfortable to walk on. Employees who are up on their feet for long hours will find rubber flooring easy to traverse without developing pain and discomfort. More importantly, if one was to fall, the rubber flooring can help cushion the impact, lowering the risk of injuries.
Fade-resistant
Unlike some other flooring materials, rubber will not fade with time. The color of rubber will remain consistent even when exposed to sunshine.
Shatter resistant
Rubber flooring is tough and shatterproof. Even when heavy objects fall on it, the material will not develop dents, scratches, or cracks. In fact, after the heavy load is removed, the rubber flooring will revert to its original shape.
CONCLUSION
Rubber flooring is fast catching on as a popular flooring option in many commercial businesses, including restaurants and kitchens. Restaurant rubber flooring is second to none when it comes to functionality. It is perhaps the best choice for any kitchen/restaurant because not only is it slip-resistant and soundproof, but it is also extremely tough and durable.
If you are considering restaurant rubber flooring, speak to a professional from East Coast Flooring & Interiors who can reveal the pros and cons of the different flooring materials. Visit their showroom today!