For owners of commercial restaurants, there are at least half a dozen flooring materials to consider, each with its own pros and cons. There is no single commercial restaurant flooring material that is suitable for the entire restaurant. In most cases, one may have to utilize two different types of flooring for other areas in the restaurant.
Considerations
When considering commercial flooring for a restaurant, you need to keep the following aspects in mind.
Durability:
Commercial restaurants are busy 24/7. Even when the restaurant itself is closed, the kitchen is always busy. The constant oil and food spills from the previous day must be wiped away and the areas cleaned at night to be ready for the following day.
In addition, there are utensils that need to be cleaned for the next day, and the entire restaurant has to be vacuumed and/or cleaned. Besides foot traffic, there is significant roller traffic from vendors, cooks, and staff. No matter what commercial restaurant flooring you select, it has to be durable.
You want something that will stand up to heavy traffic and last several decades. You don’t want to have to renew your flooring every few years. That would be expensive and inconvenient.
Resistance to Stains and Moisture:
The restaurant environment is one of extreme heat and humidity. Add to that the combination of the many foods and beverages that regularly spill and stain flooring materials.
You need commercial flooring restaurant material that is not only moisture and heat-resistant but also stain-resistant. Today, several of the new floorings come with an option of a surface coating that can provide excellent resistance to heat, stains, and moisture.
Slip-Resistant:
Commercial restaurant flooring, especially the kitchen, can be slippery when wet. With constant food and beverage spills, the risk of slipping is very high. For the safety of your customers and staff, you must have flooring that has anti-slip features. In addition, your staff spends an enormous amount of time on their feet, so you want flooring that is easy and comfortable on the feet.
Aesthetics:
When running a commercial restaurant, you want a flooring material that is aesthetically pleasing, warm, and inviting. You also want flooring that is soundproof and easy on the feet. Customers generally want to eat in a quiet place where their conversations do not echo over the entire restaurant.
Hygiene:
Even more important than aesthetics and durability is the ability to keep the commercial flooring restaurant clean.
You preferably want flooring that is easy to clean with regular cleaning products and has antibacterial properties that prevent bacteria from multiplying and mold from growing. Essentially for hygienic flooring, you need non-porous, waterproof, and seamless flooring.
Easy to Install:
For a commercial restaurant, the ease of installation must always be considered. You do not want to have to close the restaurant for a few days for installation.
It is best to select flooring that can be installed overnight without disrupting the flow of the business. Today, there are several flooring materials that can be installed in less than 24 hours and be very functional.
What are Some Flooring Options?
Commercial Vinyl
Commercial vinyl flooring is a very popular option for restaurants. This flooring is available in many styles and patterns and is also very aesthetically pleasing. Commercial restaurant flooring vinyl can mimic wood, stone, or even concrete and costs much less. Commercial vinyl is not only hygienic, but you can also add a layer of padded underlayment which provides cushioning under the feet.
The extra padding will also be helpful in absorbing noise. The downside is that the constant moving of heavy kitchen appliances can cause kinks and tracks on the padded floor. But, on the positive side, vinyl is extremely easy to install. The large vinyl sheets have fewer seams making it less vulnerable to moisture seepage and the growth of mold.
While commercial vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain, the key to the proper installation is to ensure that no moisture can seep through the seams into the subfloor. Vinyl is an excellent all-around flooring material for commercial restaurants and, if well maintained, it can easily last several decades.
Epoxy Flooring
Synthetic floorings have been around for many decades, but now, with better technology, the latest synthetic floorings made from epoxy resins are perhaps the best flooring option for a commercial flooring restaurant.
Epoxy flooring is tough, durable, able to withstand heavy foot traffic, and is moisture resistant. It is available in many styles and patterns. Epoxy flooring is easy to clean and is slip resistant. Maintenance is simple and does not require any fancy tools or solutions. If well looked after, it can easily last two to three decades.
Concrete
Concrete is another option for commercial restaurants. It is hard, durable, and available in many finishes with a variety of textures. Concrete can be aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. Concrete is seamless and flat and will withstand significant foot and roller traffic. It is also heat resistant. But since concrete is porous, it has to be sealed with care to resist moisture and stains.
Concrete also becomes slippery when wet, and it can be hard on the feet. If you prefer concrete, then you will need to utilize padded rugs or mats in some places to provide comfort to the feet.
Finally, concrete is a heavy material, and the initial installation is time-consuming and expensive. It can take concrete a few days to settle before use, and, therefore, it may not be the best option for a fully functional restaurant that cannot afford to close.
Natural Stone
If you want great aesthetics and functionality, then natural stone is another solid choice. Natural stone is very durable and, like tile, has a hard surface, but is easy to clean. There are many varieties of natural stone, and they all are attractive.
However, the downside to natural stone is the cost of maintenance and the initial cost of installation, which can be high. Plus, if you go with stone, then you also need a sealant to prevent staining and discoloration. Also, the stone flooring has to be smooth, or unevenness can lead to tripping.
Conclusion
Restaurant owners have several good choices for commercial restaurant flooring, and there are minor differences between them. Most of the currently available commercial flooring restaurant materials are safe, sanitary, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Speak with a professional from East Coast Flooring & Interiors to discuss the options available for your business. Call them today at 1-954-621-1375. Experts are standing by and ready to take your call.