Commercial flooring projects are on the rise as a result of an increase in building spending and urban growth. Not just newly constructed buildings require a functional, beautiful flooring solution. Both property managers and business owners are refurbishing worn surfaces as buildings get older to increase productivity, decrease on-the-job injuries, and save service and repair costs. Function and aesthetics are also important considerations when choosing the best industrial flooring solutions, even if cost is always a major component. Return-to-service time is also important in several sectors. Additionally, businesses that want to take good care of the environment can now pick from a variety of flooring systems.
How do you decide which kind of business flooring best suits the needs of your business when there are so many options? To assist you in making an informed decision, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl, carpet, hardwood, laminates, stained and polished concrete, epoxy coatings, and rubber in this post.
Polished Concrete
Look down next time you're in a mall, office building, grocery store, or warehouse; chances are, you'll likely find a concrete floor. The enduring, traditional material is currently growing in popularity because it provides a sleek, modern design at a reasonable price. Additionally, business owners value polished concrete's dramatic reduction in maintenance expenses in contrast to more conventional flooring materials. Utility expenditures, which can be a considerable expense for some businesses, can be decreased via light reflectivity. This style of concrete is more environmentally friendly than many other kinds of business flooring solutions since less waste is created during installation. Since the surface of this well-liked flooring option does not collect dust, mold, mildew, or other indoor allergens, it can also help to enhance air quality.
Stained Concrete
Through staining, concrete can be changed in a limitless amount of ways. This surface is simple to maintain and may be made to resemble a variety of more costly materials, such as natural stone, marble, as well as wood. Stained concrete can be totally personalized to fit the desired design or style using patterns, stencils, and other ornamental features. Despite the fact that stained concrete is a common flooring option, you may also view it in waiting areas, churches, eateries, shops, and even residences. Stained concrete is the best material for outdoor spaces since it can survive the environment and won't fade, split, or chip. Due to its affordability and durability, stained concrete shares some advantages with polished concrete.
Epoxy Floors
Epoxy flooring has experienced some of the greatest growth in the flooring market. Epoxy is more frequently used in industrial settings, such as car dealerships, oil production facilities, medical facilities, pharmaceutical firms, factories, airports, schools, universities, as well as parking and government facilities. Epoxy coatings are very resistant to the elements and common damage and can be customized to the needs of the area. Epoxy flooring has insulation qualities and may function in a variety of temperatures. Epoxy is a preferred material for high-performance situations because it may offer a variety of coatings that can provide excellent chemical resistance, UV stability, heat resistance, and other benefits.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
A wholly synthetic material called vinyl can give you the appearance of stone or hardwood without maintenance. Offices, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and schools could have vinyl sheet flooring, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). This surface resists moisture, is quite durable and is offered in a selection of designs and hues. Vinyl may be less costly than a few other flooring materials, but in some environments, the tiles can dent or get punctured. Vinyl flooring has a tendency to fade with time, especially in places exposed to UV light. Since the tiles in this sort of flooring are glued together, removing them if deciding to change them can be expensive and complicated. Vinyl also has a greater environmental impact than some flooring solutions because volatile chemicals (VOCs) are generated during the manufacturing process. An Asheville marketing agency also suggested that LVP flooring can be effective for reinforcing brand appeal by utilizing different color palettes that match a company’s logo.
Carpet
Carpet is arguably the most classic option in some business settings because it absorbs sound and can add additional warmth. However, harmful chemicals are generated throughout the production process, and carpet is readily destroyed and soiled. On concrete, dirt and waste are easily brushed away, but carpet fibers frequently trap allergies. If the carpet is exposed to too much moisture, it should be removed, especially if mildew and mold growth. Overall, there are a lot of business space alternatives that are more durable than carpet.
Hardwood
Although hardwood flooring has a longer lifespan than other commercial flooring options, it is typically significantly more expensive and requires a longer installation process. Nevertheless, wood flooring has a classy appearance and can be cleaned and swept simply. Hardwood flooring might also experience issues with humidity and wetness. On the surface, cracks, crowning, cupping, and buckling may happen, while moisture, as well as leaks underneath the surface, maybe a concern. Because they are more expensive, hardwood floors are less common in business settings, though wood flooring can occasionally be seen in renovated premises.
Laminates
Laminates are strong, hygienic, and simple to maintain. This sort of flooring has the advantage of typically being waterproof. In buildings with a LEED certification, laminate floors could be present. Despite being less costly than engineered or prefinished wood flooring, laminate can be challenging to maintain.
Rubber
Rubber flooring may be a good choice for your home or business in some commercial situations. In restaurant kitchens, schools, fitness centers, and hospitals, this material offers to cushion to lessen damage and weariness. Although rubber is easily maintainable, comfy, and slip-resistant, the surface might eventually become discolored. Costs can undoubtedly increase over time. Additionally, rubber is not as aesthetically pleasing as other material options and is more of a functional flooring option.
What Are The Options for Commercial Flooring with High Traffic?
Some commercial environments get a lot of traffic, so they require surfaces that can withstand more foot traffic than usual. One of these settings could be an industrial facility where forklifts and equipment are always in use. Another location that would benefit from high-performance material is a school cafeteria. These areas get a lot of wear and tear and need to be resilient to spills and table movement on a regular basis. A flooring decision is crucial to the space performing according to its needs, and in places such as entrances, manufacturing areas, and hallways.
The most common flooring option for these demanding conditions is epoxy applied to concrete surfaces. Utilizing a thin-build concrete sealer sounds like a respectable decision because concrete typically isn't one of the longest-lasting flooring options. If you don't add another layer of defense, cracking and other issues will begin. An experienced flooring contractor would probably suggest that you install a custom urethane coating over epoxy to protect the floors from the effects of continued stresses. However, urethanes may not function in every area, which is why it's important to seek professional assistance to help find the best possible solution for your room.
In some cases, polished concrete might be a low-maintenance flooring option. Additionally, it's possible to add a layer of epoxy to extend its lifespan and create a surface that is easy to maintain after you have gone through the process of utilizing concrete grinding to eliminate any defects.
Most commercial flooring options, including carpet, vinyl, hardwood, and others, are unable to withstand the abuse that comes with heavy traffic areas. When these materials need to be changed, buildings with these materials often experience more maintenance expenses and longer downtime.
Options for High-Performance Commercial Flooring
Commercial buildings need to accommodate more traffic than just equipment, vehicles, and foot traffic. For businesses that want flooring that won't be harmed by abrasions, heat, chemicals, and a variety of other requirements, epoxy is a popular flooring solution because it can be customized to match any area's needs, whether they are for a lab, clean facility, hospital, or other industrial location. Epoxies and aggregates can be blended in entryways to improve the aesthetics, and they can be made to be slip-resistant.
Epoxies with high solid content offer surface protection from being exposed to acids and alkalis. They also cure quickly, have high adhesion, and can withstand cleaning solutions. Additionally low in volatile organic components are these coatings (VOCs). Since they typically outlast many different flooring systems, polyurethanes are popular in the food business. Heat resistance and ease of cleaning characterize polyurethane coatings. Coatings made of polyurea can resist a wide variety of temperatures and dry very quickly. An expert flooring contractor can assist you in weighing all of your alternatives and choosing the surface that best meets the requirements of your space.
What Kind Of Commercial Flooring Is The Most Robust?
The flooring alternatives that are most enduring are frequently the finest for high-traffic and high-performance areas. Epoxy coatings and polished concrete are frequently the greatest options for these areas, depending on the amount of impact your surfaces experience. Compared to vinyl, hardwood, carpet, and other industrial flooring choices, both surfaces can endure a more powerful and consistent impact without suffering damage. You should assess two main aspects when deciding between an epoxy floor and polished concrete: your budget and the intended usage of the space. Although an epoxy floor may survive longer than a polished concrete floor in many industrial situations, the latter provides more specialized protection for your flooring.
Your Next Commercial Flooring Project Can Be Achieved With Blue Ridge Floors
Because every commercial area varies slightly from the next, Blue Ridge Floors thoroughly evaluates each facility's requirements before advising a bespoke flooring solution. Our flooring experts will provide you with professional assistance at every stage of your project, showing you how to make the most of your space while maximizing your budget and minimizing downtime. Blue Ridge Floors is a dependable supplier for any kind of commercial setting, with a track record of providing clients with the flooring they require.