Needing flooring for a commercial setting tends to be a straightforward decision. However, the choices can make things more complicated once you start looking. Commercial flooring offers many options and varieties within each category.
This is why it helps to understand what each flooring type provides. Knowing the benefits and limitations can make the selection process easier. Here are eight major commercial flooring categories to consider.
Laminate Flooring
Because it can closely resemble wood flooring, laminate earns a lot of points for appearance. It can come in planks or other formats, depending on the desired look. The price of laminate also tends to be lower than wood flooring. It can also cost less than some other commercial flooring choices.
In terms of durability, laminate performs very well in many commercial settings. It can resist pressure and handle the wear of heavy foot traffic. However, laminate is not the best choice for high-moisture environments. Many laminate products have a wood-based core that can expand when exposed to moisture.
Once moisture gets into the core, it can cause damage to the flooring. For this reason, laminate works well in many commercial spaces. However, another flooring type may be better for moisture-prone areas.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is fabricated with multiple layers. The top layer is typically made from natural hardwood. The layers underneath provide additional structural stability and support.
Engineered hardwood can handle moisture better than solid wood. However, it should not be considered completely waterproof. The natural wood surface can still be affected by prolonged moisture exposure.
Engineered hardwood also requires more care than some commercial flooring options. The natural wood surface can scratch, scuff, crack, splinter, or become gouged. Heavy furniture and equipment can also leave marks over time.
The price tends to fall somewhere in the middle of the flooring range. Engineered hardwood offers a polished appearance for many commercial environments. It can also require more maintenance to keep that appearance looking its best.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is one of the oldest styles of commercial flooring. It remains especially popular in large, classic halls and public spaces. Solid wood provides a warm feeling and a natural, sustainable aesthetic.
Many large meeting and venue halls continue using solid wood for its presentation. It can create an impressive appearance in entrances and common areas. It also remains a classic choice in many older buildings.
The most challenging aspect of solid wood tends to be the cost. It typically falls into the higher range for both products and installation. Maintenance can also be more frequent in busy commercial spaces.
High-traffic areas may eventually need sanding and refinishing. This process helps restore the flooring’s clean and polished appearance. With proper care, solid wood can remain an attractive commercial flooring choice.
Vinyl Composite
Vinyl composite has long been a popular commercial flooring choice. It is often installed in tiles rather than sheets or planks. Many large facilities choose it for its durability and affordable price point.
With basic care, vinyl composite can provide many years of service. In some cases, the flooring can last long enough to outlive its original style. Building owners may eventually update it simply for a more modern appearance.
Vinyl composite does require regular maintenance to maintain its professional appearance. Waxing and polishing can be part of that maintenance routine. The work can be demanding and may require specialized equipment.
This flooring is often found in hospitals and large public facilities. It is also common in government buildings and cafeterias. Vinyl composite has sometimes earned a reputation for looking impersonal or “cold.” However, it remains a practical option for many commercial environments.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a variation of vinyl tile. It is designed to provide a higher-quality appearance for commercial spaces. LVT comes in many styles that replicate stone, tile, and wood.
One of its biggest advantages is its appearance. It can provide the look of more expensive materials without the same cost. It can also avoid some of the maintenance associated with natural flooring materials.
Luxury vinyl tile is often protected by a transparent wear layer. This layer helps protect the flooring from everyday traffic and wear. With proper maintenance, the flooring can provide years of dependable use.
LVT also offers many colors, patterns, and design options. This makes it a flexible choice for many commercial settings. It can provide a more decorative appearance while still offering practical performance.
Broadloom Carpeting
For facilities where sound needs to be dampened, carpet can be an ideal choice. Carpet helps absorb sound and reduces how easily noise travels. This makes it useful in offices and multi-level buildings.
Carpeting also provides a warmer look and feel in commercial environments. It can create a more comfortable setting for employees, customers, and visitors. Many people assume commercial carpet is similar to residential carpeting. However, broadloom carpet is designed with commercial use in mind.
Broadloom carpet typically has a flatter, tighter construction for durability. It is usually installed in large sections rather than individual pieces. This provides a clean and consistent appearance across larger spaces.
Broadloom carpet can create a comfortable and polished commercial environment. However, it can cost more to install than some other options. It may also wear faster than hard surfaces like tile or wood.
Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles provide tremendous installation and design flexibility. They are installed in sections rather than large sheets or rolls. This allows businesses to create different patterns and layouts within the same space.
Carpet tiles come in a large variety of patterns, colors, and textures. Options range from basic and utilitarian designs to highly detailed styles. Different colors and patterns can also be combined for additional design options.
There are many installation options available with carpet tiles. Some products also include cushion layers for added comfort. This flexibility gives carpet tiles a wide range of applications.
Carpet tiles can work well in schools, exercise centers, offices, and laboratories. They can also be useful in other commercial environments with regular foot traffic. Individual tiles can often be replaced when sections become stained or damaged.
Making the Right Selection
At S&R Carpet and Flooring, we know choosing commercial flooring can be challenging. Every building has different needs, traffic levels, uses, and environments. The right flooring should match those demands while also fitting your budget.
We carry and can access all of the categories above. We can also help with many specialized commercial flooring choices. Our team provides professional installation for each type of flooring we offer.
We can guide you through the entire flooring process. Our goal is to help match your flooring to your needs and expectations. We can also help you consider the long-term maintenance and performance of each option.
Give us a call or email about your next commercial flooring project. Flooring is one of the larger investments made in a commercial building. It deserves more than a simple comparison of prices.
Let us help you find flooring that works for your space, business, and budget.