Commercial Flooring Options

Commercial structures include buildings such as schools, offices, manufacturing facilities and stores. When it comes to choosing flooring for commercial buildings, there are often a variety of factors to consider, from the cost of various materials to how suited they are to specific settings and applications. Because of the higher traffic levels with commercial structures, it is also important to determine the product's durability and strength, as well as the required maintenance procedures.

Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring is one of the most popular flooring materials used in both commercial and residential applications. It consists of products such as sheet vinyl, linoleum, vinyl composition tile (VCT), and rubber tiles and sheets. This product is frequently used in schools, hospitals and shopping centers, and is one of the most cost effective flooring options on the market. Resilient flooring is easily cleaned, resistant to moisture, and able to withstand heavy traffic and abuse. Most products in this category come in either tile or sheet format. Sheets are used in medical and food service settings because there are no cracks that can trap germs and dirt. Tiles, on the other hand, are best for high abuse settings, because a single tile can be easily removed and replaced as needed.

Wood

While wood is one of the more expensive flooring options when it comes to upfront costs, it is also one of the best materials for long term investment. Properly installed wood floors can last for many decades, and with basic maintenance, will look virtually the same year after year. Wood flooring is considered both beautiful and timeless, and offers a look that cannot be matched by other products. If cost is a factor, commercial organizations can look into engineered or laminate wood flooring, which looks virtually the same as solid wood, yet costs only a fraction of the price. This material is commonly found in smaller commercial buildings, such as boutiques and office buildings.

Carpet Tile

While sheets of carpet are common in residential settings, carpet tile is growing increasingly popular with commercial organizations and businesses. This material is made of small squares of carpet, usually between one and two feet square. The tiles can be mixed and matched to create patterns and combinations that are not possible with sheet carpeting. Because of their small size, they are easy to transport and install, which is a major benefit in high rise buildings. In the case of stains or spills, a single tile can be removed and replaced, providing for easy maintenance.

Concrete

Exposed concrete floors are one of the most affordable and durable flooring options available to businesses and other commercial organizations. While most buildings already have concrete floors, the concrete is covered by carpet, wood or other finishes. By using an exposed concrete floor, one can virtually eliminate flooring materials from the project budget. While exposed concrete in its natural state works well in warehouses and industrial buildings, this material can also be stained, sealed, or patterned to work with any decor.

Epoxy

Epoxy flooring is made of polymer compounds blended with elements of marble, stone or concrete. When combined, these materials form a chemical bond that results in a floor surface that is incredibly strong and durable. Epoxy floors are popular in schools, restaurants and industrial settings. This material is non-porous, and is highly resistant to stains and moisture. It is not effected by most chemicals used in laboratory or industrial settings, and is often used to prevent the spread of fire. Some terrazzo floors, which feature small visible stones on the surface, are blended with epoxy polymers to make them suitable for commercial applications.