Commercial environments, such as offices and schools, can be exposed to very high levels of foot traffic. High traffic will lead to wear and tear, causing some areas to look shabby and in need of some much-needed attention. That’s why it’s important to choose the right flooring for these high traffic commercial areas. But which flooring is most suited for these areas? We’ll explore the best high traffic commercial flooring options.
See 5 tips for choosing the best flooring option for commercial spaces
What are the benefits of choosing the right flooring?
When it comes to running a business, every detail matters—including the type of flooring you choose. The right flooring can impact aesthetics, safety, maintenance costs, and even how productive employees are. Here’s why selecting the right flooring is a smart investment for your business.
First impressions
Your flooring is one of the first things customers notice when they walk into your business. A well-chosen floor enhances the overall ambience, making your space look professional, stylish, and inviting. Whether you own a retail store, an office, or a restaurant, an appealing floor design can leave a lasting impression.
Durability and cost efficiency
Commercial spaces experience heavy foot traffic, which can cause wear and tear. Investing in high-quality, durable flooring such as vinyl, tile, or polished concrete can save you money in the long run by reducing replacement and maintenance costs. Choosing a material suited to your business needs ensures longevity and better performance.
Safety and comfort
The right flooring minimises risks and improves workplace safety. Slip-resistant surfaces help prevent accidents, while cushioned or ergonomic flooring options can reduce strain on employees who stand for long periods. Prioritising safety ensures compliance with regulations and promotes a healthier work environment.
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Different businesses require different levels of maintenance. Low-maintenance flooring like laminate or sealed concrete is ideal for busy spaces, while carpet tiles may work well in offices for added comfort and sound absorption. Choosing the right flooring reduces cleaning efforts and keeps your space looking pristine.
Energy efficiency and noise reduction
Certain flooring types, such as carpets and cork, provide insulation, reducing energy costs by maintaining indoor temperatures. Sound-absorbing materials help reduce noise pollution, creating a more comfortable and productive work environment.
Choosing the right flooring is an investment that pays off in the long run. By considering factors like durability, safety, and aesthetics, you can create a functional, attractive, and cost-effective space for your business.
Top considerations for choosing commercial flooring
Durability and traffic levels
Heavy traffic areas (such as retail stores, airports, and hospitals) will need flooring that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Consider materials like luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or carpet tiles for high-durability needs.
Maintenance requirements
Different floorings will have different cleaning and maintenance requirements. Some flooring, such as luxury vinyl tiles, is easier to maintain and requires less upkeep than natural stone or hardwood.
Aesthetic and branding
Flooring and aesthetics contributes to the first impression that people make of your business and a space. Choose materials, colors, and patterns that reflect your brand’s identity and the atmosphere you want to create (professional, cozy, modern, etc.).
Safety and slip resistance
Some commercial environments will need to ensure safety and slip resistance. Ensure the flooring meets safety standards in places prone to spills (restaurants, hospitals).
Acoustic performance
Certain commercial spaces, such as offices, hotels, and schools, will experience high noise levels. In these spaces, noise reduction is critical. Consider choosing carpet tiles, rubber flooring, or acoustical vinyl that can help minimise sound.
Cost and budget
The cost and budget should also be something to consider. Balance the initial installation cost with long-term maintenance and replacement costs. Sometimes, a more expensive upfront choice is cheaper over 10-20 years due to lower upkeep.
Air quality and environmental considerations
Certain flooring produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which impact air quality. Recycled, recyclable, or low-VOC materials are better for indoor air quality. If eco-friendliness matters to your business, look for flooring with certifications like FloorScore or LEED credits.
Installation time and business disruption
Flooring installations will disrupt a commercial space’s operations. However, you can minimise this disruption based on your flooring choice. Fast-install options like loose lay vinyl or modular carpet tiles are ideal if you need quick turnarounds or minimal downtime.
Moisture resistance
For areas with humidity or potential water exposure, consider choosing an option that is waterproof and moisture resistant to prevent long-term water or moisture damage to your flooring.
Carpet tiles
Carpet tiles are a popular flooring option in commercial environments. Unlike commercial carpet, which is fitted wall to wall, carpet tiles come pre-cut in small square tiles.
For that reason, carpet tiles are much easier to install and replace. If a carpet tile becomes damaged or stained, you can just remove the damaged tile and replace it with a brand-new one. No need to replace the entire floor! That’s why carpet tiles are a popular option for schools and offices.
But the biggest reason carpet tiles are popular in commercial spaces, such as schools, is because they are durable. They are considered one of the best soft-surface flooring options for commercial spaces.
Carpet tiles have become so popular that people are starting to use them inside their homes as an alternative to broadloom carpets. Most carpet tiles will maintain their appearance with regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt or cleaning in the event of a spillage.
Carpet tiles are a sure option that will withstand the heavy demands of a high traffic environment. Combined with the versatility in designs, carpet tiles are a standout choice!
Luxury vinyl tiles
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is another flooring option that is very popular in commercial settings. Already used domestic flooring, LVT is recent on the market compared to other options. All thanks to the great benefits LVT have to offer!
It looks like ordinary tile flooring, but it’s not. LVT is made from multiple layers, including a wear layer and core layer, that help add to the durability. Layers include a backing, stability layer, design layer, and a top layer for protection against wear and tear.
Adding to the durability of LVT are the water-resistant and scratch-resistant properties, making it a flooring option that also works well in office spaces. You won’t have to worry about LVT wearing, as they can still maintain their stylish design while withstanding the daily pressures of a busy flooring environment!
With the design added to a separate layer, there is a wide range of options available, meaning you can find a design that works well for your business. The higher-end options of LVT will provide greater protection, durability, and resilience.
While it may be more expensive compared to other vinyl flooring options, it should be a worthwhile investment that will last longer. It’s also easy to clean and maintain LVT as well, helping add to the appeal and durability. It’s slip resistance properties also helps minimise the risk of slips and falls.
Laminate
For commercial areas that wish to add a touch of natural beauty, laminate flooring may be the ideal choice. Laminate flooring can mimic the design of any natural flooring, giving you the same stylish look without the drawbacks of the real flooring materials.
Whether you fancy wood, stone, or tile, laminate flooring can provide you with the same stylish design. As with LVT, the design is added during manufacturing. So you have a wealth of design choices available when choosing laminate flooring.
Some have been put off from purchasing laminate flooring, fearing that the quality of the printed pattern may suffer. This is a problem with cheaper options. The same could be said about the quality and durability of the laminate tiles.
Quality laminate flooring can be a durable flooring option, making it another great choice for high traffic commercial spaces. The downside is once the top layer has worn, the laminate tiles will need to be replaced. Unlike wood, the flooring cannot be sanded down to help maintain the stylish design.
But don’t let that deter you. A quality laminate flooring will provide a great performance against heavy footfall and hold up against stains. You should check how resistant laminate tiles are against sunlight though, as some can fade with prolonged exposure.
Tiles
Tiles are another quality flooring for high-footfall commercial spaces. The biggest advantage of tile flooring is its water-resistant properties. Tiles have become popular in commercial spaces with kitchens and bathrooms.
Whether it’s the tiles found in the kitchen of a restaurant or the bathroom in an office block, tiles are one of the go-to choices. Other than routine cleaning, tiles don’t require much in the way of maintenance either.
While tiles can be made from both porcelain and ceramic, porcelain tile flooring is much denser compared to other flooring options. This helps with their resistance to any wear and tear a floor might receive from heavy footfall.
Ahe tiles you choose, combined with their installation and maintenance, for your high traffic commercial areas will continue to last. Combined with great durability, easiness of cleaning and maintenance, and cost-effective nature, you’ll be onto a winner with tile flooring.
Rubber
Rubber is another commercial high traffic flooring option. Seen in healthcare premises, such as hospitals, and gyms, rubber flooring is a safe and durable flooring that can withstand the heavy pressures and loads experienced in these commercial environments.
Rubber flooring is resistant to the wear and tear expected from a high traffic and busy commercial environment. Rubber flooring also has soundproofing abilities that help reduce the noise of equipment dropped on or wheeled across the floor.
While rubber flooring is durable and hard-wearing, it does come with a couple of downfalls. Rubber flooring can leave a lingering rubber smell that remains after installation. While it doesn’t last forever, it can be a detracting factor for some.
There are also limited design options compared to other flooring options, making the standout of rubber flooring being useability features, such as durability and soundproofing. Don’t be quick to dismiss it for environments with very heavy daily usage though, as it is a worthwhile option.
There are so many great commercial flooring options for high traffic environments. With so many types of flooring, you’ll be sure to find suitable commercial flooring options that fit both your business needs and high traffic.
See how hiring a professional flooring contractor can help you avoid these mistakes