Choosing a new floor is no easy task, especially in commercial spaces. When trying to balance aesthetics, quality, and cost, it can be tough to decide on the best floor for your business. One option available is office vinyl flooring. In this article, we explore whether offices and commercial spaces are suited for vinyl flooring.
Discover how the right flooring can benefit your business
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a popular commercial and office flooring option that is also widely used in domestic interiors. A composite of different layers, vinyl flooring has become a top choice for many due to the great benefits and designs it provides.
Made from PVC and other compounds, it’s possible to create different colours and designs due to how this flooring is manufactured. This allows for a wide variety of design choices to suit your interior design needs.
Vinyl flooring layers
Generally, vinyl will consist of 4 layers: a backing layer, a core layer, a design layer, and a wear layer at the top. Typically, the backing layer is made from either cork or foam and acts as an underlay while also offering cushioning effects for underfoot comfort.
Above the backing layer is the core structure or layer. This is a strong, solid layer that is typically waterproof. Usually, the core layer is an SPC composite (or stone plastic composite) that provides much more stability.
The design layer sits above the core layer which is where the high-quality natural design is printed and added to the flooring. As a result, there is greater flexibility to offer many natural flooring designs, including wood, stone, marble, and granite.
The final top layer of vinyl flooring is the wear layer. This is a top protective layer that provides some protection from damage, such as scratches. It’s possible to choose different wear layer thicknesses to cater to your flooring needs. Typically, high-traffic areas will require a thicker wear layer of at least 0.5mm.
When it comes to choosing vinyl flooring, there are three different types:
- Sheet vinyl – the vinyl comes in large rolls that are laid in one large sheet eliminating any joins or seams.
- Vinyl plank – the vinyl comes in precut plank shapes that seamlessly join together for a more traditional natural wood effect.
- Vinyl tile – similar to the vinyl plank, but the vinyl comes in precut tile or rectangular shapes to better resemble stone or ceramic tiles.
Why vinyl flooring is suited for offices and commercial spaces
Now that we’ve covered what vinyl flooring is and the different options available, it’s time to look at whether vinyl flooring is suited to office and commercial spaces.
Design and aesthetics
Firstly, the design flexibility and aesthetics are one reason why vinyl flooring is suited to offices and commercial spaces. Given that the natural design is printed onto the design layer, there is much more versatility and flexibility when choosing vinyl floor designs.
As a result, there is plenty of scope for you to choose a flooring design that matches your business. Opting for natural flooring designs also creates a positive work environment that your employees can benefit from.
Natural flooring designs can boost productivity and reduce stress levels by up to 60%. That’s because exposure to these natural designs provides calming and relaxing qualities. As such, the natural designs of vinyl flooring make it a great choice for commercial premises.
Durable
Another reason why vinyl flooring is suited to offices and commercial spaces is its durability. We already covered the impact the top wear layer has on protecting vinyl flooring, but there’s more. One of the biggest reasons why vinyl flooring is so popular is its durability.
Opting for a high-quality vinyl option will provide your business with an extremely durable and hardwearing flooring option that can withstand the high foot traffic of a busy office or commercial space.
Unlike wooden floors that will fade or wear with usage over time, vinyl flooring is likely to retain its aesthetics and quality with little maintenance involved. Providing it is looked after well, your vinyl flooring can last for up to 20 years.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Vinyl floors are also easy to clean and maintain, which makes them an ideal choice for offices and commercial. By opting for flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, you reduce the time and resources necessary for upkeeping.
Compared to fabric counterparts, such as carpet tiles, there is minimal cleaning and maintenance involved to maintain the quality and aesthetics of vinyl flooring. This is especially important where hygiene is a top factor, such as restaurants and cafes.
All that’s required to keep your vinyl flooring looking good and lasting longer is regular vacuuming and mopping. A once or twice-weekly vacuum combined with bi-weekly mopping will ensure no dirt, muck, or dust ruins the natural design. It’s important not to mop too frequently or use excessive amounts of water though.
Combining with entrance barrier mats can help reduce cleaning and maintenance
Non-slip and water-resistant
Vinyl flooring is also non-slip and water-resistant, which makes it an ideal choice for offices and commercial spaces. Ensuring floors are slip-resistant is vital in commercial settings. Opting for a slip-resistant floor, like vinyl, reduces the risk of health and safety hazards.
The same is true for ensuring floors are water-resistant. Compared to natural flooring counterparts, vinyl is water-resistant meaning it can withstand moisture. This is especially the case for sheet vinyl, where the lack of seams and joins makes it difficult for water to penetrate.
There’s also safety vinyl, which is an ideal choice for spaces that experience moisture exposure. Compared to standard vinyl, safety vinyl prioritises safety by reducing slip hazards. This makes it an ideal choice for restroom areas.
Cost
Another reason why vinyl flooring is a good option for offices and commercial is the cost. Compared to natural flooring, vinyl is a much more affordable and cost-effective choice for many businesses. This is especially the case for those with a small or limited budget.
This allows businesses to take full advantage of achieving a natural flooring design without the high price tag of natural flooring. The quicker installation compared to natural floors and the minimal maintenance also help to reduce the lifetime cost of vinyl flooring.
However, commercial environments will typically require vinyl flooring with a thick wear layer. This is more expensive compared to the lower wear volume thickness used in domestic settings. But the extra protection is much more ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces to maintain aesthetics.
Vinyl flooring offers many great benefits that make it a top contender for offices and commercial spaces. Given its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of cleaning, you can transform a commercial space and benefit from a natural flooring design without the associated drawbacks.
If you would like to find out more about the vinyl flooring options on offer or how we can help transform your commercial spaces, get in touch with our expert team at E&M Services.
For more information about vinyl flooring, get in touch today!