Modern-day churches are vastly different from the traditional cathedral appearance with rows and rows of wooden pews. Additionally, some of the traditional churches with antique styles may be in desperate need of updating to keep up with the changing approaches to church services and needs.
Gathering spaces in churches quite often need to be multifunctional with durable floors.
When considering flooring for new spaces in the church or renovations of older rooms, choices for flooring can be daunting.
Is it possible to achieve a traditional vibe for new spaces? Is it possible during renovations to maintain the vintage aesthetic of the church but improve durability and functionality?
Read further for suggestions on how to choose the best flooring for each church space.
Table of Contents
- What Flooring Is Used in Churches?
- 5 Top Flooring Options for Churches
- Things To Consider When Choosing Flooring for a Church
- Find Options for the Best Flooring for Churches With Interior Motives Flooring
What Flooring Is Used in Churches?
There is a wide variety of floors that can be installed in churches. Amongst the choices are wood, tile, carpet, laminate, and luxury vinyl planks.
Each choice has its benefits, and it will ultimately depend on the needs and functionality of the room. Additionally, the variety of floors available allow you to not only choose a floor that will be suitable to the needs of the room but will enhance the decor.
For example, a traditional church could be updated with a classic wood or tile, and modern churches can choose a more contemporary appearance like laminate, luxury vinyl planks, or carpet.
When choosing flooring for your church, the following needs should be taken into consideration:
- Comfort
- Acoustics
- Aesthetics
- Functionality
- Budget
5 Top Flooring Options for Churches
#1: Tile Flooring
One of the more popular options for its versatility and durability, tile can be used indoors and outdoors. It can withstand temperature changes and is resistant to water, stains, scratches, and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure in outdoor spaces.
With durability at such an affordable price point, tile is an ideal option for heavy-traffic areas or areas that could be exposed to water or moisture such as:
- Entryways
- Foyers
- Hallways
- Restrooms
- Kitchen areas
- Utility spaces
However, if tile is installed in a large space, sound tends to be amplified off the hard surface, and it can become loud if multiple people are speaking.
#2: Carpet Flooring
A church should be a comforting space for congregants to gather and worship, and carpeting can make a space feel warm and inviting.
In a large space like a church, commercial carpet or carpet tiles are a great way to combine durability and aesthetics to not only fit the budget but also appeal to attendees. Carpeting is available in a countless range of colors, designs, and textures to match current decor and enhance the atmosphere of the building.
Maintaining your carpet and preserving your church floor designs will require regular cleaning to prolong the life of the flooring. Scheduled steamings can help extend the lifespan of your church carpet and reduce allergens that may build up in the carpet fibers.
Overall, carpeting will provide the most comfortable floor covering and cozy environment for your church.
#3: Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring, or LVP, is a flooring choice that not only is beautiful but is extremely durable and practical for a busy space.
LVP flooring is made from layers of polyvinyl chloride. It is a budget-efficient flooring option known for its durability, stability, and waterproof properties.
Some LVP options may contain more layers, but all vinyl flooring planks include four basic layers of composition and function:
- Wear layer
- Protects floor from damage
- Is scratch-resistant
- Image layer
- Is embossed to look like natural wood, tile, or stone
- Core layer
- Provides resistance to impact
- Backing layer
- Absorbs sound
- Provides insulation
Luxury vinyl plank flooring may be a good option for church spaces for a high-end visual appeal with the benefit of durability and ease of cleaning.
#4: Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has advanced and expanded in recent years with more options for use beyond your personal home. This budget-friendly option now offers a wide variety of patterns, colors, finishes, and more.
To be considered for church flooring, it is important to think about the Abrasion Class (AC) rating, which measures durability and ranges from AC1 for light residential use to AC5 for heavy commercial use.
Laminate flooring could be a consideration for your church flooring project because of the wide array of style choices along with the durability and ease of cleaning.
#5: Combination Flooring
A combination of flooring may ultimately be the best choice for church spaces depending on the intended use of the room.
For example, carpet may not be the best choice for hallways and restrooms but could still be suitable for the formal sanctuary or smaller classrooms and offices.
On the other hand, tile or laminate would be ideal for busy spaces such as kitchens, restrooms, and hallways. However, it may be cold and not visually appealing in the main auditorium or sanctuary.
Things To Consider When Choosing Flooring for a Church
Religion/Type of Service
Do you sit in pews in your church sanctuary, in repositionable chairs, or maybe even on the floor? The style of the floor should reflect the overall design of the room, whether it be modern, a joyful place, heritage-based, or a place of utmost respect and peacefulness.
Additionally, the functionality of the room, based on not only worship services but other uses, needs to be considered.
Laminate, luxury vinyl planks, tile, or other hard surfaces provide fabulous options, especially when a sanctuary contains movable chairs and can be reconfigured for other uses.
Today, many main sanctuaries are repurposed during the week for everything from exercise classes to banquets to various community uses.
Value for Money
Consider the cost and benefits of the flooring choices. The best floors for your church will be within the budget for installation and maintenance and will have a long lifespan of durability.
Foot Traffic
It is important to determine the amount of foot traffic for each area of flooring.
Few areas within a church building have light foot traffic, so it is vital to choose flooring appropriate to each area. This could easily be a variety of flooring options rather than just one type.
Individual areas to consider for appropriate flooring and foot-traffic patterns and needs include:
- Sanctuary
- Foyer
- Common seating areas
- Hallways and corridors
- Offices
- Student ministry meeting rooms
- Nursery
- Classrooms
- Restrooms
- Cafe
- Kitchen area
- Outdoor spaces
Acoustics
In the middle of a church service, you do not want to be distracted by the sound of footsteps entering or exiting the service or echoes from various noises because the flooring choice amplifies the sounds.
Consider the benefit of a flooring choice that dampens the sounds of footsteps instead of amplifying them.
Carpeting in the main sanctuary may create a sound dampener but also a visually appealing look; however, thick carpeting may absorb too much sound.
For the sake of acoustics, a combination of flooring may be the best choice to balance unnecessary noise versus sound absorption.
Find Options for the Best Flooring for Churches With Interior Motives Flooring
Choosing the best flooring for your church is more than just a practical decision — it is an opportunity to enhance the entire atmosphere and ambiance of each room.
No matter what flooring you choose for your church, Interior Motives Flooring is here to help you make your selection and ensure the installation is done correctly and promptly.
Interior Motives Flooring is an award winning, family-owned company serving the Auburn, Washington, and surrounding areas for almost 35 years.
When selecting the flooring for your church, you are welcome to visit the showroom, or a representative is able to bring samples directly to your church building.
Contact the professionals at Interior Motives Flooring for a free consultation and estimate today.
“It is our goal to provide the level of care and attention you would expect from a small town company, while offering the wide selection and pricing you would receive from a big box store.”
