When it comes to choosing the right commercial flooring option for your business, there are so many variables that the whole process can seem overwhelming.
The process of elimination can help you narrow down the options. You just need a guide to the strengths and weaknesses of each type of flooring so you can choose the best one for your unique needs.
Interior Motives Flooring presents a thorough guide to the best commercial flooring options, organized by their functional purpose. Read on to learn which types of flooring are ideal for your workplace.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Best Type of Flooring for Commercial Use?
- 15 of the Best Commercial Flooring Options To Suit Your Needs
- Interior Motives Flooring Can Help You Choose the Best Commercial Flooring and Transform Your Space To Meet Your Needs
What Is the Best Type of Flooring for Commercial Use?
The ideal commercial flooring option depends on:
- Your budget
- The style/ambiance of the space
- Its purpose (to absorb noise, provide cushion, etc.)
Regardless of their preferences, everyone probably agrees commercial flooring should be durable and low maintenance.
Contact Interior Motives Flooring to learn about the commercial flooring options we provide and get a customized quote for your flooring installation.
15 of the Best Commercial Flooring Options To Suit Your Needs
Consider the purpose of the flooring (how it will be used) to choose the best commercial flooring option. Are you choosing flooring for the lobby of a high-end office? You’ll probably want something that’s high-style.
Do you need flooring for a busy kitchen? Choose something waterproof or water-resistant, and durable.
Flooring for Noise-Free Zones
If you’re hoping to reduce distractions as much as possible, consider these commercial flooring options, which are particularly desirable in offices and other places where noise should be kept to a minimum.
#1: Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has a dense construction that absorbs sounds. A popular choice for restaurants, daycares, and hospital common areas, LVT is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
There are many styles of LVT available and their levels of waterproofing vary. While effectively absorbing sound, LVT has some disadvantages:
- It may look artificial because it is not made of natural materials. For this reason, it is not environmentally friendly and may negatively affect air quality by emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Because the main method of installation is gluing, it can be hard to install properly.
- If the wear layer is too thin, sunlight can discolor the floors. Repairs can be costly because the entire floor must be replaced to correct damage.
- If you’re going for a wood or stone effect, LVT tends to be pricier than laminate or linoleum.
#2: Hardwood
Hardwood can be effective for sound absorption if it is underlaid with foam, felt, or plywood. Also, some types of wood — such as cork and acoustic plywood — are more porous and naturally better at absorbing sounds.
Offices, conference rooms, and lobbies are greatly enhanced by hardwood flooring. It’s elegant, long-lasting, easy to clean, and feasible for a wide variety of design options. However, the cost of installation is higher than other floor types, and wood is highly vulnerable to scratches, gouges, and moisture.
Hardwood can be installed in three ways:
- Glue-down
- Tongue-in-groove
- Nail-down
The first two options are relatively easy if you’re doing the job yourself, but nailing down the floors is best left to professionals because special tools are required, and you must have a wooden subfloor.
The higher cost of hardwood floors may be worth it when you consider they should last a lifetime.
#3: Carpet Tiles/Broadloom Carpet
The soft fibers of carpet trap sound waves and make a room seem quieter. Carpet adds warmth and coziness to a space, making it ideal for areas designed for relaxation, such as break rooms, gyms, and open office areas.
Carpet is made of durable materials like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene and can be customized to suit your desired style.
Broadloom carpet is cut to fit the entire area of your room, whereas it takes multiple carpet tiles to cover the room. Broadloom is cheaper but harder to install and replace. Tiles can simply be installed by the peel-and-stick method.
Carpet is lower in price than most other commercial flooring options, and eco-friendly carpets are available. However, carpet might not be suitable for areas that undergo regular soiling because it absorbs oil and dirt.
Flooring That Makes an Impression
In high-end professional spaces, such as lobbies or reception rooms, you want flooring that’s attractive and elegant.
#4: Terrazzo or Porcelain Tiles
Terrazzo tiles consist of a kaleidoscope of chips of different shapes and colors against a single-color background. Its shiny, polished look is sure to catch the eye. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are more uniform in color.
Either type of tile can be used to create a sophisticated classic or modern look.
Both of these commercial flooring options are low-maintenance, durable, and water and stain-resistant, but fairly pricey and harder to install and repair. Another downside to tile is that it’s heavy, brittle, and slippery.
#5: Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring is extremely versatile in terms of style and design, making it a great option for impressive entryways, including foyers, lobbies, schools, and hospitals.
Made of waterproof materials like PVC, vinyl sheet flooring also has a wear layer that protects it from stains, making it easy to clean. It is also very durable, affordable, and easy to install.
Despite its stain resistance, vinyl can become discolored over time, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight. It is also vulnerable to damage from the subfloor. Any pieces of grit or debris wear down the vinyl from underneath and can result in tears and lumps.
If you want to repair an area of vinyl floor that’s stained, torn, or gouged, you will probably need to replace the entire floor. If not, you will have to cut the damaged area and replace it with new material, but this is often difficult to conceal and no longer water-resistant.
#6: Engineered Hardwood
Many business owners turn to engineered hardwood instead of solid hardwood because it is cheaper and more easily installed, but still has the attractive appearance of real wood. The topmost layer is a thin piece of solid wood. The lower layers are strengthened composite plywood.
Because it uses less wood than solid wood, engineered hardwood is more environmentally friendly. It is not as sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, so it is less prone to warping.
Unfortunately, engineered hardwood can only be refinished until the top layer begins to erode, so when that happens it will need to be replaced. Maintenance for engineered hardwood is a bit more involved because it is susceptible to dents, scratches, and fading.
Water-Resistant Commercial Flooring
For some areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is critical that the flooring be water and stain-resistant.
#7: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Vinyl
SPC vinyl flooring is a type of luxury vinyl whose core is composed of limestone, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. Underneath the core is a backing, and above it are a printed vinyl layer and a wear layer.
This combination of materials makes for a very durable, low-maintenance, comfortable, waterproof, and sound-absorbing floor, with all the aesthetic variety of luxury vinyl, including wood or stone effects.
This flooring can be easily installed by connecting its tongue-and-groove interlocking planks. It is perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as restaurants, hotels, and bathrooms. It should not be used in commercial kitchens or any other place prone to fire hazards, however, because of the toxic chemicals it gives off when burned.
Even when not burned, the flooring can give off VOCs that pose health risks. As with vinyl, it is critical to prepare the subfloor thoroughly to prevent damage from rough areas. Removing the flooring if it does need to be replaced may also be difficult, particularly if adhesive backing was used.
#8: Quarry Tile
Quarry tiles are made from clay, shale, and feldspar and fired at very high temperatures to be harder than regular bricks. They are not porous, which makes them water-resistant, and they lack a glaze.
Quarry tile colors are limited to earthen tones, such as red, brown, tan, or gray. Because of their duller appearance, quarry tiles must be sealed in order to hide stains. They are thick and rough, providing good traction for outdoor use, but they can also be used inside, for example, as a backsplash.
#9: Epoxy
Epoxy is a coating that covers treated concrete flooring. It is poured on top and hardened to make a surface similar to plastic. It can take several days to weeks to cure and is generally a project best left to the professionals.
Epoxy is one of the cheapest commercial flooring options available, provided you already have a concrete subfloor. It is extremely effective at resisting heat, stains, cracking (except at extreme temperatures), peeling, and water (if it is waterproofed). Because of its durability and easy maintenance, it is often used in auto shops, warehouses, medical facilities, and shopping malls.
Besides a long installation process, epoxy does have some downsides:
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Slipperiness
- Tendency to become discolored
Stylish Flooring on a Budget
If you want flooring that’s stylish, comfortable, and affordable, consider the following commercial flooring options.
#10: Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring provides a realistic imitation of wood or stone that is feasible on a lower budget. It is made up of four layers:
- A core of fiberboard or plywood
- An underlying insulation layer
- An image layer
- A wear layer to protect the floor from damage
This low-maintenance and easily installed commercial flooring option is durable (lasting up to 15–25 years), scratch-resistant, and comfortable to walk on. You can buy higher quality laminate that is UV-resistant, water-resistant, and eco-friendly (made of recyclable materials).
Installing commercial laminate is as easy as connecting the interlocking planks via their tongue-and-groove connectors. No adhesive is needed.
Although laminate can look classy, it doesn’t always sound that way, especially if the subfloor is uneven. It is also impossible to refinish and susceptible to water damage, even if waterproofed.
#11: Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
VCT is a reasonably priced commercial flooring option that is extremely durable and visually appealing. It is water-resistant, easily installed, unlikely to be damaged by UV or heat, and effective at absorbing noise.
The major disadvantages of VCT involve its susceptibility to damage by extreme temperature changes, dirt accumulation, and improper preparation of the subfloor. In addition, the strong adhesive that bonds the tiles to the subfloor makes removal difficult.
#12: Stained Concrete
Stained concrete is easier on the budget than other flooring options because no additional flooring materials are needed, only the stain and sealant. Stains can give concrete the appearance of natural stone and don’t require treatment beyond regular cleaning. Besides increasing your property value, stained concrete keeps its color permanently.
Staining concrete is best done by professionals, who can perform any needed repairs to the subfloor before applying the stain and ensure the proper color is achieved.
Despite its durability, stained concrete is vulnerable to scratches and harsh chemicals, and caution should be exercised for the safety of those walking on the floor.
Heavy Duty Commercial Flooring
If you need a heavy-duty floor — such as for a garage or warehouse — your main priorities are durability, easy maintenance, and a long life span.
#13: Concrete
Concrete flooring satisfies these criteria, and there are a variety of design options, depending on the color and texture chosen. It is also cheaper than hardwood, though more expensive than vinyl.
Concrete’s incredible durability is definitely a boon, but consider also the following negative aspects:
- Concrete offers little insulation and may be uncomfortable in cold weather.
- Its hardness presents an injury hazard.
- Although impervious to scratches, concrete should be sealed and usually cracks as it settles over time. Cracks can be sealed and polished.
#14: Polished Concrete
Unlike other commercial flooring options, polished concrete does not give off VOCs, making it safer for your health. Polished concrete is low-maintenance, and despite its sleek look, is slip-resistant and great for high-traffic areas like shopping centers and corporate offices.
Installing polished concrete is best left to professionals since the way it is poured significantly affects the appearance of the finished floor.
#15: Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is a heavy-duty material that withstands pounding feet, rolling hospital beds, and dropping weights, making it a popular option for educational buildings, playgrounds, hospitals, and gyms.
Its cushioning makes rubber flooring comfortable to walk on, less prone to damage from repetitive or heavy impact, and effective at reducing noise. The waxes in the rubber naturally repel dirt and grime, so it’s easier to clean and maintain.
In addition, rubber is sustainably produced by harvesting rubber sap, which doesn’t harm the trees.
A few disadvantages of rubber flooring include:
- High up-front cost
- Noticeable rubber smell
- Relative lack of style
Whatever your goals for flooring your business, Interior Motives Flooring can point you to the most appropriate floor type.
Interior Motives Flooring Can Help You Choose the Best Commercial Flooring and Transform Your Space To Meet Your Needs
Interior Motives Flooring has been a trusted Auburn flooring company for over 30 years, dedicated to providing expert installation of flooring of all types.
We want to make your flooring installation project as satisfying as possible by ensuring you receive efficient service, valuable advice, fair prices, and masterful craftsmanship.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and to receive a free quote on your project.
