The choice of flooring material for commercial use is one of the most important decisions you will make during construction. There are many factors to consider, including cost, durability, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics.
There are two basic types of flooring materials used in commercial applications: vinyl and laminate tile. Each type offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, making each ideal for certain uses.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is durable, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. Vinyl floors are typically installed over subflooring such as concrete, plywood, or wood planks. Some types of vinyl are designed specifically for commercial use, while others are intended for residential use.
Advantages
- Durable – Vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years with proper care. It’s also resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
- Easy to Install – Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of thicknesses, so it’s very easy to cut and fit into place.
- Low Maintenance – Vinyl flooring requires little to no maintenance. However, if your business has high-traffic areas, you may need to seal the floor periodically.
Disadvantages
- More Expensive – Vinyl flooring costs more than other options.
- Not Suitable for All Areas – Vinyl flooring is not suitable for all areas because it’s susceptible to damage from water and heat.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an attractive option that combines the look and feel of hardwood with the ease of installation and low-maintenance characteristics of vinyl. Laminate flooring is available in various styles and finishes, including engineered, solid surface, and texture.
Advantages
- Ease of Installation – Laminate flooring is extremely easy to install. It’s usually glued down directly onto the subflooring.
- Durability – Laminate flooring can be made from recycled content, which makes it environmentally friendly.
- Low Maintenance – Laminate flooring does require some upkeep, but it’s much less frequent than vinyl flooring.
Disadvantages
- Costly – Laminate flooring costs more than vinyl flooring. This is due to its higher-quality components.
- Limited Styles – Laminate flooring only comes in limited styles, unlike vinyl flooring, which can be found in virtually any style imaginable.
What are the benefits of choosing LVT Flooring?
LVT flooring is an excellent choice for commercial spaces such as retail stores, restaurants, hotel rooms, and office buildings. These kinds of environments are often subject to high amounts of foot traffic and heavy use. LVT floors are durable and easy to maintain. They’re also less likely to trap dirt and debris underfoot.
What are the performance features of LVT?
Aesthetics play an important role in choosing a flooring option. Performance specifications are based on the type of use and expected life of the floor. Products vary in terms of material types, wear layers, and other factors that affect performance. Urethane finishes differ depending on what you want to achieve. Think about how much traffic you’ll see coming through your doors. Consider the enhanced performance features offered by LVT.
Does LVT Design Affect Performance?
Light colours are better than dark ones because they reflect more light into the eyes of the viewer. This makes it easier to see imperfections like stains, scratches and dust. Darker surfaces absorb more light, making it harder to spot those imperfections.
Patterns help hide wear and tear and make cleaning less noticeable. If you want to keep your floors looking great, consider applying a patterned floor covering such as vinyl tile.
Cleaners recommend vacuuming every three months. Vacuum regularly to prevent the buildup of debris and grime. Wipe up spills immediately. Use a damp mop to clean hardwood floors. A wet mop works best for laminate. For stone and ceramic tiles, use a dry mop or sponge. Never put bleach on marble or granite.
How does LVT compare with laminate?
A laminated floor is usually composed of several layers of wood, fibreglass and plastic. Laminate floors are easy to install and maintain, but they don’t offer the same long-lasting quality as solid wood floors. For example, laminate floors tend to warp over time due to moisture absorption. They’re also susceptible to scratches and stains. And unlike solid wood floors, you’ll probably never need to replace a laminate floor.
LVT stands for “laminated veneer lumber.” This type of flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood, MDF, HDPE, particle board, etc., glued together under high pressure and heat. Because it’s made of real wood, LVT offers better performance and durability than laminate. However, LVT isn’t suitable for every application. For instance, it won’t work well in areas where moisture is likely to collect, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Does LVT Flooring need underlay?
The answer depends on the type of LVT used. Some manufacturers include an underlay layer while others do not. Underlays are typically made from polyethylene sheeting. You should always check with the manufacturer to find out whether or not an underlay is required.
Underlays are needed if one wants to install an LVT floor over concrete or another substrate. However, LVT tiles do not require an underlay.
If you want to keep your LVT floor looking great, it’s important to maintain it. Regular cleaning helps prevent damage and extend the life of your flooring. You don’t have to hire a professional to clean your LVT floor; there are several methods you can use yourself.
There are many different types of LVT flooring, including vinyl plank flooring, tile, stone, and ceramic tile. Each type requires a unique method of care. Here are some tips for maintaining your LVT flooring.
LVT Floor Care Tips
- Vacuum regularly. Use a vacuum designed specifically for hard surfaces like carpeted areas, wood, and concrete. Regular vacuuming will help remove dirt and dust particles that could cause scratches.
- Dust mop. If you prefer a traditional way to clean upholstery and furniture, consider renting a handheld vacuum cleaner and dust mop. This is a good option if you have small children or pets.
- Sweep. Sweep the floor once every week or two. Using a broom and sweeping across the floor works well for most LVT floors. Be sure to sweep in the direction of the grain of the flooring.
- Wipe down. After each sweep, wipe the surface of the floor with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt and debris. Make sure you use a soft rag or sponge – avoid using newspaper or paper towels because they may tear the finish of your floor.
