Commercial Spaces: The Best Flooring Options
Consider the intended use before you choose a floor covering for your commercial space.
Different environments place different demands upon the flooring. In the commercial world, durability and cost are frequently driving factors. Style and design, however, play an essential but more minor role.
Let’s look at the flooring options for offices, shops and work areas.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing commercial flooring.
You should consider your clientele when flooring in your office space.
When choosing the flooring for your office space, a lot depends on who you invite. Are you hosting high-profile clients? Is your traffic more industrial?
Combine hard and soft materials such as tile with carpet inlays or wood flooring with rugs to create the penthouse suite. For a more sophisticated decor, both create visual interest and texture.
You don’t have to be put off the idea of natural wood floors because of their high price. There are other options, such as wood-look vinyl flooring. You can get the same look and feel as timber flooring, but it is also affordable and waterproof.
Hardwearing commercial carpet with a short nap is best for professional offices such as a doctor’s waiting room or showroom. It is sound-absorbing, durable, and available in many colours and patterns to create the perfect tone.
You should consider vinyl flooring for industrial spaces and polished concrete as these types of floor coverings can withstand high traffic. You can make your place feel more comfortable by using softer flooring options like carpet tiles and broadloom carpet in hallways, break rooms, and offices.
Retail flooring should be designed to work hard.
Your flooring requirements may be reflected in the goods and services that you sell. For high-traffic stores, wear. If you have an upscale boutique, style should be a factor. Smaller shops can sell anything.
Tough vinyl roll flooring, tiles or planks can be an excellent option for large industrial or commercial stores. They are waterproof, durable, and easy to clean.
Elegant wood floors or plush carpeting are great options for setting the tone in a boutique setting.
Most floors work well in smaller shops catering to a smaller clientele. In smaller spaces, sound can make a difference in the ambience. You can choose to carpet to create a calm and intimate space or a hard surface to make it feel larger.
The Pros and Cons of Common Commercial Grade Flooring Types
Carpet tiles
Because of their versatility and affordability, carpet tiles are becoming more popular in office fit-outs. As the name implies, Carpet tiles are pre-cut pieces made of carpet that can be installed directly onto the floor like porcelain tiles.
Commercial tiles have the most significant advantage: the underlay is already included, so there is no need to purchase a separate pad. This reduces costs and labour, as well as allowing you to quickly track your work schedule.
Carpet tiles are very versatile and easy to maintain. Damaged tiles can be easily removed and replaced or cleaned up quickly. Replacement tiles, unlike broadloom carpets, can be stored easily and take up very little space.
Carpet tiles are a cost-effective alternative to broadloom carpets. They offer many design options, including checkered patterns and textured designs. You can create your own style with its tiled format.
Carpet tiles have a few drawbacks. Although tiles offer many design possibilities that broadloom cannot, they might not suit specific spaces. You might find larger patterns and mosaics in large offices or conference rooms.
PROS
- It is quick and straightforward to install. Carpet tiles can be pre-cut to the size you need with an integrated underlay. This makes them much easier to install.
- Customisable designs. You have unlimited design options and the ability to create your own patterns. You can lay tiles in a checkered or standard layout, or you can experiment until you find the right design for your space.
- It can be easily repaired. You can quickly replace any stained or damaged parts beyond repair without affecting the rest of the flooring.
CONS
- Installing pre-cut pieces that have a built-in underlay will cost more.
- Visible seams. The seams are visible because tiles are placed directly next to each other rather than being chemically bonded. This is not necessarily a problem if you want a checkered or texture pattern.
- Softer underfoot. The built-in padding may not provide as much cushioning as the extra padding used with broadloom carpets.
Broadloom Carpet
Broadloom carpet, a traditional type of commercial flooring, is more popular in larger corporate spaces. Its most significant advantage is its ability to quickly and easily cover large areas with one intricate design, wall-to-wall.
It is installed on top of a separate underlay between the floor slabs and the carpet. This makes it more comfortable underfoot.
Although the design options available are not as varied as carpet tiles, broadlooms are still the most successful. You can choose from large patterns, colours and even mosaics. It also comes in large, rolled up pieces that can be cut to size for your installation.
These carpets can be used in spaces that are too large for traditional carpet tiles. Unfortunately, this power also comes with one of the biggest downfalls of broadloom carpet: replacement/repair.
To fix an area that has been irreversibly damaged by mould, moisture or mildew, it must be removed and replaced.
PROS
- Endless design possibilities. Modern broadloom patterns and designs that inspire and innovate corporate spaces are available.
- Carpet tiles have a harder underfoot. Broadloom carpet offers more cushioning beneath the foot thanks to padding (also known as the underlay).
- Broadloom carpet is typically cheaper per square foot than carpet tile. However, this can vary depending on how the office space is designed.
- Broadloom is a 3.65-metre roll that can be installed wall to wall. It is seamless. Broadloom seams that meet are sealed with a chemical so they appear one piece.
CONS
- It can be more wasteful. Broadloom carpets are cut to the dimensions of a room. This can lead to more waste in the installation process, especially the underlay.
- Sometimes, it can be more costly. Sometimes, the cost of unused or unnecessary materials can offset savings.
- It takes longer to install. It can take longer to install a carpet underlay, and the carpet layer needs to be cut to fit the space.
- It is difficult to replace and repair. Unlike carpet tiles that can be easily removed and replaced if damaged beyond repair, carpet tiles may require the removal of the entire carpet, including the underlay.
Concrete
Concrete in offices is an option, but it’s not the most common type of commercial flooring. It depends on the work being done.
Concrete flooring is a sophisticated and modern way to add industrialism to your office space.
Concrete flooring can be made to look luxurious with modern concrete finishing techniques.
Prices vary depending on how large the space is and what finish is used. It can be used in all types of applications, including offices, warehouses and kitchens, and schools and retail stores.
Concrete flooring, as you might imagine, is very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also one of the easiest flooring types to clean.
It is vital to maintain your equipment regularly. A simple vacuum or dust mop will remove any dirt and dust particles. Then, a neutral pH detergent will be applied for more stubborn stains or grease.
Concrete flooring should be waxed bi-monthly to prevent stains and spills from getting under the surface.
PROS
- It is one of the easiest floor types to maintain. It requires little maintenance. Regular vacuuming and dusting are recommended.
- Concrete is highly durable.
- Concrete flooring can last a lifetime. Concrete flooring can last for a lifetime if it is maintained and resealed every 2-5 years.
- Unique design possibilities. Modern technology allows for many different finishes to create unique products.
CONS
- Hard underfoot. Concrete flooring is by nature the most difficult of all floors. Concrete flooring is also harder to forgive when it comes down to accidents.
- Water damage is possible. Concrete can be damaged by water if it is not sealed correctly.
- Cracking. No matter how professionally the concrete flooring was installed, cracking can still occur. Weathering can cause even the strongest flooring to crack due to temperature changes, moisture changes, and settling.
Natural Hardwood Flooring
Natural hardwood flooring is undoubtedly the most beautiful type of flooring. It continues to be a stunning choice for office spaces.
Natural hardwood flooring has a unique look that is distinctively crafted from a particular species of wood. It continues to offer a timeless and classic look.
Hardwood flooring, a natural material, will always suffer the most despite having a longer life span. It can be refinished to look new for future generations, but it is cursed with a decision-changing element.
Wood is porous, making it vulnerable to climate and water damage. It is not recommended for rooms like the bathroom, laundry, or kitchen where moisture and spills are common.
It can be sealed with polyurethane, which will protect against spills. However, it must be removed and reapplied frequently. Hardwood floors are not recommended for high traffic areas or commercial spaces.
Hardwood flooring can withstand heavy objects, but that’s not to be taken lightly. It is a difficult choice because of its porous nature and constant need for protection.
The look of luxury vinyl hardwood flooring is unparalleled. Only a trained eye can tell the difference. This unique finish is, however, 2-3 times more costly.
It is crucial to consider the availability of wood species and the fact that it is not possible to customise the design. This can prove to be problematic when replacing damaged slats. Hardwood is better suited for commercial spaces with low foot traffic, residential areas, and sports centres.
PROS
- Visually timeless. Natural or real hardwood flooring is one of the most aesthetically pleasing floor options. It is a timeless option that can be resealed for years to come.
- Extremely durable. In comparison to other floor types, hardwood is hard in characteristics and hence more durable than most.
- Easy to maintain and clean. Regular maintenance and cleaning includes sweeping and vacuuming.
- Limitless design. From designs based on wood species to traditional or modern approaches with a sealant option, hardwood flooring gives endless design choices.
CONS
- It can be very expensive. Hardwood flooring is the most expensive option for flooring.
- Must be resealed. Hardwood should be refinished at least twice per year, depending on how badly damaged (blemishes and scratches) and foot traffic.
- Hard underfoot. Hardwood flooring is more forgiving than concrete, but it’s harder than vinyl.
- Acoustics. Acoustics does not help with space acoustics or sound insulation. This can be overcome with rugs and other sound absorbers.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most popular floor types amongst Aussie homeowners, but is it suited in the workplace?
Laminate flooring is an affordable flooring option that is highly durable, low maintenance and easy to clean, with a regular mop, sweep or vacuum.
It’s also resistant to moisture, spills, and stains, making it suitable for almost any application, including high traffic offices, kitchens, waiting rooms in healthcare centres, corridors, and schools.
Laminate flooring is very popular because of the UV resistance technology in the wear layer. It is resistant to fading and especially useful for areas that are exposed to sunlight.
Laminate can be used to replicate more expensive flooring types by using a high-definition printer. This includes natural hardwood, stone, and tile decor. You can customize the style, design and colour of the laminate.
Laminate flooring has been designed for an easy floating installation using a tongue and groove locking system for a simple install.
PROS
- Cheaper alternative. This is a cheaper alternative to achieving a tiled, stone, or hardwood floor finish.
- Very durable. It is stain, dent, and scratch-resistant.
- It is easy to install. Easy installation of floating floors with a tongue-and-groove locking system.
- Softer underfoot. Laminate can be more comfortable underfoot than other types of flooring.
- Low maintenance. Regular maintenance and cleaning includes sweeping and vacuuming with the occasional spot clean.
CONS
- Inconvenient. Laminate cannot be refinished like hardwood and must be removed and replaced.
- Water damage is possible. Water can seep through the seams, causing swelling. It must be removed and replaced.
- Repetitive design. Because of the repetitive nature and placement of the patterns, it is more likely that 2 boards will be placed next to eachother if they are not properly installed.
- Acoustics. Acoustics does not help with space acoustics or sound insulation. This can be overcome with rugs and other sound absorbers.
Vinyl Sheet
When it comes to visual appeal and authenticity, vinyl flooring is unmatched.
One of the main reasons vinyl flooring has become such a popular choice in residential and commercial spaces is that it can be printed to mimic a wide variety of materials, including natural hardwood, ceramic tiles, natural stone, and for half the cost.
Vinyl sheets are typically installed using one to two large sheets with a photographed image of the pattern applied below the wear layer.
Sheet vinyl can be printed without grout lines because of its production process. This creates a seamless and authentic look, which is not possible with luxury vinyl tiles or planks. It can be quite bulky so you only have one style per sheet.
Sheet vinyl is free from seams and provides superior protection against moisture entering the subfloor and penetrating the surface. Commercial sheet vinyl is the best choice for offices, daycare centres and schools, as well as restaurants, schools, hotels, and other hospitality establishments where moisture or foot traffic is high.
You only have two options, unfortunately, and not LVT/LVP. Either replace the entire floor or just cut the damaged area and add a new one.
Both of these options can prove costly. Water can also get through the seams of your cut fabric, compromising its integrity. It is possible to duplicate the original pattern.
That being said, vinyl sheet is exceptionally durable, can withstand heavy foot traffic, and is highly resistant to moisture.
PROS
- Water-resistant. Sheet vinyl is made with waterproof materials and a seamless finish. It is ideal for areas where there is a high risk of water damage.
- Comfortable. Sheet vinyl is soft underfoot and warm to the touch. It’s much easier to use for extended periods of time.
- Longevity. Vinyl sheet that is well maintained can last for up to 10 to 20 year.
- Affordable. Sheet vinyl, which is mass-produced in large quantities, can be affordable and still achieve a high-end finish.
- It is easy to maintain. It is easy to clean with a sweep, vacuum, or mop.
- Endless design possibilities. Modern printing technology allows for more authentic and natural colours, patterns, and clarity.
- It is easy to install. For a wall to wall installation, measure the space. We recommend that DIYers avoid doing it yourself and hire a professional to install your wall-to-wall. This requires precise measurements and cutting.
CONS
- It is difficult to repair. Imagine sheet vinyl has been severely damaged by water, scratch, gouge, or other damage. You have two options: replace the entire floor, or replace the damaged area with a patch.
- Discolouration. Vinyl of low quality can yellow over time. Direct sunlight can also cause yellowing. Vinyl of high quality with a UV inhibitor can help prevent sun damage and discolouration.
It is a good idea to ask as many questions as you can to your carpet installation expert in Melbourne when purchasing commercial flooring. This will ensure that you get exactly what you need. Contact our team if you need help making a decision, or simply for advice.
CarpetAce offers a variety of flooring options for businesses and has a dedicated team available to assist with design, decision-making, and installation. Get a free quote by contacting us today.
