SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL FLOOR MAINTENANCE

Commercial Flooring Options: What Is Best for Your Commercial Space?

Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a significant rise in commercial flooring projects across  Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. While you might think the bulk of these flooring projects are reserved for  newly-built facilities, that isn’t necessarily true. Many property managers and business owners are  remodeling old, worn-out surfaces to boost productivity, reduce work-related accidents, and refresh  outdated aesthetics. But with a wealth of choices, many companies struggle to find the best commercial  flooring options for their needs and budget. 

If that scenario sounds familiar, you might be asking questions such as:  

• What are the most popular types of commercial flooring?  
• What is the most durable commercial flooring?  
• What are the longest-lasting types of commercial flooring?  
• What are the best types of commercial flooring for a commercial building?  

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of commercial flooring options and what  industries they best suit. That way, you can make an informed purchasing decision for your company or  organization. First, let’s take an overall look at some of the most popular yet durable flooring options for  commercial purposes.  

Key Takeaways

Diverse Needs: Choose flooring based on traffic, aesthetics, and functionality.

Vinyl Flooring: Durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for various commercial settings but not for heavy-duty use.

Laminate Flooring: Aesthetic and cost-effective, suitable for spaces desiring a wood or stone look.

Carpet Flooring: Offers warmth and noise reduction, best for offices and communal areas but requires regular upkeep.

Tile Flooring: Hard-wearing and waterproof, great for high-traffic areas but can be uncomfortable due to hardness.

Rubber Flooring: Slip-resistant and comfortable, perfect for gyms and healthcare facilities, though may discolor over time.

Concrete Flooring: Extremely durable, suitable for industrial spaces and areas with heavy machinery.

The choice should balance between the space’s specific requirements and the flooring’s maintenance needs.

Popular Types of Commercial Flooring 

Commercial Vinyl Flooring 

This fully synthetic polymer option is great if you want to give your commercial floors a desirable,  unique look that can withstand foot traffic. With minimal upkeep needed, vinyl comes in many manifestations, such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl composition tile (VCT), and stone-plastic composite  (SPC). Because of its resistance to moisture, durability, and its wide variety of designs, commercial vinyl  flooring is used by many businesses and organizations, such as:  

• Schools 
• Restaurants 
• Medical Facilities 
• Offices 
• Hotels 

When compared to other types of commercial flooring materials, vinyl is often less expensive, making it a budget-friendly option. However, vinyl floors aren’t always the best choice for manufacturing or heavy-duty applications, as vinyl tiles can be dented or even punctured.  

Pros of Commercial Vinyl Flooring 

Water Resistance: In general, vinyl is a good option if you need a material that is resistant to moisture.  Some options, like SPC vinyl, consist of a layered construction and are 100% waterproof. 

Durability: If you’re concerned about scratches, stains, and wear and tear, vinyl may be a good fit for  you. Just about every type of commercial vinyl flooring has above-average durability. 

Aesthetics: Commercial floors have a reputation for being bland and boring. Options like LVT and SPC  buck that trend and do a fantastic job of mixing beauty with practicality.  

Cons of Commercial Vinyl Flooring 

Fading: Vinyl flooring has a tendency to fade over time, especially when it’s exposed to UV rays from the  sun. To save time and money in the long run, many businesses and organizations rely on commercial  flooring services to keep their vinyl floors protected from fading and general wear and tear.  

Removal: While some vinyl options like SPC are relatively easy to remove, others are not. For instance,  glue is used to install commercial vinyl sheet flooring. If you need to remove the tiles for renovation, it’s  more of a challenge.  

Commercial Laminate Flooring 

Of all the types of commercial flooring options, laminate is one of the most popular when it comes to  stone and wood alternatives. Compared to real hardwood floors, for instance, laminate’s synthetic  structure is equally attractive but available at a much lower price. This type of commercial flooring is  best suited for owners and managers who want the rich look of wood without the pitfalls of  maintenance and care. Laminate flooring works great in a number of settings, including:  

• Office Lobbies 
• Fitness Studios 
• Cafes 
• Apartment Buildings 
• Boutiques  

Another big reason many business owners choose laminate is that it is stain and scratch resistant and is  more resistant to fading versus options like commercial vinyl flooring.  

Scher Flooring Services Pro Tip: When shopping for commercial laminate flooring, always consider its  Abrasion Criteria rating, or AC rating. For commercial environments, we recommend an AC rating of 4-5.  

Pros of Commercial Laminate Flooring 

Upkeep: Like vinyl, commercial laminate flooring is relatively easy to maintain and does a great job of  resisting scratches and stains.  

Feel: Commercial laminate flooring feels good under your feet, providing a comfortable option for many  commercial environments.  

Style: If you need to spruce up a commercial setting, laminate is a great way to go because it offers a  vast selection of styles and colors. When compared to real hardwood, laminate presents a more  consistent level of tone and texture, as well.  

Cons of Commercial Laminate Flooring 

Resistance to Water: Waterproofing options are available for commercial laminate floors, but they  aren’t always 100% resistant to water. If you work in a commercial setting where waterproofed floors  are non-negotiable, laminate may not be the best choice. 

Noise: Unlike some commercial flooring options, laminate is not known for sound deadening or  absorption. When applied to an uneven subfloor, it can sound downright hollow. If you need  commercial flooring for a quiet environment, options like carpet may be a much better choice.  

Commercial Carpet Flooring 

Carpet is perhaps the most traditional choice for commercial flooring and is great for absorbing noise.  Commercial carpet flooring is also highly customizable and often made with fibers that are looped  through your carpet’s backing. This technique helps enhance durability and prevents matting.  Commercial carpets can also add much-needed warmth to a space and works well in settings such as:  

• Offices 
• Rental Properties 
• Gyms 
• Apartment Complexes 

Scher Flooring Services Pro Tip: If you find that carpet is the best option for your needs, try using a  rubber roll underlayment to boost sound absorption and underfoot comfort.  

Pros of Commercial Carpet Flooring 

Sustainable Options: If buying eco-friendly products is important to your organization or business, you can find many carpet rolls made from recycled and organic materials.  

Price: Carpet isn’t as expensive when compared to other commercial flooring options like hardwoods.  

Choices: Commercial carpet flooring comes in a large variety of sizes, colors, and styles to choose from.  If a commercial carpet is created with loop fibers, you won’t have to worry as much about footprints and  vacuum trails.  

Cons of Commercial Carpet Flooring 

Upkeep: Carpets feel great when you’re walking on them, but they’re known for harboring dirt, grime,  and oils. If you’re looking for commercial flooring that doesn’t require much maintenance, carpet might not be for you.  

Installation: Commercial carpets are usually installed by professionals, and for good reason – as a DIY  project, installation can be quite difficult and is more involved than interlocking options like commercial  SPC vinyl flooring.  

Commercial Tile Flooring 

Commercial floor tile is durable, waterproof when glazed, and makes a memorable visual impact in  commercial settings. If you run a business or organization with high foot traffic, tile should be on your  shortlist as it’s sturdy, thick, and easy to clean. With commercial floor tile types like ceramic and  porcelain, you’ve got a huge selection of shapes, patterns, and designs from which to choose. On the  other end of the spectrum, quarry tile is a fantastic option for busy food-prep areas like commercial  kitchens, as it can withstand grease and spills but has limited design options. 

Commercial tile floors are often used in: 

• Lobbies 
• Commercial Kitchens 
• Luxurious Spaces 
• Entryways  
• Spas 

Pros of Commercial Tile Flooring  

Alternative to Stone: While tile can mimic the look of flooring options like marble, it’s not nearly as  expensive and can be a cheaper alternative to natural stone commercial flooring.  

Maintenance: Tile is a non-porous type of flooring and helps prevent dirt and grime from accruing in  your flooring. As such, cleaning and maintenance are much easier than alternatives like carpet.  

Cons of Commercial Tile Flooring 

Comfort: Commercial tile is not known for being comfortable to walk on because it has a rigid, smooth  texture.  

Price: While tile is cheaper than stone, it tends to be more expensive depending on the type of tile and  material you need.  

Commercial Rubber Flooring 

Rubber flooring in commercial settings is usually purpose-built and designed to provide cushion while  preventing fatigue and injuries. Though not as “pretty” as flooring like commercial VCT, rubber is often  the best choice when you need a comfortable, non-slip surface that is easy to clean and maintain. You’ll  see commercial rubber flooring in establishments such as:  

• Gyms 
• Schools 
• Hospitals 
• Commercial Kitchens 

Pros of Commercial Rubber Flooring 

Durable: Rubber is often the first choice in commercial settings that can be slippery, noisy, and full of  foot traffic. That’s because rubber is ultra-durable and does a great job of absorbing sounds while also  being comfortable to walk on and easy to clean.  

Cons of Commercial Rubber Flooring 

Discoloration: With time, rubber can become discolored when it is used or walked on repeatedly.  What is the Most Durable Type of Commercial Flooring? 

At Scher Flooring Services, one of the most common questions we get is from clients who need  commercial flooring resistant to above-average wear, tear, and damage. If design and color are less  important to you than longevity, durability, and ease of maintenance, commercial concrete flooring is a  fantastic material to consider Some common environments where this type of flooring is used include: 

• Industrial Plants 
• Warehouses 
• Manufacturing Facilities 
• Spaces with Heavy Machinery  
• Commercial Garages 
• Retail Stores 
• Entryways Into Businesses  
• Supermarkets 
• More 

One of the most popular types of concrete is polished concrete flooring. If you’ve ever been inside a  supermarket or warehouse, chances are you were walking on a polished concrete floor. That’s because  this type of commercial flooring withstands the damage of foot traffic and typically costs less than other  durable options. Because polished concrete reflects light, it can even help lower your monthly utility  costs. And unlike carpet, polished concrete doesn’t trap dust, germs, mildew, or mold, meaning it’s  better for the air quality in your facility.  

To extend its lifespan, prevent deterioration, and improve ease of upkeep, many concrete floors are  treated with an epoxy coating before they’re used. For even more durability, many commercial concrete  floors are also treated with a urethane coating over the epoxied surface.  

Finally, rubber flooring is also very durable. As mentioned above, it can withstand the heaviest of foot  traffic and, unlike concrete, can help absorb sound. It also provides a certain level of cushion for your  feet, which is imperative in commercial settings like busy kitchens and raucous gyms.  

Trust the Scher Flooring Difference 

Whether you select tile, LVT, or another type of commercial flooring for your company or organization,  Scher Flooring Services will provide you with comprehensive, customized floor care. From commercial carpet cleaning services for hotels in Maryland to floor maintenance plans for industrial facilities in  Virginia, our staff is ready to serve you.  

No matter the scope of your floor cleaning, repair, or protection needs, we aim to exceed your expectations. We do so by providing you with a floor management structure that is designed to blend seamlessly with your in-house planning, reporting, and operations. That way, we can better protect the beauty, efficacy, and life of your commercial flooring. We also offer you the efficiency and convenience of a single, centralized point of contact who is accessible by phone, email, or fax, so you’re always in the loop.  

Contact our office today to learn more about our work and how we can clean and protect your commercial floors.