Concrete Floor Benefits

• Customizable color, texture, patterns, and finish
• Durable & abrasion resistant
• Resists moisture and stains when sealed
• Easy and minimal maintenance
• Can be very affordable/ tailored to any budget
• Environmentally Friendly
• Reduces allergens
• Can be heated with a radiant system
• Polished finishes reflect light and brighten indoor spaces

Most of us have heard of Pergo…but what exactly is laminate flooring? It’s made up of pressed layers (mainly wood) that are fused together. Commercial laminate requires little maintenance and is made to withstand heavy foot traffic. Many laminates replicate the look of hardwood, stone, or tile.  There are many types of laminate, including smooth (with various gloss levels), embossed, textured, and distressed. Laminate is the best of several worlds because it is a hybrid floor covering– its tongue and groove installation is similar to and even easier than hardwood, while its tight-jointed top is reminiscent of vinyl flooring.  However, even though its price may be similar to vinyl, laminate is made of different materials.

Laminate is easy to clean and scratch resistant.  But, since it is made of pressed board it can chip. Regarding durability, AC4-AC5 rated laminate floors are recommended for commercial areas (buy the best AC rating the budget will allow). Laminate is minimally affected by sunlight. Overall, laminate reacts less to extremes in humidity than solid wood but it is not a good choice for high-moisture/humidity spaces, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or other places where encounters with wetness will occur. Another downside to consider is that laminate may result in elevated noise levels because it has a poor acoustic profile compared to other types of flooring.

Laminate is sustainable as long as it’s made of wood from sustainable forests or recycled wood fiber.  It is typically recycleable and doesn’t require chemicals to clean.  Additionally, laminate doesn’t contain any air-damaging chemicals and whatever chemicals that are in laminate tend to stay inside the board.  It also meets LEED standards for being eco-friendly.

With a plethora of styles and colors available, tile design can be endlessly customized to meet the needs of a business. One major advantage of all tile is that if one cracks a single unit can easily be replaced.  Ultimately, tile that is rated either a 4 or 5 hardness is best for a commercial or industrial setting.

Ceramic, Porcelain, & Quarry

Ceramic tile is a good option for high-traffic areas because it is hard/durable, stain resistant, easy to clean, and still fairly affordable. While porcelain and ceramic belong to the same family, they do have some minor differences (porcelain is more expensive but better for areas exposed to moisture). Another option, quarry tile, is the industry standard in commercial kitchens because it is water and slip resistant. Quarry tile is often red, but it can also be brown, gray, or tan.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is inherently eco-friendly and unique. The downside of stone can be that, depending on its porosity, it may need regular sealing, and that some stone scratches or chips easily. Granite and Quartzite are the most durable natural stone flooring products while others, such as marble, can be scratched and don’t retain polish as well.

Grout

Cement-based grouts are good for general use and moderate traffic but latex-based or epoxy grouts are used when extra strength is needed or the grout needs to have added water/chemical/stain resistance.

Hardwoods are commonly used in retail, museums, sports facilities, and more. Businesses typically choose hardwood for its durability, resiliency, and timeless, natural aesthetics. Design wise, there are many different grains that can work for a variety of commercial spaces, and hardwood installation can be endlessly customized to create a unique look and set the proper tone/mood.

Hardwood is hygienic and hypoallergenic because it resists dust buildup and doesn’t harbor microorganisms, mold, animal dander or mildew. Additionally, when walked upon regularly, wood flooring causes less fatigue. But, it does usually require regular maintenance, like sweeping and polishing. While engineered hardwood is typically cheaper and more durable than solid, because it is made up of a thin slice of hardwood on a top of a base of high-quality plywood there is a limit on how many times it can be sanded and refinished. Extremely durable and low maintenance hardwoods are now available due to technological advancements– epoxy coatings, for example, can drastically increase the robustness of a hardwood floor. Some hardwood is easily damaged– depending on the hardness, moving furniture or dropping items can lead to scratches, scuffs, or indentions. Plus, wood doesn’t handle extreme changes in temperature or humidity well– it can shrink from excess heat or crack from dryness. Finally, wood isn’t waterproof, so it is more susceptible to moisture than other types of flooring.

It’s important to note that if you want to ensure your hardwood flooring is environmentally-friendly you must choose a refurbished wood or wood with an FSC certification that guarantees the material came from responsibly managed forests. Ultimately, hardwood floors are long lasting, can be recycled at the end of their life, and contribute to good indoor air quality. Though technically a type of grass, bamboo falls under the hardwood class and is also a great option for businesses because has anti-bacterial properties, it grows and replenishes itself quickly, and requires little fertilizer and pesticides to grow.

Via Spectra Contract Flooring

Photos via Tarkett

Photos via Tarkett

Carpet can be a good option for businesses, such as hotels and offices, that require minimal noise and/or a warming presence. While not as durable as other options, if it is regularly vacuumed and spot/deep cleaned as needed, carpet can last a long time. Broadloom carpet can generate a lot of waste because comes in rolls which are cut to fit the rooms being carpeted. Unfortunately, carpet stains easily which means that modular carpet tiles, even though initially more expensive than broadloom, make a lot of sense because they can be replaced easily.  Another downside to carpet is that it can retain odors and allergens. Carpet designs range from single-colored to mosaic, and carpet tiles can be square or uniquely shaped. Some carpet provides high underfoot comfort because it has a cushion backing, and there are even waterproof carpet tiles which make moisture and spills less of a challenge.

There are sustainable carpet options that are made with natural fibers (sisal, seagrass, jute, wool, recycled materials, etc.) and eco-friendly carpets that are made with low volatile organic compounds and non-toxic dye. The alternatives would be nylon, polyester, acrylic, and other materials.

Photo via Mohawk Group

Photo via Mohawk Group