Commercial property owners must regularly renovate their buildings to promote safety
and attract high-quality tenants. To this effect, flooring renovations are among the most
commonly executed in commercial properties, as commercial floors will be put to the
test much more stringently than residential properties.
There is a wide range of flooring materials to choose from, each offering unique benefits
for specific applications. For example, a good flooring material for an apartment unit
probably will not be the best choice for an industrial warehouse. With this in mind, keep
reading for a detailed comparison of some of the most common flooring options used in
commercial renovations.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are a timeless and elegant choice for commercial properties. They are
incredibly durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. Not only do they
look great, but hardwood floors can also increase the value of a property and attract
tenants who value style. However, it is important to remember that hardwood floors require maintenance to
ensure they remain in good condition. This includes sealing and staining the floors to
protect them from dirt and wear. The best polyurethane for floors is durable and long-
lasting, as this will help ensure the floors https://www.zar.com/blog/the-best-water-based-polyurethane-for-floors; longevity.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring also has many benefits for a commercial property. It is water-resistant,
easy to work with, and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Vinyl flooring is also
more economical than other flooring types, such as hardwood or epoxy terrazzo.
One of the biggest benefits of vinyl flooring is its water resistance. This makes it an ideal
choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms. Vinyl flooring is also easy to
clean and maintain, saving time and money for businesses.
Vinyl flooring is also a more economical option than other flooring types. It is less
expensive to purchase and install and can last many years with proper care. This
makes vinyl flooring a wise investment for businesses seeking a low-maintenance,
affordable option.
However, there are some drawbacks to vinyl flooring. It is not the best choice for high-
traffic areas, as it can show wear and tear over time. If the building will see a lot of
machine traffic or frequent moving and sliding of furniture or shelving, it may be better to
look at more heavy-duty flooring. Additionally, vinyl flooring is not a particularly elegant
or highly desirable material, so it will not increase the resale value of a commercial
property.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of multiple layers. The top layer is
a wear layer made of a durable material, such as melamine or aluminum oxide. The
middle layer is a core layer made of a composite material like fiberboard or
particleboard. The bottom layer is a backing layer made of a moisture-resistant material,
such as polyethylene.
Laminate flooring is a good choice for commercial properties because it is affordable
and comes in a wide variety of finishes. Laminate flooring is also resistant to moisture
and scratches, which makes it a strong choice to withstand normal wear. Additionally,
laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, saving time and money for businesses.
There are some drawbacks to using laminate flooring in commercial properties.
Laminate flooring can be noisy, and it can be difficult to repair if it is damaged. Also,
laminate flooring is not as durable as other flooring types, such as ceramic tile or
polished concrete.
Tile
Tile flooring is a type of flooring that is made of a material such as ceramic, porcelain, or
stone. It is a durable, long-lasting material that can withstand wear and tear. Tile flooring
is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for commercial properties.
There are many benefits to using tile flooring in commercial properties. First, tile is very
durable. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to scratches and dents. This
makes it a good choice for areas with a lot of activity, such as lobbies and retail stores.
Tile is also relatively easy to clean. It can be swept, mopped, or vacuumed and does not
require any special cleaning products. This makes it a low-maintenance option for busy
commercial properties. Finally, tile is fire-resistant. It will not burn or support
combustion, which makes it a safe choice for commercial properties.
Like other flooring options, there are a few drawbacks to consider when using tile
flooring in commercial properties. Tile can be cold and hard underfoot. This can be a
problem in areas where employees are standing for long periods of time. It can be
slippery when wet. This can be a safety hazard in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, so
it is important to look for non-slip coating to apply to tile surfaces. Lastly, tile can be
expensive to install, often requiring specialists’ skills, tools, and expertise in tile and
grout.
Epoxy Terrazzo
Epoxy terrazzo is a type of flooring made by mixing epoxy resin with aggregates, such
as marble chips or granite. The mixture is then poured onto a subfloor and allowed to
cure. Epoxy terrazzo is a durable and long-lasting flooring option that is ideal for many
types of commercial properties.
There are numerous benefits to choosing epoxy terrazzo for commercial flooring. Epoxy
terrazzo is arguably the most durable flooring material on the market. It is resistant to
scratches, cracks, and stains. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like lobbies and
warehouse floors. It is also a low-maintenance flooring option. It can be easily cleaned
with a mop and a mild detergent. Finally, epoxy terrazzo scores high for versatility. It
can be customized to create various looks, from classic terrazzo to modern ones.
Despite its many benefits, installing epoxy terrazzo floors will usually take a major
upfront investment, as it is among the most expensive flooring types. In addition, epoxy
terrazzo can be slippery when wet. This can be a safety hazard in areas with a lot of
foot traffic, so promptly clean any spills on an epoxy terrazzo surface to limit liability.
Epoxy terrazzo can also be difficult to repair. If a section of epoxy terrazzo is damaged,
there aren’t a lot of solutions other than re-pouring the damaged section.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete flooring is an excellent choice for commercial properties, as it is
extremely durable and easy to maintain. It can also be polished into various attractive
finishes, such as smooth, matte, and glossy.
The durability of polished concrete is one of its main advantages. It is highly resistant to
wear and tear and can last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, it is
resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas that may be exposed to water
or humidity.
Polished concrete is also easy to maintain, as it is resistant to dirt and grime. It can be
cleaned with a simple mop and water; no special cleaning products are required. This
can help the building owner save time and money in the long run.
Another benefit of polished concrete is its versatility. It can be polished into various
attractive finishes, such as smooth, matte, and glossy. This allows for a wide range of
design options and the ability to create a unique and customized look for any
commercial property.
In terms of drawbacks, the most important point to consider is that polished concrete
can be a loud flooring type. This is because the polished concrete reflects sound, which
can cause distracting echoes within a space. If you are wondering how to reduce
echoing in a room with polished concrete floors, using the right areas, rugs, and
underlayment is essential. This will help to absorb some of the sound and make the
room quieter.
Choose the Right Flooring Material For Your Next
Renovation
Regular renovation is critical for commercial building owners to keep their properties
safe and attractive. With this in mind, commercial floors are one of the areas that need
to be renovated most frequently, as they see elevated wear and tear over residential
floors. For more ideas on planning a flooring project for your commercial property,
check out the resources on SVN Dunn Commercial for the latest in the industry!