Commercial flooring projects are on the rise due to a combination of construction spending and urban growth. However, it is not only new facilities that are in need of a practical, visually appealing flooring solution, as older buildings are being remodeled to increase productivity, minimize work-related injury, and reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Cost is always a major factor in determining which commercial flooring option would be most suitable for a project. Function and visual appeal also play a role, and in many industries, the return to service time is a top priority. Companies that want to be good stewards of the environment can also choose from a variety of sustainable commercial flooring solutions.
With so many different types of commercial flooring out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your space. This post will help you figure out which one is best for you amongst concrete, epoxy, rubber and hardwood. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Polished concrete
Whenever you walk down the aisle of a shopping center, corporate office, retail space, grocery store or warehouse, you’re likely to see polished concrete flooring. This long-lasting, traditional building material is becoming more popular today because it provides a clean and modern look at an affordable price. Business owners appreciate that it drastically reduces maintenance costs compared to other traditional flooring options. Compared to many other commercial flooring options, polished concrete has fewer waste materials during installation. This popular commercial flooring option also helps improve indoor air quality because the surface doesn’t retain mold spores, mildew spores, dust and other common allergens.
Stained concrete
Stained concrete can be changed in almost any way you want it to be. It’s easy to clean and can be made to look just like marble, stone, or even wood. You can add decorations like stencils and patterns to make it totally unique and tailored to your style or look. You can find stained concrete all over the place, from waiting rooms to restaurants to retail stores to churches to outdoor malls to homes. It won’t fade, crack or chip, so it’s great for outdoor areas because some other materials can’t handle the elements. Plus, it’s cheaper and lasts longer than polished concrete.
Epoxy flooring
Epoxy flooring is one of the fastest-growing segments of the concrete floor market. Epoxy flooring is becoming increasingly popular in commercial applications, such as automotive, oil & gas manufacturing, hospital, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, airport, schools & colleges, parking facilities, etc.
Epoxy coatings are highly flexible and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the space. They are also very resistant to wear & tear and other typical abrasions. Not only do they provide insulation, but they can also withstand a wide temperature range. Various types of epoxy coatings offer chemical & heat resistance, as well as high UV stability. This makes epoxy an ideal choice for high performance environments.
Carpet
Carpet may be the go-to choice in many commercial settings. Carpet can provide insulation in cooler climates and absorb noise. Carpets can be easily stained and damaged. Toxic chemicals are also released during the production process. Dirt and debris are easy to remove on a concrete floor, but allergens are often trapped in the carpet fibers. Excessive moisture can cause the carpet to deteriorate, especially if mold or mildew develops. In general, carpet isn’t as long-lasting as many commercial alternatives.
Hardwood
Solid wood flooring lasts longer than some commercial flooring options, but it’s much more expensive and the installation process can take a long time. On the other hand, hardwood flooring looks elegant and is easy to clean. Dust and dirt can easily be swept away.
Like a carpet, hardwood floors can suffer from moisture and moisture-related issues. Hardwood floors can also suffer from high humidity levels. Hardwood floors can also have cracks, cupping issues, crowning issues and buckling issues on the surface. They can also suffer from moisture and leaks under the surface.
If you are still in doubt as to which type of flooring suits you most, we recommend QC Commercial Flooring, the best providers of flooring for commercial properties in Peterborough.
