Commercial spaces like grocery stores, offices, or warehouses have flooring that may feel natural, like it belongs with the rest of the building. In reality, selecting commercial flooring is not as effortless as it seems. Choosing the best type of commercial flooring comes from a deep understanding of each material and how it functions.
As a Wichita building supply store for over 80 years, Star Lumber has decades of experience helping commercial companies with flooring solutions. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this guide on choosing the best type of commercial flooring and what to consider.
Understanding Commercial Flooring Materials
It is essential for companies to understand commercial flooring materials for five key reasons.
- Cost-effectiveness
- Each type of material varies by price, known the upfront cost of commercial flooring allows you to choose a material that fits your budget long-term
- Durability & Longevity
- Every commercial space sees a different level of foot traffic. High-traffic areas may need a flooring material that has a longer lifespan and higher durability.
- Safety
- OSHA safety compliance is incredibly important. Healthcare and food service have specific safety regulations on flooring materials. Choosing a material that complies is critical for overall safety.
- Style & Branding
- Flooring can significantly impact the look and feel of any commercial setting. Find a material that matches your company’s branding and image can reinforce your company’s identity and leave a positive impression.
- Function & Comfort
- Different spaces need different floors. Offices benefit from sound-dampening carpet, while healthcare or restaurants need durable and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Quick Comparison of Commercial Flooring Types
| Flooring Type | Relative Cost | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Epoxy | High | Low | 10-20 + Years |
| Porcelain & Ceramic | Medium to High | Low | 15-50+ Years |
| LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) | Medium | Low | 10-20+ Years |
| Vinyl Composition Tile | Low | Medium to High | 10-20 Years |
| Commercial Laminate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium | 5-15 Years |
| Carpet Tiles | Low to Medium | Medium | 5-15 Years |
Popular Commercial Flooring Materials
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tile is a versatile and durable commercial flooring solution designed to mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood. Each piece of LVT flooring uses a resilient PVC core, a detailed design layer, and a protective outer shell to defend against wear and tear. Combined, these layers offer high customizability, aesthetic appeal, and exceptional resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture.
Luxury vinyl tile is popular in commercial spaces because of its durability and low maintenance. Additionally, the high durability and low maintenance make LVT affordable upfront and long-term.
Pros
- High durability, resistant to water and normal wear and tear.
- Wide range of realistic designs and low maintenance.
Cons
- Can be more expensive than other vinyl.
- Can be damaged by sharp objects.
Best For:
- Retail Stores
- Offices
- Restaurants
- Healthcare
Commercial Carpet Flooring Tiles
Commercial carpet tiles are modular squares of carpet designed for high-traffic areas. Their advantage is that the tiles allow for specific replacement. This means that companies can individually replace worn or damaged sections instead of replacing the entire floor, saving money, time and maintenance in the process.
Carpet tiles also offer a range of design flexibility. Commercial areas can arrange tiles in creative patterns, use different carpet textures, and easily readjust if need be.
Pros
- Comfortable and reduces noise.
- Easy to replace individual tiles.
Cons
- Can stain easily and requires regular cleaning.
- Not suitable for high-moisture areas
Best For:
- Offices
- Waiting Rooms
- Hospitality
- Retail Spaces
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is an affordable flooring option made of recycled vinyl, limestone, and other filler materials. Unlike LVT, VCT’s construction creates a more porous surface requiring routine maintenance. Regular care for VCT typically involves waxing and polishing. However, consistency is key, waxing and polishing help protects the material and maintain its appearance over time.
Vinyl composition tile is popular for its solid color consistency and affordability. These two benefits make the tile popular in high-traffic areas where budget is a primary concern.
Pros
- Water-resistant and hygienic.
- Cost-effective for large areas.
Cons
- Can be difficult to repair.
- Fewer design option compared to LVT.
Best For:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Hygienic Areas
Commercial Epoxy Flooring
Commercial epoxy flooring is a highly durable resin applied to existing concrete or other flooring material. The epoxy resin seals and hardens to the flooring material, creating a powerful chemical bond. Once bonded, the epoxy flooring can easily resist chemicals, stains, heavy impacts, and abrasions, making it an excellent choice in demanding, industrial, and commercial areas.
Additionally, Epoxy coatings offer a variety of customizations, including color, patterns, and slip resistant coatings, blending functionality with style.
Pros
- Extremely durable and chemically resistant.
- Seamless and easy to clean.
Cons
- Can be slippery if not textured.
- Requires special installation and expertise.
Best For:
- Industrial
- Manufacturing
- Commercial Kitchens
Porcelain & Ceramic Tile
Commercial porcelain tile flooring and ceramic tile are hard, durable flooring materials made from clay and fired at high temperatures. The resulting flooring material is a rigid, long-lasting surface with various customization options.
Both porcelain and ceramic tile flooring range in color, texture, and shape fitting a variety of commercial settings. However, what makes commercial tile special is the resistance to scratches, stains, water, and wear. The intense durability makes it a common choice for high-traffic areas.
Pros
- Highly durable and water-resistant.
- Variety of styles and easy to clean.
Cons
- Can be cold and hard underfoot.
- Installation is labor intensive and costly.
Best For:
- Restrooms
- Kitchens
- Retail
- High-traffic Areas
Commercial Laminate
Commercial laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic material mimicking wood or natural stone at a lower cost than natural materials. Laminate is typically less than LVT or VCT, though it might need more frequent replacement.
Despite being less durable than other flooring materials, commercial laminate offers a protective layer resistant to scratches, most stains, and fading. Its favored click-lock system simplifies installation, often saving commercial businesses on labor costs.
Pros
- Affordable and easy to install.
- Realistic wood-like options.
Cons
- Not as durable as hardwood flooring or LVT.
- Susceptible to water damage.
Best For:
- Offices
- Retail
- Low to medium traffic areas
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring
How long does commercial flooring last?
The lifespan of commercial flooring varies depending on the material. Focusing on high-quality flooring materials and routine maintenance will help maximize the lifespan.
Can I install commercial flooring myself?
Professional installation is strongly recommended for commercial flooring. Proper installation prolongs durability, longevity, and adherence to warranties, especially for materials like LVT, VCT, epoxy, and tile.
How long does it take to install commercial flooring?
The installation time for commercial flooring depends greatly on the size of the space, the type of flooring being installed, and the project’s complexity. Projects can range from a few days for smaller areas to several weeks for large, intricate spaces.
Making the Best Decision for Your Commercial Space
Finding the right commercial flooring material goes beyond just style. Understanding how each material fits different environments helps protect your budget, promotes safety, and creates a more inviting space for everyone.
At Star Lumber, we understand that choosing the best type of commercial flooring for your space has a lot of moving parts. We’re here to help. Check out Star Lumber’s additional resources like our “Guide to Commercial Flooring,” or schedule an appointment with our expert design team.
