If you’re expecting a lot of foot traffic, it’s important to make sure your floor is up for it. Choose hardy surfaces and flooring types, such as porcelain, to minimize visible damages. Porcelain is unlikely to scratch, scuff, or stain, giving your customers the freedom to abuse your floors without leaving lasting–and costly!–marks behind.
Another option is to choose whatever flooring you like, as long as you invest in commercial floor coatings to keep these floors safe. Like porcelain, commercial floor coatings prevent chips and scratches. In the unlikely event that damages happen, coatings help mask them and any incidental wear and tear generally blends in to the point of being unnoticeable.
This question is especially important and pertinent when it comes to warehouses, storerooms, hotels, restaurants, and kitchens — or any floors your employees frequent. Why? Slips and falls cost businesses a great deal of money. In fact, workers’ compensation claims cost companies up to $70 billion annually and account for 85% of all claims filed.
To prevent slippery surfaces, opt for non-slip vinyl flooring or treat existing concrete, hardwood, tile, or laminate with a non-slip coating. These flooring and coating types work by creating greater friction between workers’ feet and the floor.
It may sound a little high-brow to ask, “But what is this floor saying?” Put aside your reservations and ask away! Different colors, for example, communicate different messages to your customers. For a sleek, high-class look, choose a polished black floor. White looks clean and fresh, and yellow boosts energy levels. Hardwood floors suggest a rustic, homey atmosphere.
You can also use floor colors along with wall colors to create the illusion of larger or smaller spaces. Choose light floors, walls, and ceilings to open things up. If the room is large with high ceilings, choose light floors, light ceilings, and paint one wall a dramatic dark color. This will give the room a cozier feel.
No matter what floor you choose, the reality remains that you’ll be cleaning it. Smooth porcelain and ceramic are the simplest to clean. With porcelain, it’s easy to clean up spills, disinfect, and wipe germs away. Dust is less likely to build up on porcelain and ceramic, keeping their appearance fresh and the circulation of allergens relatively low.
Conversely, laminate flooring does attract dust and particles. It’s important to clean laminate regularly and use a broom, vacuum, or dust mop — something that will pick up and remove particles — when you do it. Carpets are the most high-maintenance, requiring frequent and vigorous vacuuming. You may not know carpets can also benefit from commercial floor coatings. You can purchase moisture barriers and moisture-resistant coatings, keeping carpets looking like new for years to come.
Finally, take everything into consideration. For example, carpet is a good choice for muffling sound and sound-proofing. It is insulating as well, keeping energy costs much lower in cold winter months.
Untreated laminate, ceramic, and tile can be slippery. Invest in coatings to keep employees and customers safe.
Save money by covering up stained concrete or floors with the right commercial coating. Experts can mix colors and materials together for you, giving the floor a modern, artsy look–while also covering up damage or stains that would normally require replacing the floor altogether.
The right floor can make a big difference for your company. Before purchasing, consider aesthetics: What color is best? What are you trying to communicate with your floor and furnishings? Does the room look too big or too small, and can flooring help? Choose durable floors, like porcelain or coated floors, for heavily trafficked areas. Purchase non-slip vinyl or on-slip coatings for warehouses and kitchens. Think about the practicalities, like cleaning the floor, and select the flooring type that will best meet your needs. Happy floor hunting!