Updating or replacing commercial flooring can be an overwhelming task. That’s why many people forgo the process for as long as possible.
But your commercial flooring sets the stage for your entire business.
- What do people think when they enter?
- What aesthetics is it creating?
- Are you putting people at risk with worn out floors?
- Are you harming other materials like subfloors?
Flooring may be the first thing people notice when they enter, either consciously or subconsciously. If it’s time for you to make a selection, choosing flooring that will last for the next several years, we have a few tips for you to keep in mind.
Shop with a purpose in mind
No matter what type of flooring you’ve had in place before, before installing something new, it’s a good idea to consider your specific requirements to help you determine the right choices to suit your needs. Ask yourself a few questions:
- What is the purpose of this area?
- How much foot traffic will it have to sustain?
- Is it serviceable by customers, employees, or both?
- What layout will be used?
- How durable should the material be?
- Will you have to sanitize or sterilize?
- Will it withstand heavy loads?
- Will color or patterns be a part of the final design?
While all commercial flooring applications are quite durable and can withstand a lot of use, choosing the right layout will ensure it continues to look good for many years to come.
We often suggest property managers start with a goal in mind. The questions above will help lead the way. By starting with a goal instead of a specific flooring choice, you might find better options you’ve never considered before.
A corporate boardroom may function well with commercial-grade hardwood flooring. It may just as easily create a sleek and sophisticated design with well-branded commercial carpeting in corporate colors. By seeing both choices up close and personal, you’ll be able to visualize the right choice for your overall design.
Select the right materials
Once you’ve settled on a particular material, then you can explore commercial materials. Commercial product lines are built stronger for higher traffic situations, more cleaning, and more wear and tear.
This isn’t a time to skimp on quality. Superior materials may cost a bit more upfront, but often provide many more years of service.
For example, many office buildings select hardwood flooring because it’s cost-effective and offers the opportunity for several refinishes. It’s a product that can withstand years of use, while providing the ambiance many companies are looking for.
If hardwood is your top choice, many items impact your final cost:
- Quality and grade of the wood
- Core structure – solid core or engineered hardwood
- Subfloor maintenance or installation
- Prep work and cleanup required
Again, staying open during this process can alert you to flooring concepts you may never have considered before. If you’re set on hardwood, have you looked at commercial-grade luxury vinyl planks? They offer durability and can even be waterproof. That can be a great addition to an office building if ice and snow are often dragged in on shoes.
Special circumstances
We understand that every property manager and business owner has different long-term goals. What are you trying to achieve in both the short and long term?
We work with a lot of commercial properties that are looking for eco-friendly materials. Some are working towards LEED certification, and are focused on creating a healthier environment.
If that’s the case, we can steer you in the right direction. There are many options for you to consider.
How about carpet? While carpet hasn’t been the most green-friendly option over the years, it is changing. Knowing there was a problem with both production and disposal, many manufacturers have prioritized green practices. Carpet tiles may be a perfect solution. Some manufacturers build padding into the backing, meaning you can place it directly over the subfloor. Because it’s tile-based, if damage occurs to one tile, you simply peel it up and put a new one in place. That’s a lot more efficient than replacing an entire carpet area. Less waste in the landfill over time. Or even better, is recycled and made into other products.
Is sustainable hardwood right for you? Hardwood is often considered an eco-friendly choice, but you do have to pay attention to the entire process. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that certifies forests have sustainable management practices. It ensures the hardwood isn’t taken from regions that are over harvested. You should also look at the entire production process to ensure the manufacturer doesn’t use harmful chemicals during processing – avoid wood that has been processed with harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde.
Or maybe earth-friendly bamboo is the right choice for you? Bamboo is another great choice commercial properties are leaning towards. Its greatest feature is how fast it grows, and its sustainable growing patterns. Bamboo groves don’t require fertilizer, pesticides, or even much water. A grove of bamboo can be harvested about every seven years. Compare that to the growth pattern of trees, which takes 30-50 years. Less space and more product – that’s a win/win for manufacturers and consumers.
Find the right provider
There are many ways to go about installing commercial flooring to suit your needs. Have a maintenance team on staff? Want them to do the installation?
Yet before you move towards the installation process, it’s important to select the right flooring dealer. Yes, it matters. You can get discount products online, but you’ll end up with discount materials that don’t stand up over time.
To ensure a long life, select a reputable flooring dealer who knows how to find the highest quality commercial flooring options. They have experience in weeding through the different manufacturers, and only showcasing the ones who provide products that have long wearability.
We suggest you look at their reviews online. You can quickly piece together how well they are received in their community. You can’t hide bad reviews, any more than you can ignore finding a reputable company that stands behind their work.
We’ve been in business as a reputable commercial and residential flooring dealer for many years. Right here in the Denver-Metro area, we’re proud to be a part of this community.
How can we help you find the right commercial flooring to suit your needs?
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