Choosing the right floor extends beyond simply how it looks (although that’s also an important factor). As a business owner, you have responsibilities to keep your staff and customers safe, while also ensuring that the floor you choose will last and serve as a positive investment. Here are a few tips for choosing the right commercial floor covering and what to consider before investing.
Think about health and safety
Health and safety should always be a priority when you’re running a business, so the floor you choose needs to be hygienic, easy to clean and safe for those walking on it. Ceramic floor tiles, for example, can stain easily and require a lot of maintenance, while porcelain tiles can be slippery when liquids are spilt on them, making them a hazard in a busy space.
What’s the environment like?
Is durability or style more important? Will there be heavy foot traffic or equipment being moved around? Is the existing floor level uneven? What’s the climate like? These are all factors to consider as they’ll influence the material and thickness of the floor you choose, along with the budget you have to work with.
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How important is noise control?
Noise is an important factor in a commercial space, and so many industries create noise that can be irritating to customers and staff alike. Whether it’s for a retail store, a warehouse or a factory, the level of noise your flooring creates needs to be a priority. Will the sound of trolleys, equipment and shoes clattering along the floor be an annoyance throughout the day, or will the floor you’ve chosen work as a sound barrier? If sound might be a problem, you may want to consider installing underlay beneath the flooring which can dampen noise.
Pay attention to your corporate image
How will the floor you’ve chosen make your premises look and does it tie in with your company image? It might be the first thing people see when they enter the space, so it needs to be in keeping with the image you want to portray. Floors come in a host of different colours, textures and patterns, whether you’re choosing plush carpets or you’re installing luxury vinyl tiles, so there’s guaranteed to be a solution that works with your décor and branding.
Consider the options
Now that you’ve made notes on the properties your flooring needs to have, it’s time to do your research into the different options. Each flooring type has its share of pros and cons,
depending on the room it’s being installed into, but there are some which are particularly well suited to commercial properties.
Tiles are a great option for the versatility they offer – there are so many shapes, sizes, colours and patterns to pick from. They’re great for high-traffic areas and are an affordable solution which makes them great for small businesses or large spaces. Depending on the brand you choose, they can also be incredibly durable which makes them a lasting investment. Vinyl tiles are easy to clean and maintain, so they’re perfect for busy companies who don’t want to invest a lot of time into maintenance.
Carpet is also a popular choice for commercial spaces. While it requires a little more maintenance in terms of keeping it clean and sanitary, it also adds warmth and comfort underfoot, which is great if you have staff standing for long periods of time. Carpet adds insulation and energy efficiency, plus it can bring noise levels down which is an added bonus in loud businesses. However, pay attention to the type of environment you’re working in, as it’s not recommended for areas where there are high moisture levels or risks of spillages.
If you’re working in a specialist environment, Polysafe flooring can be a great solution that’s ideal for high-traffic areas where contaminants or water spillages are a risk. It offers a higher level of durability and is long-lasting, while also being non-slip to keep people safe when they’re walking through. Polysafe floors are easy to clean and maintain, and they can be used in a range of environments, from care homes and healthcare settings to schools, leisure centres and offices.
Key takeaways
Your floors might be an area of your commercial property that you don’t think about, but there’s more to consider than you might realise. From the impression your floors give and how well they blend with the rest of your décor to the level of safety they provide and the durability they offer, business owners should do their research when it comes to choosing the right floor for their premises.
The team at Greg Stone Flooring are experienced in all aspects of commercial floors and we can advise you on the best options for your space. Get in touch with us today to find out more or to ask any questions about the floors we offer.
