When choosing a flooring material, your first thought must be the durability aspect. It’s a crucial factor to consider if you are in a high-traffic application such as an airport terminal, school, restaurant or hospital. Here is a summary of the top 6 most durable flooring materials for commercial properties when it comes to application, cost and other various considerations. You can use this guide when searching for materials to help you find the best flooring option that matches your cost, aesthetic, and performance goals as well as the level of traffic.
1. Terrazzo – Upscale and LEED-friendly For Large Spaces
Terrazzo is the most durable flooring material available in the market. It can be created from a cement matrix, recycled granite glass, epoxy resin mixed with marble and other types of aggregates. It is one of the most aesthetically versatile products on the market. As such, it’s commonly used for incorporating custom logos and designs in your flooring.
Terrazzo is commonly used for flooring options when you are looking to impress especially for showrooms, opry houses, high-end office spaces and entranceways. It is a very durable material and has a low lifetime cost. The upfront cost may be a bit expensive and the installation costs may also be prohibitive, especially if you are working with a low budget. Note that, during installation, terrazzo must be poured in place, cured and mechanically polished to achieve the signature shine.
Note that, terrazzo is not worth the cost in the smaller rooms or sections of any building. The cost calculated per square foot usually increases as the overall space decreases. You need to allow a scope of at least 2,500 square feet to ensure a cost-efficient installation. It is best suited for a large, high-traffic areas such as showrooms or airports where the designer is hoping to achieve a chic look. For any upscale applications, terrazzo flooring is very durable.
2. Quarry Tile – The Industry Standard For Commercial Kitchens
Quarry tile is a great flooring option known to withstand foot traffic, spills and grease buildup. It’s a great choice for many commercial kitchens. Yes, porcelain tile works perfectly for heavy-duty applications, quarry tile (usually manufactured from hard-fired clay) is cheaper and offers the same type of functionality and level of durability. Therefore, it will last as long as you need it and as long as it is properly installed and maintained frequently during its lifespan.
During the installation process, you need to invest in the right materials such as epoxy grout and thin-set adhesives. There are some cheaper alternatives to epoxy grout but they can’t withstand high traffic, grease buildup or hot water spills thereby may result in a premature breakdown. If you are looking to extend the usable life of your quarry tiles, you need to ensure ongoing cleaning and maintenance. You need to clean the floor every day and replace various sections of the floor as it wears out.
It’s a cost-effective flooring option, easy to maintain, and durable but it doesn’t have too much versatility. It is often laid in straight lines and comes in a limited number of colors. The most common color is red but you can buy brown, tan and grey depending on whether you use more shale, feldspar or clay. If you are looking for the most durable flooring option for commercial kitchens, look through our guide to find the best choice.
3. Luxury Vinyl Tile – Achieve Any Look For Busy Common Areas
Over the past decade, luxury vinyl tile has become popular among many residential and commercial users. It is a resilient material that is made up of 3 layers. It comes with a base layer (usually made up of vinyl) thereby providing dimension. It is also made up of a digital graphic film (that can imitate any other material) and an outerwear layer.
It is a very durable flooring material that is often used for high-traffic common areas such as hospitals and restaurants. It is a very versatile commercial flooring option. It may not be suited for high-impact commercial kitchen or industrial environments, but it is very durable and can withstand foot traffic, spills and abrasions in areas such as schools, hospitals and offices. When compared to other flooring products, it is aesthetically appealing and more flexible for commercial applications.
Additionally, the design options are endless. It comes in various sizes, patterns and colors to mimic different types of materials such as ceramic tiles, hardwood, terrazzo and many other things in between. It’s easy enough to achieve durability without sacrificing the aesthetic feel.
Over time, LVT proves to be able to withstand heavy traffic in common areas and commercial applications. Daycares, offices and restaurants may replace their LVT flooring if they are planning to change the design and not because it is worn out. It is quick to install and cheaper than other materials often imitated, it’s a good way to reduce your flooring costs if you are currently involved in a commercial construction project.
If you want to learn more about LVT and its benefits, take the time to go through the reference guide. You can compare the performance, cost, and design versatility before choosing the right flooring option for your needs, whether commercial or residential.
