Best Commercial Flooring for High Traffic Areas: Porcelain Tile, Luxury Vinyl Tile, and Carpet
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High traffic flooring has a huge set of demands to live up to, with the most important feature being durability. Whatever surface is chosen, it must be able to withstand never-ending foot traffic with minimal wear and tear. Commercial flooring is an investment, therefore, smart decisions will ensure its longevity while maintaining its appeal, functionality, and wear-resistance.
1. Porcelain Tile
Not all ceramic and porcelain tiles are equally as strong and/or durable. Porcelain tile is denser, more durable than ceramic tile, and an excellent choice for commercial spaces. Porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles, making them stronger and more moisture-resistant.
A few of the characteristics that people love about porcelain tile flooring are that it is easy to maintain, is water-resistant, and very durable. Some of the cons to porcelain tile is that it is cold to walk on, more expensive to install, because of its weight and thickness, and keeping the grout looking pristine can be challenging.
2. LVT
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is currently the fastest-growing flooring product in the world. LVT can be designed to look like hardwood flooring, stone, or ceramic tile and comes in many various sizes and shapes.
One of the other major selling points of LVT is that it’s very durable and long-lasting. The secret to this durability lies in the construction of LVT. It is made up of several distinct layers protecting it from scuffs and scratches, and any other routine wear and tear. There are different wear levels to choose from, with the most popular thicknesses ranging between 12 mil LVT to 20 mil LVT. Thinner wear layers are less expensive, will have a shorter lifespan, and will need to be replaced before a thicker, higher quality surface. Unlike some of the older resilient products, most LVT does not need waxing and only requires regular sweeping and mopping which can result in tremendous annual maintenance savings.
3. Carpet Tiles
Many customer overlook carpet as a great contender for high traffic areas. When installed correctly, it can be a very effective choice of flooring, and if properly constructed, carpet can be extremely durable and even keep the noise down in crowded spaces. Modular carpet tiles are available in an extensive range of colors, styles, and shapes, and offer a wide range of design possibilities. Designed for high-traffic areas, they can withstand hundreds of people walking on them each day without wearing down. Individual carpet tiles can be removed for cleaning and replaced when dry. If one area of the floor becomes damaged, the tile can be replaced without replacing the entire floor.
Considerations When Choosing Flooring
When making a choice about which flooring is best for your high traffic area, consideration must be given to durability, duration, and cost. Aesthetics no longer have to be compromised in the battle between brawn and beauty; tile, vinyl, and carpet all provide lasting looks while being able to withstand the punishment of being in a high traffic area.
A commercial flooring specialist can help you decide what type of flooring is best for your high traffic space. Commercial Flooring & Interior Concepts has partnered with many clients in several different industries, including hospitality, healthcare, fitness, and more.
If you’re looking for more guidance about the best flooring for high traffic areas, click below!
