Workplace flooring is something that can often get overlooked. However, the type of flooring you choose can have a dramatic impact on your workplace’s comfort, safety, appearance and ease of maintenance. Below are some of the different types of workplace flooring to consider and the types of workplacess they are best suited to.
WHY CARPET COULD BE THE PERFECT SOLUTION
Carpet creates a sense of cosiness, absorbs noise, provides insulation and is soft if you fall on it. It’s also a relatively inexpensive flooring option. You’ll find that it’s a popular choice in offices, schools and libraries.
A carpet can easily be ruined by dust or spillages, so it is less suitable in mess-prone work environments. Regularly cleaning carpets is essential to keep them attractive and hygienic.
LAMINATE FLOORING FOR THE WIN
Laminate offers a harder surface that is easier to maintain than carpet, while still being relatively cheap to install. This material has the homely appearance of natural wood while being protected by a durable plastic coating. It’s used in an array of different types of commercial buildings, from offices to cafes.
Drawbacks of laminate flooring include its vulnerability to moisture and scratches, which can make it a poor option in work environments like factories or kitchens.
CERAMIC TILES COULD BE FOR YOUR OFFICE SPACE
Ceramic tiles are also easy to clean. Unlike laminate, they are waterproof and more resistant to staining. Tiles also have the potential to last for years. You’ll find ceramic tiles in many different workplaces, ranging from offices to shopping centres.
Ceramic tiles cost more than laminate and carpet to install, so they may not be suitable to those renovating their workplace on a tight budget. They can also be quite noisy underfoot, which could be distracting in some work environments.
NATURAL STONE LOOKS AMAZING
Natural stone has long been associated with luxury. It’s ideal for work environments where high-class customers are visiting, such as luxury hotels and high-end stores. Like ceramic, it’s easy to clean and will last for years.
The high price tag of natural stone flooring, unfortunately, makes it infeasible for most work environments. Natural stone can also stain if exposed to certain chemicals, making it unsuitable for many factories and laboratories.
EPOXY RESIN IS ANOTHER OPTION
Epoxy resin is one of the most durable flooring solutions available – it’s resistant to everything from water to chemicals. It’s also very easy to clean. Because of this, it’s common to choose epoxy flooring for warehouse buildings, factories and clinics.
The upfront cost of an epoxy floor can be quite high, and it can become slippery when wet. Make sure to consider these disadvantages.
CONSIDER POLISHED CONCRETE
Polished concrete offers many of the same benefits as epoxy flooring. It can last for years and is very easy to clean. It can also be designed to mimic natural stone, while being a lot cheaper than the real thing. You’ll find it in all kinds of commercial buildings, ranging from hotels to warehouses.
Concrete is not as resistant to chemicals as epoxy resin. It also takes longer and costs more to install.
CONSIDER RUBBER FLOORING
Finally, it’s worth considering rubber flooring. This type of flooring is slip-resistant, hard-wearing, easy to clean and relatively affordable. It’s used in all kinds of environments, from factories to gyms.
Rubber can produce an odour and has an industrial appearance that may make it less suitable in workplaces where a relaxing or homely feel is desired.
