Your flooring choice will impact the day to day experience of the people using the space, so spending some time to fully assess the environment and any risks it may present, is key to getting it right.

There is a lot to consider when choosing commercial flooring so firstly, it is best to identify what your priorities are, and this really depends on the environment.

• If it is an open office working space, then noise reduction could be a high priority, in which case carpet tiles will be a good option.
• If you have people standing for long periods of time, you may need to think about comfort and safety as a priority. Some flooring has extra cushioning, and there are varying types of safety flooring which will help minimise slip hazards.
• If you are wanting to bring an air of prestige to the environment, then solid wood or engineered hard wood flooring may be a good option.
• If it is a high-traffic area, then durability and safety will likely be the main priorities.

What types of commercial flooring are available?

Carpet/carpet tiles

Modular carpet tiles are a popular choice for open office environments, and spaces where acoustic profiles are important, such as in libraries, churches, hotels, meeting spaces, cinemas and theatres, for example. Broadloom carpet is a more luxurious carpet option compared to modern carpet tiles, and may be selected for residential installations or more prestigious hotel suites.

Vinyl Tiles

Luxury vinyl tile (LTV) is available in range of designs, including natural wood and stone. LTV is very durable as it has a clear-wear layer to help protect against wear and tear. It is also low maintenance and easy to clean.

Vinyl composite tile (VCT) is a low cost/long life-span option. It is also very durable and often out-lasts other commercial flooring types by several years.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is significantly more expensive than other types of commercial flooring, however, if luxury and prestige is a priority for you, then solid wood flooring is a great choice. Solid wood flooring is only recommended for areas that are unlikely to come into contact with moisture, as natural wood will expand and contract.

Engineered Hard Wood Flooring

This is a great alternative to solid wood flooring if you want to create an ambience of luxury and sophistication, but without the price tag of a solid wood floor. It is also more tolerant to moisture, and won’t contract or expand like solid wood does.

Laminate Wood Flooring

Laminate commercial flooring is very popular due to close resemblance to real wood flooring and comes in at a much lower price point. Laminate wood flooring doesn’t, however, have a good acoustic profile, and it also isn’t moisture resistant, so isn’t ideal for open office environments. This type of floor is best suited to small offices with light foot-traffic where risk of contact with liquids is minimal.

Safety Flooring

Where safety is a priority, installing an appropriate safety flooring product that will minimise slip risk will be a priority. There are a wide range of non-slip safety flooring options that will help to create a safer working environment.

Some are designed to provide the highest level of slip resistance even with grease, oils and fats, whilst others will drastically reduce the risk of slipping on water to one in a million.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is the perfect solution for heavy traffic areas. It is durable, easy to clean and with its high fire-resistant properties, it is often used in busy industrial and health care environments.

ESD Anti-Static Flooring

The electronics, manufacturing and health care industries often have areas that require flooring that will minimise electrostatic discharge at source. ESD Anti-static flooring reduces the risk of electrocution in hazardous environments.

Would you like to know more about commercial flooring solutions?

FineLine Flooring specialises in the supply and installation of safety flooring and non-slip flooring to commercial and industrial sectors covering Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.

Our flooring installers are all CSCS registered and monitored to the highest standards. We meet all health and safety guidelines and are fully covered for commercial and employer’s liability insurance.
For any questions, or to receive a quote, please contact us on 01256 701569 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.