To select the best flooring for high traffic areas demands a thorough knowledge of the specific needs of the area under consideration. Based on the area’s usage, functionality and goals, each location will have different needs. These will form the basis of the best material to be used for that location.
Types of high traffic flooring spaces
Let’s consider the high traffic flooring needs of the following commercial spaces:
Retail stores
A retail store needs to be plush, stylish, welcoming and attractive. Its ambience will determine its interior decoration and the materials used to give off a particular image to the store. If employees and customers are going to be standing largely, their comfort while standing is also important when selecting flooring material.
Hotels
As in retail stores, here too the look and ambience of the hotel will build up its atmosphere and make guests feel welcome. However, here it’s important for guests to feel comfortable as they will be seated for some length of time, hence soft carpeting below which solid flooring is essential.
Restaurants
The flooring of a restaurant must be attractive or patrons might find it dull, yet it must be durable to stand exposure to food. Maintenance should also be easy and economical so that patrons eat in a clean and healthy environment.
Hospitals
This is a high traffic area for which a completely clean and sterilized flooring is necessary. Soft material flooring is advisable in these areas so that people are prevented from accidents. In such public areas, the image you try to portray is very different from commercial areas and helps people interact with their surroundings.
Flooring is the one large element in a room, so it can have a highly dramatic impact on the overall look of any space. So, it is very essential that the flooring you choose remain powerful and pervasive to your total design.
Types of high traffic flooring options
Here are a variety of high traffic flooring options for you:
Hardwood
Not only is this the commonest option for home flooring but also the most popularly chosen for commercial spaces. Wood flooring options are available in several wood types with different a resistance and durability levels. These qualities make them ideal for high traffic areas. By spending a little more using such flooring material, you can add precious value to your home and office.
The only downside of hardwood flooring is that it scratches easily and may call for refinishing every few years. Its warm and comforting look render it ideal for upmarket places like retail stores, theatres and restaurants.
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Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are the choice of people in high traffic areas where durability, reliability, low maintenance are called for. These tiles last almost forever and are strong enough to fight all kinds of stains and damage. You can also have them printed to include a motif, logo or pattern so that they look unique. It is a wonderful choice for interiors such as restaurants and coffee shops where food and liquids are present.
Vinyl
An extremely versatile option, vinyl is wonderful flooring because it is waterproof, stain-resistant and very tough when placed in high traffic areas. It is available in a large range of designs, colors and patterns and is highly affordable. However, its life is barely 10 years on average, if well maintained. It is perfect for educational institutions and retail stores.
There are many more options such as natural stone, concrete, rubber, bamboo that can be considered for their individual strengths too.
Conclusion
Once you choose the flooring material for your specific needs, you can increase or extend its life by applying traffic floor finish. This will mean sanding, screening and finishing the flooring every few years or whenever required. After experiencing the durability and low maintenance of the kind of flooring you select, you will know which the best flooring for high traffic areas is.
