Getting the right commercial flooring to fit your budget and business aesthetic requires careful planning. You also have to consider several practical factors, such as maintenance and durability. Here’s a guide to help you pick an option that suits your needs and preferences.

What Are the Main Commercial Flooring Options?

While there is a vast selection of flooring types, a few of the most popular options for commercial applications are: 

• Vinyl Composition Tile: Also called VCT, this commercial-grade tile is impact-resistant. It is also resistant to fading from UV rays, making it highly durable.

• Sheet Linoleum: This an eco-friendly choice and versatile choice. It’s biodegradable, made of renewable materials, and can mimic the appearance of natural stone.

• Polished Concrete: This smooth, nonporous surface repels stains, oil, and water. It’s also dense and hard to scratch or chip, making it popular for industrial settings.

• Prefinished Wood: This commercial flooring is ready to use immediately upon installation. Since the finish comes with the planks, it’s a cost-effective natural material.

• Carpet: Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, carpet flooring offers noise reduction and more foot traction. These qualities make for a less distracting, safer office space.

How Do You Choose the Right Commercial Flooring Type?

Since flooring is a long-term investment and a key component of aesthetic appeal, you must get it right the first time.

First, consider how the material will affect the design elements of your building. Synthetic materials, such as vinyl and carpet, come in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, which creates nearly endless options for customization. For example, you can achieve a classic appearance with VCT that resembles wood at a more cost-effective rate. 

Different materials also have varying maintenance needs. For example, while concrete is a low-maintenance option, requiring only weekly or monthly mopping to remove debris and scuff marks, commercial carpeting requires daily vacuuming to prevent the buildup of dust and allergens.

In general, organic materials, including hardwood, are more expensive than synthetic options. If you’re on a budget, picking a synthetic tile that mimics the appearance of natural stone or wood may allow you to increase your investment in other parts of the building.

If you're looking for a reputable commercial flooring contractor, turn to O'Connor's Carpet Center in the Bronx, NY. Serving clients throughout New York City, Lower Connecticut, and New Jersey, they install high-quality flooring materials, including vinyl planks, VCT, linoleum, polished concrete, prefinished wood, and commercial carpets. Call (718) 409-2020 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to find out more about their products and past clients.