Making a great first impression matters, especially when it comes to business. Your flooring is often the first thing people notice when they walk into a commercial space. That means that a mouldy carpet or broken tiles will not go unnoticed.
Beyond aesthetic concerns, there is also the risk of workplace injuries and accidents from damaged floors.
The best way to make a great first impression at your place of business is to install new commercial flooring. But you can’t pick just any material. While there are many flooring options in general, not all are suited to your commercial space. And picking the right flooring is almost as important as picking the right employees!
The Reno Superstore offers a wide range of commercial flooring options in Toronto and Mississauga. Here, we look at how to pick the right commercial flooring.
Let’s get started.
Important Considerations for Your Commercial Space
‘Commercial space’ is a broad category. But just as businesses are different, so are their needs. Here are some things you need to consider when selecting flooring options for your business.
1. What is the functionality of the space?
As you begin looking for flooring materials, you will realize different commercial spaces have different needs. Also, some may have multiple areas; each unique and serving a different purpose. So, it would not be correct to treat all commercial spaces the same.
We at The Reno Superstore always ask our customers to first explore their needs. This is often the first step to discovering the right flooring solution.
It is important to understand how the space is going to be used. This will help you determine what type of flooring to choose. Do you require basement flooring? Or are you looking for popular office flooring materials? Choosing the right flooring is important to the smooth running of your business.
If you are unsure about which product is best for your space, feel free to consult the experts at The Reno Superstore. Our team is happy to help you.
2. What type of foot traffic do you expect in your commercial space?
When it comes to commercial flooring, foot traffic is an essential deciding factor. Not every space or area in your commercial building receives the same amount of foot traffic. So, make sure you have a good idea about the room’s foot traffic before installing new flooring.
Spaces like lobbies, corridors, medical facilities, banks, and restaurants tend to experience heavy foot traffic so will require more durable flooring products. Please note the areas in your commercial space that do not experience heavy foot traffic and shop for flooring accordingly.
This will not only help you purchase a better product, but also help save you money.
3. What is your budget?
This is one of the most essential parts of any renovation, as upgrading your floors is a major undertaking that requires both time and money.
If you would like high-end hardwood flooring but do not have the budget, consider selecting alternatives. Some, like engineered hardwood flooring, vinyl and even laminates, can help you get the same look and performance without the price tag.
You can also manage your budget by installing different types of flooring for different spaces. For those with high foot traffic, choose stylish stone tiles or porcelain tiles. But for areas which are not visited often, like utility rooms, use cheaper yet resilient floors like cement or vinyl sheet.
4. What final look do you want to achieve?
Aesthetics are important, but so is functionality. In commercial spaces, different areas serve different functions, so you need flooring that addresses those needs.
It’s always a good idea to determine the look you want only after considering the utility of the space. Understanding this will help you narrow down your choices, which saves you time.
If you are finding this decision difficult to navigate, here are some questions you can ask:
- Do you want the space to feel warm?
- Do you want the floors to match other design elements in the space?
- What is the function of each room?
- Are there any rooms that need to be kept sterile?
- Does the space need to be regularly disinfected with harsh chemicals?
As mentioned, commercial spaces have different areas that serve different functions in the same building. So, be sure to keep these aspects in mind when envisioning your space.
5. How do you plan to maintain your floors?
Improving the performance and life of your floor greatly depends on the way it is maintained. In a commercial setting, how you do this is an important factor when it comes to choosing a flooring product.
Do you prefer an easy-to-replace option? Do you like waterproof floors? Or do you prefer an install-and-forget option? Ease of maintenance is something that you should pay attention to. Don’t hesitate to compare products and look for alternatives.
Usually, offices will vacuum their carpeting every day and deep clean once a week. That is in contrast to medical facilities which require regular cleaning with strong disinfectants to maintain optimum sanitation. Consider how your business wants to maintain the space and choose a flooring material that suits it.
It is essential to weigh the long-term costs of maintenance and replacement over initial expenditure. Installing the wrong floor will quickly lead to damage and wasted money on repairs.
6. When is a good time to upgrade commercial flooring?
As soon as you start noticing that the floors need attention. This could mean damaged tiles, curled hardwood floors, broken tiles, et cetera. Not only does a fast response help you salvage most of the existing flooring, but it also reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
These considerations will help you pick the right flooring for your commercial space. Doing so requires a great understanding of the functionality of the space and long-term, cost-effective solutions. We always recommend hiring professional experts, like us, for top-notch installation. After all, the last thing any business wants is to waste money fixing a brand-new floor. Visit our retail locations in Toronto or Mississauga and explore a wide collection of commercial flooring, services and supplies. Get in touch with us to plan your project.