When it comes to flooring for commercial buildings, there are many options to choose from, depending on the purpose and design of the building. For most commercial spaces, durable and easy to maintain flooring is typically desired.
Some of the most popular commercial flooring materials include vinyl sheet, vinyl tile, rubber, laminate, ceramic tile, and hardwood.
Vinyl sheet and vinyl tile are two great options that are moisture resistant and cost effective. They come in a variety of colors and styles and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Rubber is a great option for areas that require anti-slip and cushioning, like gym floors or pool decks. It is also easy to clean and maintain and is cost effective.
Laminate flooring is perfect for heavy traffic areas because it is scratch, stain, and fade resistant. It is also easy to install and has a variety of colors and styles to choose from.
Ceramic tile is another great option for commercial spaces since it is very durable and easy to clean. Ceramic tile has a classic look and can be used for a variety of spaces.
Finally, hardwood is a great option for spaces that require a classic, timeless look. It can be stained readily and refinished over time, and is an excellent option for high-traffic areas.
Overall, when selecting flooring for a commercial space, there are many options to choose from that meet the specific needs of the space. For most commercial spaces, durable and easy to maintain flooring is the desired decision, and vinyl, rubber, laminate, ceramic tile and hardwood are some great options to pursue.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for commercial use?
Yes, vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for commercial use. Vinyl plank flooring is known for its resilient and durable composition which makes it ideal for public spaces with high foot traffic and indoor commercial spaces.
Vinyl plank flooring provides a stylish, easy to clean, and cost-effective alternative to hardwood and other natural surfaces, making it a great choice for commercial spaces. Unlike hardwood and other natural surfaces, vinyl plank flooring is water-resistant and doesn’t require any treatments or sealants as long as it is regularly cleaned and maintained.
Vinyl plank flooring also comes in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to match with your interior design. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring can be easily installed with minimal mess and disruptions, which makes it a great option for quick commercial renovations.
Overall, vinyl plank flooring is a good choice for commercial use due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, water-resistance, and ease of installation.
What is commercial grade LVT?
Commercial Grade LVT, also known as Luxury Vinyl Tile, is a commercial-grade flooring product popular amongst businesses and other commercial spaces. It is a combination of synthetic materials, such as PVC and Vinyl, which are combined to give LVT its durability, high performance, and substantial scratch and scuff-resistant characteristics.
LVT is known for its low maintenance, high durability, and premium look. It offers a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles, making it an extremely versatile flooring option for bars, restaurants, retail stores, offices, healthcare facilities, and any other high-traffic area.
Additionally, LVT can be installed over different flooring substrates, including ceramic tile, concrete, and plywood, making it a great option for remodels. It is extremely durable due to its materials and construction and can last up to 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance.
It is also extremely resilient to staining, which makes it ideal for areas that tend to get heavily soiled. LVT is also very easy to clean and maintain, with only regular sweeping and damp-mopping required to keep it looking like new.
What is the difference between commercial and residential LVT?
The main difference between commercial and residential LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is the durability and the thickness of the flooring.
Commercial LVT is designed for heavy foot traffic and typically have a thicker wear layer, which is made up of different layers of vinyl material fused together. This wear layer can be anywhere from 13-35mil thick and provides additional protection from stains and impact damage, allowing it to withstand more wear and tear than residential LVT — which usually only has a 2-4 mil wear layer.
Commercial LVT also typically has a longer warranty than residential LVT, which can range from 10, 15, or even 20 years, depending on the manufacturer and material.
In addition to the wear layer, commercial LVT also often has built-in stabilizers that provide additional strength and stability to the flooring and make it less likely to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
And since most commercial LVT is glue-down, there are additional layers of adhesive and underlayment necessary to keep it securely attached to a concrete subfloor.
Residential LVT, on the other hand, is designed to be thinner, more flexible, and easier to install. It’s also much easier to clean and maintain than commercial LVT and doesn’t require any additional adhesive or underlayment — making it a great option for DIY projects.
Residential LVT usually has a warranty of 7–10 years, and the wear layer is usually 2-4mil thick, which makes it less durable than commercial LVT.
How long does commercial LVT last?
Commercial LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) can last for many years if properly installed and maintained. Proper installation requires the room to be properly measured and the LVT to be cut and placed with seams that line up accordingly.
Once installed, commercial LVT should be regularly maintained (ideally once a year) to ensure it is kept clean and free of stains, dirt, and mould. Additionally, periodically patching and refinishing the LVT can have positive impacts on its longevity.
If maintained properly, commercial LVT can last anywhere from 10-20 years or even more.
What does commercial floor mean?
Commercial flooring refers to types of flooring that have been designed specifically for commercial use, such as in commercial office space, retail stores, and other commercial spaces. Commercial flooring is designed to stand up to heavy foot traffic and hold up under heavy use over long periods of time.
It usually requires minimal maintenance, and is cost effective. The type of flooring chosen will depend on the specific needs of the space, the design aesthetic, and the budget. Common types of flooring include carpet, hardwood, tile, rubber, linoleum, and vinyl.
Carpet is often used in workspaces due to its noise reduction qualities, while hardwood is popular due to its durability and aesthetic qualities. Tile provides an easy-to-clean, durable surface, while rubber offers slip-resistance and shock absorption qualities ideally suited for areas such as gyms.
Vinyl and linoleum are affordable, low-maintenance options.
What is considered light commercial use in flooring?
Light commercial use in flooring is typically considered to be flooring that is used in environments such as doctor’s offices, boutiques, restaurants and other similar settings, where the foot traffic is minimal.
In light commercial settings, the flooring is usually already in place before the building is opened for business, eliminating the need for frequent replacement. Generally, flooring for light commercial use should be comfortable, slip-resistant and easy to clean.
Additionally, it should be designed to last and durable enough to withstand spills and scratches. Popular types of flooring for light commercial use include carpet tiles, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), sheet vinyl and laminate.
Are there different grades of luxury vinyl flooring?
Yes, there are different grades of luxury vinyl flooring that are categorized by thickness, wear layer and performance level. Higher grade luxury vinyl flooring typically has a thicker base layer, a thicker wear layer and a higher performance level, which makes it more durable and higher quality.
The thickness and layers vary among manufacturers and collections, so it is important to research the features of the specific product you are considering. The performance level of a product is typically measured in terms of scratch resistance, stain resistance and indentation resistance, so it is important to look for a product that meets the performance level you require.
Additionally, there are other factors, such as embossing level, that can impact the quality of a luxury vinyl flooring product.
Which is better LVT or LVP flooring?
Deciding between LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring comes down to your specific needs and desired look. LVT is a man-made vinyl material with a printed pattern and electrical-resistance wear layer on top, while LVP consists of individual, rectangular planks with a protective wear layer.
LVT is durable and is great for high-traffic areas due to its easy maintenance, scratch-resistance, and waterproof nature. It’s best for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and other rooms with reliable foot traffic.
LVT floors have an array of designs and styles, including wood, stone and tile visuals.
On the other hand, LVP is installed to look like wood or stone. It’s resistant to stains and moisture, making it ideal for busy areas or areas with a high level of humidity or moisture. It’s primarily used in living rooms and bedrooms where there isn’t as much foot traffic.
LVP floors are available in a wide variety of patterns, textures, and thickness levels.
Ultimately the best choice for you will depend on the areas of your home, the foot traffic, and the desired look. Both LVT and LVP are stylish and durable options that will enhance the look and feel of your home as well as your budget.
Is there a difference between LVT and LVP?
Yes, there is a difference between LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). LVT is made up of tiles that have a plastic or vinyl backing, and are designed to fit together. This type of luxury vinyl provides a more seamless look, and is easy to install compared to traditional tile flooring.
LVT is also durable and comes in a variety of styles that can easily be customized to match any decor. LVP, on the other hand, is made up of planks of luxury vinyl that are installed end by end, and offer a more traditional wood floor appearance.
They are also very durable, and can be installed in any room in the home. LVP also offers more options for customization than LVT, such as grout lines and plank size. Both LVT and LVP offer a durable, affordable, and attractive alternative to traditional flooring types, and they are both easy to maintain.
What are the types of LVT?
There are five main types of luxury vinyl tile (LVT):
1. Sheet Vinyl – Sheet vinyl is the most affordable and least labor intensive type of LVT. Sheet vinyl typically comes in 6 feet widths and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
2. Plank Vinyl – Plank vinyl is similar to sheet vinyl but it comes in narrow planks compared to the wider sheets of sheet vinyl. Plank vinyl also comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is a great choice for larger and more complex areas.
3. Tile Vinyl – Tile vinyl is significantly thicker than sheet and plank vinyl, which makes it ideal for areas that require a thicker and more durable flooring option.
4. Loose Lay Vinyl – Loose Lay vinyl is a special type of LVT that is designed to be laid without the use of glue or adhesives. This makes it a great option for quick, mess-free installation.
5. Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles – Self-adhesive vinyl tiles are a great option for DIYers who want an easy-to-install LVT solution that still looks great and is durable. These tiles come with adhesive strips on the backs, which allows them to be stuck directly to the subfloor without the need for additional adhesives.
What is the thickness for vinyl sheet flooring?
The standard thickness of vinyl sheet flooring is between 2mm and 4mm. The thickness is an important factor to consider when purchasing vinyl sheet flooring, as it will affect the floor’s performance, durability, and longevity.
Thicker vinyl sheet flooring may offer superior performance and durability, but it will also cost more. Vinyl sheet flooring is also available in thicker formats of 6mm or greater and offers additional protection against dents and scratches.
When purchasing, it’s important to match the thickness of the vinyl sheet flooring to the intended use. For example, sheet vinyl used in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways should be a minimum of 3mm.
Vinyl sheet flooring used in low-traffic areas, such as a bedroom or home office, may only require 2mm of thickness.
What are the problems with vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and durability. However, as with any material, there are potential problems associated with vinyl plank flooring.
Some of the most common issues include:
• Discoloration. Vinyl plank flooring can fade over time or become stained due to exposure to sunlight or other factors. Regular cleaning and maintenance may help prevent this, but it’s not a guarantee.
• Durability. Vinyl plank flooring is generally durable, but it can be damaged by water, dents, and scratches. Using floor mats and furniture pads can help minimize the damage.
• Installation. In some cases, vinyl plank flooring can be difficult to install and may require expertise or experience.
• Off-Gassing. Vinyl plank flooring can emit fumes, known as off-gassing, which can be irritating or hazardous to some people.
• Plasticizers. Vinyl plank flooring typically contains chemical plasticizers, which can be hazardous if exposed to heat or flame.
• Squeaking. Vinyl plank flooring can squeak if not properly installed.
• Odor. Certain types of vinyl plank flooring may give off an odor, particularly if it has been exposed to heat or moisture.