The Best Flooring Options for High-Traffic Commercial Spaces

Are you searching for the best flooring options for high-traffic commercial spaces? Then look no further: Absolute Floors is here to help. Our team installs high-quality, high-traffic commercial flooring in northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire regularly, so we understand what goes into these projects inside and out. 

The Best Flooring Options For High-Traffic Commercial Spaces In Nashua, NH

So, what are the best flooring options for commercial spaces with heavy footfall? 

Polished Concrete Or Epoxy

One of the most common options these days is polished concrete (or similar epoxy installations). These are common in supermarket backends, warehouses, and foyers because of their low maintenance and modern aesthetic. 

Polished concrete works for heavy foot traffic because it is so hard. Even hundreds of people passing through every day isn’t enough to make much of a difference to its microscopic structure. 

Furthermore, it is easy to seal and clean. Special substances can be laid over the top of these poured solutions make them simple to buff and re-polish if necessary. 

Commercial Carpet Tiles

Commercial carpet tiles are another popular option for commercial areas with heavy footfall. You see these in public libraries, office entry halls, and some tourist attractions. 

You might be thinking, “Carpet: that doesn’t sound like a durable material for high-traffic commercial spaces”, but it is. Carpet tiles are ideal when you want to maintain upkeep at a low cost by replacing worn-out sections in the heaviest traffic areas with new ones. 

The upside of carpet tiles is that they reduce noise levels and are simple to put together (more so than conventional carpets that come on long rolls). However, they require frequent cleaning and upkeep to maintain their condition. Usually, you’d see them in schools and corporate spaces, but not industrial settings. 

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is another option worth considering for high-traffic areas. It’s slip-resistant and cushioned for comfort, making it popular among sensitive employees. 

The downsides, though, are the limited aesthetics. Most rubber floors are shades of black, so they can be hard to change. 

Rubber flooring works in gyms, healthcare settings, and kitchens. However, you wouldn’t normally add it to a bathroom or a conservatory unless there was a special reason to do so.

Rubber floors last longer than carpet tiles; between 10 and 20 years (which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise). However, they aren’t as durable as concrete, which can survive 20+ years with minimal maintenance. 

Vinyl Tiles 

Vinyl tiles are another option for commercial settings. These are popular for being highly durable and water-resistant, meaning spills and stains don’t usually affect them. You can also clean them with a mop and bucket without worrying about saturating them. 

Vinyl tiles were traditionally used in retail environments and healthcare facilities. However, they have become more ubiquitous, and designs have improved since their inception. For example, many restaurant owners consider them an alternative to conventional porcelain or ceramic tiles. 

The manufacturing of vinyl tiles is significantly better today than in the past, so the range of designs is increasing. Many styles look the same as what they imitate (usually stone tiles), making them more suitable for premium or luxury settings. Moreover, manufacturers are changing the feel of vinyl, making it more tile-like while providing a soft underlay for impact resilience. 

Vinyl tiles usually last between 10 and 20 years, but not much longer. You also need to be careful to keep them out of direct sunlight if they haven’t been UV-treated, as ultraviolet rays can damage them. 

Ceramic Tiles

As mentioned, ceramic tiles are another high-traffic flooring option for commercial spaces in NH. Because of their hardness, they are exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching. Water can’t penetrate them (as long as there are no gaps around them). 

The downside, of course, is the discomfort they can cause after long periods of standing. Ceramic tiles can sometimes feel harsh. 

The other issue is the grouting between the tiles, which can develop cracks over time. 

Commercial enterprises use ceramic tiles for bathrooms, lobbies, and kitchens. These spaces rely on exhibiting a hygienic aesthetic, and tiles leave nowhere for germs to hide. The cost per square foot is comparable to concrete, unless you opt for premium tiles.