Is Your Workplace Flooring Appropriate?

Flooring is an important aspect to consider when refurbishing or designing a workplace. There are so many different types of flooring that you can opt for – some of which may be better suited to certain industries or spaces. This post lists some of the big things to consider when choosing the right flooring for your workplace.

Cleaning

The first thing to consider when choosing flooring is cleanliness. Certain flooring solutions like carpet are generally best avoided in most workplaces aside from low-traffic offices. This is because they are not easy to clean and could quickly become dirty and stained.

Many modern offices favor laminate wood or tiles. In workplaces that are prone to spillages (such as factories and kitchens), materials like epoxy resin and polished concrete are sometimes preferred.

Safety

Inadequate flooring could also be a safety concern. If the floor is damaged or too slippery, there could be a high risk that an employee or customer could fall over and hurt themselves. Using the likes of John Foy & Associates slip and fall lawyer services, a victim may decide to sue you. Such lawsuits can be very expensive and won’t be good for your reputation.

Carpet is one of the softest and least slippery options, but generally not appropriate in many workplaces because of how hard it is to keep clean. Polished stone and tiles are some of the hardest and most slippery options. Placing rubber mats or non-slip rugs in strategic places can help to add more grip and soften surfaces that may be prone to falls. 

Damage resistance

Certain flooring like laminate may be easy to clean but also easily scratched. This could make it inappropriate in areas with heavy footfall or areas with lots of objects being moved around on wheels.  

Epoxy resin is the most common choice for workplaces like supermarkets and warehouses where a hard-wearing flooring surface is often necessary. These will still need to be resurfaced every 10 years, but will last longer than other flooring choices. This epoxy resin guide at The Spruce offers more information on when and where to use this flooring material. 

Noise

A factor that could be important is noise. Laminate and stone can make a lot of noise when trod on and may not be appropriate for upper storey offices on top of other workplaces – carpet may be a better option in these cases. 

Vinyl, rubber and cork are other options that can help muffle sound. These can be great options in workplaces like upper storey gyms or bars where noisy feet are expected but where carpet is inappropriate. 

Aesthetics

Ultimately, your flooring needs to look right. Certain flooring choices like epoxy resin and rubber may be practical in many environments, but may look unprofessional or out of place in certain settings like hotels and offices serving high-end clients. Make sure that flooring looks good by comparing it to that of your competitors.

Cleaning your flooring and repairing damage will keep your flooring looking good so that it creates the right impression for customers. Don’t put up with ugly stains or scuff marks for too long.