5 Common Commercial Flooring Types – Pros & Cons

Choosing commercial flooring can be quite difficult as there are so many options available on the market, and each type of flooring has its respective merits and drawbacks. In order to make the right decision for your space, you need to look beyond the aesthetics of each flooring type and consider the day-to-day practicalities first. To help you decide, here is a quick rundown of five common commercial flooring types and the pros and cons of each.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood is a common choice as a flooring material and can come in various styles, colors, cuts, and species. Real wood flooring provides a high-end look and gives commercial spaces a wow factor. Wood flooring provides a timeless aesthetic, but is not the best choice for high-traffic areas. 

Pros

• Better moisture resistance

• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

• Can easily become scratched/scuffed

• Can be quite expensive to install 

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring mimics the look of real wood flooring but for a fraction of the cost. In a commercial setting, laminate flooring is a popular option because it requires minimal maintenance and can be made to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, it is prone to warping if exposed to moisture. 

Pros

• Extremely durable and scratch resistant

• Costs roughly 50% less than hardwood

Cons

• Does not repair easily

• More susceptible to moisture 

Vinyl Composite Tile

VCT is very commonly used as commercial flooring for many reasons. VCT is durable, easily repaired, easy to maintain and comes in a variety of design options. The surface does eventually wear down and tiles can lift off around the corners when the glue becomes loose but individual tiles can simply be replaced. 

Pros

• Do not wear out easily & long lasting

• Recyclable & eco-friendly

• Very affordable

Cons

• Requires sub-floor preparation 

• Can be difficult to remove

• Limited aesthetic options 

Broadloom (Rolled) Carpet

Broadloom carpet is also known as wall-to-wall carpet and is a traditional flooring option for many spaces. Generally speaking, this type of carpet is harder to maintain than modular tiles because you cannot spot replace stained or damaged sections. Broadloom is the most popular choice of carpeting in corporate flooring, and it comes with many design options.

Pros

• Good acoustic profile

• Less expensive than carpet tiles

Cons

• The extra material is waste

• Difficult to repair/replace one section

Modular Carpet Tiles

Modular tiles are a popular commercial flooring option for reasons including the cushion backing, acoustic benefits, lifespan, and design options. Modular carpet tiles use a vinyl backing which makes them harder to unravel and an adhesive to help the tiles stay in place longer. Carpet tiles can be very easy to spot-replace if they are damaged or stained. However, poor-quality carpet tiles will have visible seams between tiles, which can detract from the aesthetics of your commercial space. 

Pros

• Acoustic benefits

• Extensive design options

Cons

• Seam visibility

• More expensive than rolled carpet 

If you need assistance in selecting the right type of flooring for your commercial space, reach out to the team at Heritage Contract Flooring. We offer a broad selection of flooring solutions from slip resistant floors to sustainable and ergonomic flooring options. Contact us today for a quote!