Whether you’re establishing a new business or renovating an existing building, choosing the right floor tile is critical. Commercial floor tiles must be durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as frequent drops and spills. They must also be slip-resistant enough to prevent slips and falls. With the numerous types of tile and flooring available on the market, it can be difficult to select the most suitable one for your business. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular and durable tile flooring options and provide advice on what to look for when making your selection.
Types of Commercial Tile Flooring
The following are several popular choices of durable tile flooring for high-traffic commercial applications:
Vinyl
Vinyl commercial tile is extremely durable and can withstand a substantial amount of wear and tear. It’s also easy to upkeep by sweeping away dirt and using a damp mop to clean spills. An added plus is that vinyl is slip-resistant, making it a safe flooring option for any business.
Vinyl commercial tile is available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can easily find an option that fits the style of your commercial space. This tile is also an affordable alternative to other commercial flooring types.
Ceramic
Ceramic tile is moisture- and stain-resistant, making it an attractive option for many businesses. The tiles are also sturdy and not easily broken. The tile’s earthy material and coloring protect it from sun exposure damage, making it a perfect choice for spaces with uncovered windows.
Ceramic tile also costs less per square foot than any other flooring option. This durable tile flooring is available in various textures, patterns, and colors, so it can be easily coordinated with your commercial decor. Unglazed ceramic tile provides increased protection against slips and falls, making it a great choice for kitchens and restrooms.
Porcelain
Porcelain tile is denser than ceramic, making it even more durable and resistant to water. This characteristic also makes it a perfect flooring for outdoor commercial use, such as restaurant patios. The additional density also makes porcelain tile more immune to chips and scratches.
Chips are also harder to see when they do occur. While chipping something like a ceramic tile can reveal a different color under the top glaze, the damage isn’t as noticeable on a porcelain tile.
Stone
Several types of stones are used to manufacture commercial floor tile. Pricing can vary widely depending on the stone’s quality and type. Natural granite, for example, is often used for its long-lasting durability and visually appealing qualities. Marble, considered for a more luxurious look, comes in a variety of patterns and shades as a result of the crystallization process.
Both of these stone types would be more fitting for higher-end, professional businesses since they are pricier. A more affordable option is Travertine, which is a natural type of stone that is more porous but holds up against scratching and cracking.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Durable Tile Flooring
With the many choices in commercial flooring available today, you may wonder how to choose the most suitable type for your high-traffic space. The following criteria can help you decide which tile to use.
1. Cost
Your budget is a major factor in determining which tile flooring to use. When considering the cost of commercial floor tile, it’s important to weigh not only the purchase price but also installation and maintenance costs. Ultimately, you want to select the option that provides the best value for your money.
2. Durability
Select a tile that can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as moisture and heavy foot traffic. Cutting corners on an inexpensive tile will end up costing you more in the long run since it will require replacement sooner. Additionally, some tile types may crack and chip easier than others.
3. Slip-Resistance
Selecting a slip-resistant tile will ensure your workers and customers are safer from slips and falls.
4. Maintenance
Consider tiles that are less susceptible to staining. Factor in how easy the tile is to clean and maintain.
5. Aesthetics
Select a tile that fits in with the overall aesthetics of your business to give it a professional and polished appearance.
Durable tile flooring is a necessity for high-traffic commercial areas. By selecting the right type of tile and properly maintaining it, you can extend the life of your floor and keep your business looking its best while ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. Contact us to schedule a consultation for your next commercial tile project.