As a property owner or manager, you know that there are a wide variety of flooring options available for your commercial, residential, or multi-family property. But the type of flooring best for your building will depend on the type of property, how it will be used, what type of design aesthetic you want to achieve, and what kind of wear and tear you expect.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common flooring options to see which are best suited to your property.
Carpet and Carpet Tile
Carpet and carpet tile are visually appealing options for commercial, office, multi-family, and single-family residential properties. They’re soft underfoot, deaden sound, and add a sense of warmth and comfort. Carpet is a good choice for office and cubicle areas, multi-family hallways or entry spaces, and any space that needs to feel welcoming, such as living areas or bedrooms. They also make a good overlay in areas that are slippery or that may be damaged by foot traffic – especially high heels or work boots.
Commercial carpet and carpet tile differ from consumer options in that they have a shorter pile and tighter looping. This makes them more durable, longer lasting, and easier to clean. They’re ideal for heavy foot traffic and typically use lower-cost fibers, making them more affordable than standard residential carpets. However, for low-traffic single-family home scenarios, you may want to consider standard residential carpeting, especially if you plan to replace the carpet when you turn over tenants.
Overall, wall-to-wall carpet options tend to be more cost-effective, but carpet tile allows for spot replacement in case of damage or staining – and can also be placed in patterns. If you anticipate water damage or staining, carpet tiles can be the more cost-effective option.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a stylish, visually appealing option for high-end spaces such as upmarket retail, hospitality, coworking spaces, historic renovations, and some residential properties. It’s warm, natural, and imparts a sense of history and eco-awareness. Upcycled or locally sourced hardwood can be a major selling point for luxury single-family or multi-family properties, as well as renovated commercial or industrial spaces.
Hardwood flooring can be expensive to install and can scratch and dent, especially if softer woods are used. Hardwoods will also darken over time when exposed to the sun. While a thick coating of commercial poly can protect against scuffing and light spills, hardwoods are best installed in either low-traffic areas or areas where striking visual impact matters, such as office lobbies, multi-family hallways, and retail showrooms. Hardwoods can be refinished to restore their natural beauty and can be protected with the strategic placement of rugs or inset tile.
If you already have hardwoods in your property, but your building’s intended purpose may cause damage or wear, ask about adding a different layer of flooring over the top to protect your hardwoods without damaging them.
Vinyl Composition (VCT) Plank and Tile
Vinyl plank tile is the darling of the high-traffic commercial flooring world and has also become a popular choice for residential flips or renovations. Vinyl plank options have a wood-like look but are highly durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof. The tile equivalent easily mimics traditional tile finishes such as porcelain, marble, and stone – all at a fraction of a cost.
Vinyl plank is also a sought-after choice in retail and hospitality settings such as restaurants, where it stands up well against rolling carts, the movement of tables and chairs, and spills. The tile version is popular in office spaces, healthcare settings, and restaurants and hotels, where is often appropriated for use on walls as well. Both are an excellent alternative to hardwood and traditional tile in multi-family or residential properties, as they affordably elevate and modernize the look and feel of a property while also protecting against wear and tear – for example, by children and pets.
In addition to being durable, vinyl plank and tile are also versatile. While they should be glued down in areas with rolling traffic, they can be “floated” in other areas, allowing you to preserve the flooring underneath. This can be a good solution for landlords wanting to prevent damage to hardwoods, parquetry, or other types of high-value flooring not suited to the demands of heavy use or challenging tenants.
Natural and Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is an attractive option for hard-wearing commercial and hospitality spaces, as well as some higher-end multi-family or single-family properties. It’s scratch-resistant, waterproof, highly durable, and is available in a variety of different colors, patterns, sizes, and styles. Popular natural and ceramic tile options are travertine, stone, marble, granite – and these can be glazed or unglazed depending on your needs and style. If your space has concrete flooring, this can be polished to give a tile-like appearance.
When choosing natural and ceramic tile, always consider how an area will be used. Glazed tiles can be slippery when wet, so avoid them in areas prone to water spillages, such as entrances, laundry areas, or commercial and residential kitchens – unless protective matting is provided. Matte or rough surfaces are better for commercial and residential uses in these cases, and slip-resistant sealers can also reduce the risk of falls.
Natural and ceramic tile is expensive to install but is long-lasting and rarely needs replacement. However, avoid it in areas where heavy items are likely to be dropped, resulting in cracks or broken tiles. Matching older broken tile can sometimes be difficult, so set aside some overage for future repairs. This is especially valuable with larger multi-family projects as it will help you maintain a uniform appearance on your property.
Talk to Manders About Installing Your Flooring
At Manders, we have experience installing all types of flooring for retail, commercial, multi-family, and single-family use. Our team of expert, bonded workers can help you decide which type of flooring is right for your needs – and do the installation for you safely, effectively, and on time.
For more information about installing flooring, get in touch!
