Picking the right office flooring during a workplace renovation can increase the value of your space and create immediate visual interest. It can also impact your monthly expenses, with appropriate office flooring making your office more energy efficient so that you save money on your utility bills. But which type of office flooring is the best? The answer is: it depends. There are many different types of office flooring, from luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to a slew of other options like carpet tiles, broadloom carpet, and more! Here’s what you need to consider in order to choose the most suitable office flooring for your own unique needs:
Traffic
One of the first things you need to consider when picking out new office flooring is its durability. Specifically, you need to ensure that your office flooring can support the level of use it will receive. In spaces with high traffic, for example, you’ll likely want to install wear-resistant office flooring that can withstand constant use (such as concrete, vinyl, and other heavy-duty materials). Hardwood is typically avoided in commercial applications for the very reason it’s not particularly hardy, becoming easily damaged by multiple types of footwear and often noticeably worn within just a few years. Carpet tile, on other hand, might be a good solution for areas experiencing any type of traffic, since stains and worn patches can be mitigated very quickly by simply swapping out the damaged tile with one of the ones kept in reserve.
Functionality
You’ll also need to think about how the space will be used and plan your office flooring accordingly. A dance studio obviously requires different flooring than a real estate firm or dental office. The physical layout of the office is important to note, as well. Large, open spaces (as opposed to those with cubicles or multiple rooms) amplify sound, as an example, often making it necessary for business owners to choose office flooring that provides noise control. Carpet, cork, and luxury vinyl planks or tile are good choices for these kinds of open-plan offices since they have natural sound absorption properties and/or can be installed with a noise-reducing pad. And regardless of the type of business you run, there are areas (like entrances) that will always require reinforcement of some kind (to withstand high traffic, as well as dirt and water). Contemplate your floorplan and how the space will be used, and then pick the office flooring that best supports that.
Maintenance
Finally, you need to remember that any office flooring you choose will require maintenance. Thus, you need to pick the option that matches your budget, time, and energy for its upkeep. If you have little interest, time, or money for cleaning and maintaining your office flooring, for instance, you probably shouldn’t install natural stone or vinyl composite tile, which both require special care. In some circumstances, however, spending more upfront can reduce the amount of maintenance you need overall, making your investment worth its cost. Case in point: luxury vinyl tile can be slightly more expensive than other floor options, but is easily cared for with simple, routine cleaning.
Want to Learn More?
Choosing among the many types of office flooring like LVT, LVP, carpet tile and broadloom is more than a matter of aesthetics. The right flooring must, of course, represent your tastes, but it should also maximize the purpose and functionality of the space as a workplace. A commercial office design partner can help you pick the office flooring that suits your needs, as well as your company’s style, culture, and budget. Please contact Key Interiors to learn more.
