What is the Right Flooring for a Public Building? 7 Solutions for Commercial Properties
What Building Material is Used for Public Buildings?
Public buildings use a variety of materials when it comes to installing flooring. Companies may choose to install different floor designs depending on the industry they work in. For example, universities and colleges will see constant heavy foot traffic, so a laminate or carpet-tiled floor option may be more preferable than standard carpet or wooden flooring (which would be very costly).
Aesthetics also plays a huge part in the appearance of public flooring. For example, banks, law firms and large corporate buildings may choose a polished concrete floor design, as this material is typically associated with luxury and compliments large rooms flooded with natural light. Concrete is also one of the most durable materials on the planet.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right flooring for a public building. Cost, appearance, durability, material and health and safety are essential thinking points.
What floor type is right for my building?
Different workspaces require different flooring materials depending on aesthetics, your industry and of course, foot traffic. Ensuring your flooring is safe, secure and durable is the first port of call and an experienced contractor or building company will be able to advise you on this.
The Most Commonly Used Flooring for Public Buildings
1. Timber flooring
Timber is popular in a number of public buildings due to its adaptability and versatile design. Timber looks great in almost any environment and can be very durable when combined with polyurethane. This addition makes the flooring incredibly resistant to scratches and smudges. In most cases, timber is hygroscopic (sponge-like).
Be aware that some wooden surfaces may be unstable if they are exposed to too much humidity or moisture. However, certain treatments are applied to the wood, this should stop any warping or structural damage.
2. Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is typically made from compressed fibreboard planks covered with a finish that resembles materials. Stone, tiles and wood are common materials applied to laminate flooring. This type of flooring is ideal for companies looking for flooring for their public building on a tight budget. Laminate offers a ânaturalâ look of the selected material without the expensive overhead.
Laminate flooring is also typically easy to install, minimising both labour time, materials and cost. Itâs also fairly durable and resists scratch damage. Most laminate flooring comes with 15-20 year guarantees, so you can rest assured youâll be getting a good return on investment.
3. Hardwood flooring
A natural material and one of the more expensive options but also one of the most aesthetically-pleasing. Wood flooring is ideal for smaller commercial properties, such as estate agents, dentists and hairdressers. Itâs not ideal for larger areas such as banks or larger corporate offices as the floor creates an echo, which would not accommodate for productive working.
Hardwood is very durable, offers great aesthetic bonuses and is relatively easy to maintain.
4. Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is unlike any other material on this list as itâs incredibly versatile and can be manufactured in a variety of colours and styles. Vinyl flooring often comes in roll or tile format and is usually installed via glue. Like laminate flooring, vinyl is fantastic at mirroring the appearance of the real product without costing too much.
Vinyl is also very easy to clean and is ideal for commercial properties that see heavy foot traffic or include children or pets (schools, universities, nurseries, gyms, vets etc). Installation is usually swift and there are very little maintenance requirements.
5. Carpet tiling
Carpet tiling is very popular in commercial properties. Unlike regular carpet, tiled carpet provides aesthetic quality without the need to lay down large rolls of carpet. This also minimises wastage as individual tiles can be laid and removed as needed. Carpet tilgin is a very flexible flooring option for public buildings looking to add a dash of colour to their interior.
6. Safety flooring
Primarily used for heavy duty buildings that see high foot traffic. Safety flooring features non-slip grains, essential for maintaining health and safety regulations. Easy to maintain and ideal for almost any public building, safety flooring may not be the most glamorous flooring option but itâs slip-resistant properties make it a great option for certain industries.
7. Concrete flooring
Our speciality, concrete flooring is the ultimate flooring option for public buildings for many reasons. Itâs versatile, comes in varying styles, itâs easy to maintain, reflects light brilliantly, offers fantastic return on investment and is aesthetically-pleasing. Polished concrete is the most popular concrete design due to its combination of fantastic aesthetics and durable properties.
Concrete flooring can be installed in both domestic and commercial properties, providing a professional and welcoming finish.
Are You Looking for Flooring for Your Public Building?
Our team at Concrete Flooring Solutions are dedicated to providing and installing concrete flooring to public buildings across the UK. With over 40 yearsâ experience in the concrete flooring industry and a dedicated team that provides unrivalled support throughout the construction process, weâre proud to provide a fully comprehensive service.
We specialise in installing concrete flooring to enhance the appearance and accessibility of your public property. Our services include:
For more information on our flooring options for public buildings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team today,