What is the best flooring for shops?
When buying new flooring for a shop, you need to be confident that it can withstand heavy foot traffic and lots of wear and tear; what’s more, you want it to look great and stay looking new and clean even after months of footfall. Here are some of the best flooring options for shops and the pros and cons of each.
Vinyl flooring for shops
Vinyl flooring has long been a popular retail choice. It is hard-wearing, hygienic and versatile; even better, it looks great and is available in a wider range of styles and designs than ever before. Whether you want flooring that looks like wood, tile or something completely different, you will find the perfect vinyl for your needs. It is also a good budget option, and you will find vinyl flooring at a huge variety of price points.
What about the cons? Well, there aren’t really any cons with vinyl flooring unless you have a high-end store and want a luxe finish, in which case vinyl probably won’t be the best option for you.
Hardwood Flooring
A luxurious choice and one that works incredibly well in exclusive shops, it is difficult to beat the warmth and beauty of hardwood. If properly treated and cared for, hardwood floors can be very durable and last a long time.
The downside is that they are always going to be susceptible to damage from sharp objects and water. It might not be the best idea if your shop is directly on the street, as debris being trampled in from outside all day long can soon take its toll. You will also need to consider rainwater on wet days, whether dripping onto the floor every time the door is opened or from your customers’ clothing, shoes, and umbrellas.
Laminate flooring
Laminates are an excellent choice for shops as long as you choose the right one. You will need a heavy-duty laminate that has been manufactured to deal with lots of foot traffic and wear and tear. Laminate flooring can look just like hardwood, so you should have no problem finding a laminate that works for you even if you want a luxurious appearance. Laminate is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance, making it suitable for most shops.
It is not as susceptible to water damage as hardwood, although you will still want to avoid pools of water sitting on the surface for long periods of time.