Choosing a floor for your workspace is just as important as finding the right kind of paint or furniture. The best office fit out flooring blends aesthetics with functionality and will meet the needs of your employees and clients. However, choosing the right flooring is easier said than done. Factors like budget, design, foot traffic, and maintenance requirements will influence your end decision.

We take a look at what you need to know to help find out which flooring type is best for your office space:

What You Need to Look Out For

Before looking at the different options available, you should already know the qualities you want your flooring to have. These qualities need to suit the needs of your office space, so pay special attention to the following when it comes to flooring:

• Durability: Can it withstand the constant barrage of footsteps that come with an office environment or will it need to be refurbished sooner rather than later?
• Acoustics: How does the flooring impact the noise of the office? Can it absorb noise and prevent its transmission?
• Slip factor: You don’t want your employees or clients slipping and sliding when walking around your office. Make sure that the flooring you choose isn’t too slippery to avoid unwanted accidents and unnecessary injuries.
• Lifespan: Flooring is an aspect of the office space that shouldn’t need to be updated or refurbished often, but this largely depends on the type of flooring you choose – so be sure to pick one that can withstand the test of time rather than give into it.

Common Types of Flooring

Carpet or Carpet Tiles

Carpet or carpet tiles should be used in office spaces that require insulation from noise – therefore, if you have a loud and noisy workplace, this option is best for you. Carpets also provide a softer surface for those who spend a lot of time on their feet throughout the day. Not to mention, that they are the easiest type of flooring to replace if any damage occurs. However, carpets will need daily vacuuming and regular deep cleans to keep them stain-free and in tip-top shape.

Ceramic Tiles

If warmth and beauty are at the top of your mind for your office fit out, then we would suggest using ceramic tiles. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are durable as well. It is important to note when choosing this flooring option that you should use ceramic tiles rated 4 or 5 on the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) hardness chart in high-traffic areas for increased durability.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are one of the more popular types of flooring as it is durable and easy to maintain with regular care – not to mention that it adds a classic, stylish touch to any office space. There are many options of wood flooring to choose from, including rich red oak and environmentally-friendly types, like bamboo. Although it is suitable for heavy use, hardwood floors are susceptible to scuffs, scratches, and damages by moisture, and will need to be sanded and refinished regularly if proper care is not taken.

Laminate

Laminate floors are an affordable alternative to most types of flooring as it can offer the look of hardwood, tile, and even stone at a much lower price. It’s constructed in layers, designed to resist warping from moisture, and features a thick surface coating to protect from scratches and other damage.

Natural Stone

The least common flooring type is a natural stone as it’s not ideal for every office. However, it does offer a luxurious look that is perfect for any high-end workspace, creating a distinctive appearance that adds something special to the décor. Natural stone is prone to scratch and stain easily, but a protective sealer can be applied to help reduce this issue. However, regular maintenance and cleaning are required.

Cement Tiles

The popularity of cement tiles has been on the rise as exposed designs are in fashion and trendy. They have a long lifespan, as well as durable and non-slip. Cement tiles are perfect for the modern, minimalist office or for the workspace that needs a floor that can withstand heavy usage.

Rubber

Rubber floors are most ideal for high-traffic areas as they are durable, heat- and water-resistant, and non-slip. This flooring type also offers a range of versatile designs and is easy to care for. They are most suitable for open-concept office spaces as they are comfortable to walk and stand on daily and also offer sound absorption.

Vinyl

Like rubber, vinyl floors are ideal for high-traffic areas and perfect for smaller budgets. It can be treated to resist scratches, stains and slipping, and is available in a range of styles, colors, and designs.

Factors to Keep in Mind

Now that you have a better idea of what flooring options are available to you, here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing which office flooring is best for you:

• Traffic levels into the office: If there are a large number of people in and out of your office daily, you will need flooring that can withstand heavy footfall traffic.
• Repair flexibility: It is expected that the floors of your office will start to wear out at some point. As such, it is best to choose a type of flooring that is easy to repair or replace and won’t cause many inconveniences to employees, clients, and the business as a whole.
• Easy maintenance: Most types of flooring require a lot of care to keep in clean and in tip-top shape. Be sure to choose one that is easy to maintain, as you won’t want the cost of labor to maintain the flooring acceptably overtime to cost more than the installation cost.
• Recycling and reusing the flooring: Certain flooring types have higher levels of volatile organic compounds than others. The contents of the flooring you choose will have a direct impact on indoor air quality as well as the ability to recycle the end product and the industry’s ability to reuse it.
• Your budget: The key is to not overspend or underspend when picking a flooring type. Choose one that fits in your budget but is also of good quality, as picking the cheapest one will cost you more money in the long-run.

If you’re thinking about replacing the flooring in your office with something new, get in contact with Contractors.Direct and connect with thoroughly vetted qualified contractors who can bring your vision to life, on time and on budget.