commercial flooring

• Flooring
• June 24, 2022

This Is How You Choose The Right Commercial Flooring For Your Business

Updating or replacing commercial flooring can be an overwhelming task. That’s why many people forgo the process for as long as possible.

But your commercial flooring sets the stage for your entire business.

• What do people think when they enter?
• What aesthetics is it creating?
• Are you putting people at risk with worn out floors?
• Are you harming other materials like subfloors?

Flooring may be the first thing people notice when they enter, either consciously or subconsciously. If it’s time for you to make a selection, choosing flooring that will last for the next several years, we have a few tips for you to keep in mind.

Shop with a purpose in mind

No matter what type of flooring you’ve had in place before, before installing something new, it’s a good idea to consider your specific requirements to help you determine the right choices to suit your needs. Ask yourself a few questions:

• What is the purpose of this area?
• How much foot traffic will it have to sustain?
• Is it serviceable by customers, employees, or both?
• What layout will be used?
• How durable should the material be?
• Will you have to sanitize or sterilize?
• Will it withstand heavy loads?
• Will color or patterns be a part of the final design?

While all commercial flooring applications are quite durable and can withstand a lot of use, choosing the right layout will ensure it continues to look good for many years to come.

We often suggest property managers start with a goal in mind. The questions above will help lead the way. By starting with a goal instead of a specific flooring choice, you might find better options you’ve never considered before.

A corporate boardroom may function well with commercial-grade hardwood flooring. It may just as easily create a sleek and sophisticated design with well-branded commercial carpeting in corporate colors. By seeing both choices up close and personal, you’ll be able to visualize the right choice for your overall design.

Select the right materials

Once you’ve settled on a particular material, then you can explore commercial materials. Commercial product lines are built stronger for higher traffic situations, more cleaning, and more wear and tear.

This isn’t a time to skimp on quality. Superior materials may cost a bit more upfront, but often provide many more years of service.

For example, many office buildings select hardwood flooring because it’s cost-effective and offers the opportunity for several refinishes. It’s a product that can withstand years of use, while providing the ambiance many companies are looking for.

If hardwood is your top choice, many items impact your final cost:

• Quality and grade of the wood
• Core structure – solid core or engineered hardwood
• Subfloor maintenance or installation
• Prep work and cleanup required

Again, staying open during this process can alert you to flooring concepts you may never have considered before. If you’re set on hardwood, have you looked at commercial-grade luxury vinyl planks? They offer durability and can even be waterproof. That can be a great addition to an office building if ice and snow are often dragged in on shoes.

Special circumstances

We understand that every property manager and business owner has different long-term goals. What are you trying to achieve in both the short and long term?

We work with a lot of commercial properties that are looking for eco-friendly materials. Some are working towards LEED certification, and are focused on creating a healthier environment.

If that’s the case, we can steer you in the right direction. There are many options for you to consider.

How about carpet? While carpet hasn’t been the most green-friendly option over the years, it is changing. Knowing there was a problem with both production and disposal, many manufacturers have prioritized green practices. Carpet tiles may be a perfect solution. Some manufacturers build padding into the backing, meaning you can place it directly over the subfloor. Because it’s tile-based, if damage occurs to one tile, you simply peel it up and put a new one in place. That’s a lot more efficient than replacing an entire carpet area. Less waste in the landfill over time. Or even better, is recycled and made into other products.

Is sustainable hardwood right for you? Hardwood is often considered an eco-friendly choice, but you do have to pay attention to the entire process. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that certifies forests have sustainable management practices. It ensures the hardwood isn’t taken from regions that are over harvested. You should also look at the entire production process to ensure the manufacturer doesn’t use harmful chemicals during processing – avoid wood that has been processed with harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde.

Or maybe earth-friendly bamboo is the right choice for you? Bamboo is another great choice commercial properties are leaning towards. Its greatest feature is how fast it grows, and its sustainable growing patterns. Bamboo groves don’t require fertilizer, pesticides, or even much water. A grove of bamboo can be harvested about every seven years. Compare that to the growth pattern of trees, which takes 30-50 years. Less space and more product – that’s a win/win for manufacturers and consumers.

Find the right provider

There are many ways to go about installing commercial flooring to suit your needs. Have a maintenance team on staff? Want them to do the installation?

Yet before you move towards the installation process, it’s important to select the right flooring dealer. Yes, it matters. You can get discount products online, but you’ll end up with discount materials that don’t stand up over time.

To ensure a long life, select a reputable flooring dealer who knows how to find the highest quality commercial flooring options. They have experience in weeding through the different manufacturers, and only showcasing the ones who provide products that have long wearability.

We suggest you look at their reviews online. You can quickly piece together how well they are received in their community. You can’t hide bad reviews, any more than you can ignore finding a reputable company that stands behind their work.

We’ve been in business as a reputable commercial and residential flooring dealer for many years. Right here in the Denver-Metro area, we’re proud to be a part of this community.

How can we help you find the right commercial flooring to suit your needs?

• Flooring
• December 21, 2021

5 Reasons It’s Time To Upgrade Your Commercial Flooring

Commercial properties have undergone a lot these past two years. With many people working from home, when we head into the office, we’re noticing things we might have ignored before.

A lot of our opinions are formed in the first few seconds. Walk through a door of a commercial location, and your first impression is everything. Is the commercial flooring dull and dingy, or fresh and new? Is the decor modern and appealing? Is it warm and inviting to walk into? Or does it leave a person pulling their masks tighter across their face?

If you’ve been biding your time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your flooring, now may be the time. While certain flooring choices can last decades with the proper care, maintenance is critical no matter what your selection.

Keep in mind that today’s technology has made flooring choices even better than before. Whether you prefer tile, wood, or carpet, there’s a flooring choice that will be perfect for your commercial application.

Reason #1: Improve aesthetics

When most people start to think of adding new flooring to their commercial space, they look at aesthetics first. Maybe the carpet is threadbare and stained. Maybe the hardwood is scuffed and dented. You notice it from the moment you enter the property, and it doesn’t leave a great impression.

Especially as tenants are changing and moving around, it’s more important than ever to have an attractive space from the moment they enter. Given that flooring is often one of the first things to leave an impression, now may be the perfect time to make the investment.

If you haven’t upgraded flooring in a while, you’ll be amazed at the technology currently in place. Today’s carpet is now more problem-free than ever, helping you create a clean and menial look, while offering warmth and soundproofing qualities at the same time. Want hardwood? There are many options for you. You can stick with classical hardwood, or try engineered hardwood. It offers you even greater impact as well as being even easier to maintain. And if you want waterproof technology, take a look at commercial grade luxury vinyl planks. It often looks so authentic, even experts have to take a second look.

No matter what choice you make, you can instantly upgrade the looks of your commercial space by upgrading your flooring. Whether you have specifics in mind, or are keeping your options open, taking a look at what’s available now will help you move forward as you bring in new tenants or employees.

Reason #2: Create a healthier environment

As a society, we’re becoming more aware of the harmful effects of indoor air quality every day.

According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution is responsible for 3.8 million deaths across the worldwide. It’s generated from a variety of activities, including cooking, smoking, use of electronic machines and consumer products, as well as from various building materials.

Depending on when your commercial property was built, and the materials inside were installed, the indoor air quality could be releasing a variety of toxic chemicals into the air supply.

Luckily, today’s manufacturers are aware of the problem. When you do your research, you’ll find many of today’s leading flooring brands create low or no VOC flooring options to help you create a healthier environment. People are becoming more aware of what they surround themselves with. If you pay attention and use healthier materials as you remodel and upgrade, it’s a point you can emphasize to new tenants or employees.

Reason #3: Cut down on cleaning costs

These past two years have taught us a thing or two about cleaning. We’re more aware of surface areas than ever before.

When you start with new flooring, it gives the impression of being clean. And when you select the right type of flooring materials, it will make every act of cleaning and sanitizing that much easier.

You may have new cleaning processes throughout your commercial space, thanks to the pandemic. If you’ve been having trouble with your current flooring taking on this new practice and looking good too, it’s time to upgrade and select one that’s better suited for your process. How clean is clean with the people who occupy your property? Medical is different from retail; it’s important to make the right choice to suit your needs.

Luckily, there is a flooring choice suitable for every situation. Come in with an open mind, and let’s find the right commercial flooring to suit your needs.

Reason #4: Upgrade your clientele

Think about your favorite stores for a moment. Are they large and inviting? Modern and intimate? Clean lines? Or filled with country charm?

That look didn’t happen by accident. Every space is created with a specific target client in mind. Consider who your current clients or tenants are. Are you trying to upgrade the target group you appeal to? One of the easiest ways to do that is by giving your space a facelift.

Start that process with new flooring. Whether you know what flooring you want, or have questions about what would be best for your commercial property, we can answer all of your questions and help you make the right choice.

Reason #5: Make the space more functional

Every commercial space has low and high traffic spaces. Each area has different needs to be met. Whether you want the same flooring throughout, or are looking for a variety of commercial flooring options to blend and work well together, we have the perfect solution for you.

Before you make a final decision, consider the use of each space you wish to add new flooring to. How much traffic does it receive during the day? How often does it get cleaned?

With those thoughts in mind, we can help you find the right commercial flooring application to suit your needs.

And give you a property people enjoy stepping into every day of the week.

• Flooring
• December 14, 2021

The Only Guide You Need To Select The Right Commercial Flooring

When you select a new flooring for a residential space, it’s all about taste and personalization. But when you’re shopping for commercial flooring, there are other things to keep in mind.

What commercial flooring will be the best choice for functionality? Will it be an appropriate choice for the activities that take place within the space?

What commercial flooring will give the look and feel needed to complete this space? Will it enhance the branding associated with the commercial space?

What commercial flooring will be sustainable and cost-effective? Will it help me reach other goals, such as achieving LEEDs status?

What commercial flooring will best fit into my budget? At the end of the day, everything you do has to git into your financial plan. Luckily, there are always options when it comes to selecting new flooring.

Selecting your purpose for your commercial space

What tops the list for needs and demands when it comes to installing commercial flooring? Only you can decide. But after years of experience, we know functionality trumps all other factors most of the time.

Why? Ultimately, a commercial space needs to have suitable materials for the building occupants. You’d never install carpet in a hospital. Or slippery tile in a caregiving facility.

Durability also becomes a factor. Will your selection stand up to regular cleaning and maintenance? Will it meet building codes, ADA compliance, and provide appropriate acoustics for the tenants or employees inside?

Choosing the right flooring for your space may seem like an overwhelming process. Luckily, we can provide you with solid advice. Consider the pros and cons of the top flooring choices, and come in with an open mind. We’ll help you find the right flooring choice to meet all of your needs.

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring has been one of the top flooring choices for years. People love the look and feel in both residential and commercial environments. It’s hard to deny it comes with classic good looks. When well maintained, hardwood flooring can last for years – decades – and bring a quiet sophistication to any place it’s installed. That’s why it’s the preferred choice for boardrooms and financial institutions across the country.

Yet despite it being renowned for quality, hardwood can also be quite finicky to care for. In residential applications, homeowners are aware of activities that will compromise the quality. You can’t ask visitors to check their heels at the door to counter the risk of scratching or denting the floor. Hardwood is also not the best choice in moist or humid conditions. It can be quite particular if humidity levels aren’t kept between 35 and 55 percent, increasing the likelihood of it warping or buckling. And if moisture seeps underneath, you’ll be installing new floors.

Laminate flooring

For the same reasons homeowners turn to laminate, it can be a great choice for commercial properties too. It’s often considered the low-maintenance alternative to hardwood because it’s easier to care for and has the look and feel of hardwood. Laminate is made from layers that give it strength and durability at an economical cost. Its tough top layer ensures it won’t scuff, especially in high traffic areas.

People love hardwood because you can refinish it multiple times. Not so with laminate – it’s a material you’ll have to replace when it’s time. Many laminates come with click and lock technology, meaning they float over the subfloor. While this makes it easy to install, it also can create a hollow sound. And that can be noticeable in large, open spaces. That can also cause bigger problems if you’re moving heavy rolling loads through the space.

Vinyl flooring

One of the newest products to market includes luxury vinyl tiles and planks. These products are made to mimic many of the most popular flooring choices, including hardwood, marble, and stone tile. But unlike the materials they mimic, they offer something else that’s a crowd pleaser: they can provide you with a hard surface area that’s completely waterproof too. These scratch-resistant, water-resistant floors are so close to the real thing, even experts have to take a second look.

While vinyl can be the perfect flooring choice in many situations, the key is ensuring it’s installed correctly to give you all the benefits it promises. This isn’t something you hand over to your handyman for weekend installation. Ensure it meets the code and guidelines of the manufacturer, and you could have a flooring choice you’ll enjoy for years.

Tile flooring

While vinyl may be the appropriate choice in some situations, in some cases, nothing will be better than tile flooring. If you’re renovating messy water-prone areas like bathrooms, breakrooms, or entrances, tile may be the perfect choice to stand up to the pressure. They won’t absorb moisture, and fight bacteria like no other flooring can. And when you clean them, you won’t think twice about digging in and giving it a good clean – it won’t hurt the structure of the tile, providing you install the correct tile for your unique situation.

While the tile itself may be stain-resistant and resist bacteria, you’ll have to be more careful with the grout you choose to install. Grout can and will stain unless well protected by a sealant. Epoxy grout won’t stain, but its cost will add to the bottom line of your installation. Tile also takes the longest to install, meaning this isn’t an overnight project. It requires many hours to ensure every piece is laid correctly, and the curing process ensures it’s tightly sealed.

Which is the right commercial flooring choice to suit your needs?

There isn’t a right choice when it comes to selecting a commercial flooring material. Instead, it takes careful consideration, weighing your options, and considering your needs.

Whether you’re still considering your options, or have made up your mind, the best place to start is by giving us a call, so we can help you select from your choices.

How can we help you select the right commercial flooring material for your space?

• Flooring
• June 3, 2020

How To Ensure Commercial Flooring Has A Long Life

When it’s time to update your commercial flooring, it can be difficult deciding on what’s the best flooring choice for your needs. And given the various choices on the market today, the decision process can be overwhelming at best. How do you choose one that will hold up well over time? How do you select one that looks great and attracts the right kind of tenants or customers into your place? How do you ensure longevity, so that it’s money well spent?

It all starts with a little research to learn about the best commercial flooring choices on the market, and how to consider the best choice for your needs.

How to narrow down your choices

It’s time to replace your current flooring with something new. You know you need new floors because the old no longer gives you the look or feel you need to make good first impressions. But how do you make a selection with so many different options available?

Start with looks – most commercial property owners have some ideas for what they’re looking for. You already have a general understanding of what works well in different spaces throughout your property. Start there, but be open to new opportunities. Meeting with one of our flooring experts can help you pinpoint your needs and show you several different options that would make great final choices.

Maintenance – in commercial locations, maintenance is everything. You don’t want fussy flooring materials that don’t stand up over time. That means your final selection should be easy to care for and easy to maintain day in and day out, for years to come.

Durability – this is where spending a little extra might benefit you greatly. Don’t shop on price alone. Bumping up your expectations a bit might push you into different categories of flooring that will add years of longevity to your final decision. When you select certain grades of flooring, they can stand up to active workspaces, and look well under pressure, even if that means a daily influx of heavy foot traffic.

Investment – there are many ways to look at your investment in your commercial flooring. Start with longevity – how many years can you reasonably expect from the flooring product you install? If you select something with an expected life of five years, what would it take to push it to ten? Yes, this is a numbers game, but sometimes just seeing your options can help you bring in better options.

It’s also an investment in good looks. Will it give a better first impression when clients and prospects enter through the doors? Will it add strong resale value if you’re considering a sale in the near future?

What are my best commercial flooring choices?

While there’s never a “one size fits all” pattern to selecting flooring for your commercial space, there are several materials that we see commercial locations selecting again and again. They include:

Engineered Hardwood

People love hardwood in both residential and commercial settings. But solid hardwood can be finicky when added to the wrong space. Hardwood is difficult to add to commercial settings because it’s difficult to care for and expensive to install and maintain. That’s why many commercial properties are turning to engineered hardwood and loving the results. Because it has a more durable wear layer, it gives you the looks of hardwood while being easier to care for on a daily basis.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate hardwood is another option growing in popularity because of its classic good looks, it’s durability, easy installation, and budget-friendly pricing. Its wear layers make it the perfect choice for many different commercial applications.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring has changed a lot over the years. While you can install durable vinyl sheet material, vinyl planks are increasing in popularity because of the realism in the looks. If you want hardwood or stone look without the cost, vinyl is an option. Vinyl planks give you the look and feel of real hardwood, stone, or other natural products.

Carpet

While it might not work in all settings, carpet is still a great choice in some areas. Commercial carpet tiles are a budget friendly floor covering with a heavy duty backing and quality construction that holds up well under pressure. Durability is key; pay attention to the manufacturer and quality to ensure a long life. Flooring tiles give you the option of changing out tiles that may be destroyed through staining or movement, giving you an easy way to keep your flooring looking great for years.

Tile

One of the hardest surfaces with the greatest longevity is tile. However, with so many choices on the market, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Focus on durability. Some require sealants to stand up well over time. Whether you select ceramic or porcelain, natural stone or a composite designed to match your surroundings, tile is a great choice in all kinds of situations. It’s worth another look if you haven’t done so lately.

What does maintenance mean?

Once you’ve invested in new commercial flooring for your business, it’s important to stick with a maintenance plan that will protect your investment.

Start with the warranty. Every manufacturer provides a warranty to ensure their product is well received. Learn the facts before you buy, and create a plan to keep your flooring well cared for.

Invest in regular cleaning and maintenance. Don’t trust any janitorial staff, ensure they can give you what you need to keep your warranty valid. In some cases, the wrong cleaning products can void the warranty.

Keep staff on hand to clean up messes immediately. The longer you leave messes in place, the better chance you have of it ruining your flooring material.

Use rugs and entrance mats to keep the interior as clean as possible. You’ll be amazed at how much entrance mats can remove off of shoes before people enter your building . It ensures scratches and other problem areas are more superficial than deeply embedded. It also makes regular cleanings easier, as less debris will be tracked in.

What are your top questions as you decide on the right commercial flooring for your location?

• Flooring
• December 28, 2019

Selecting The Right Commercial Flooring For Your Needs

Commercial flooring takes a lot more abuse than standard residential flooring. It sees higher traffic levels. It takes more punishment as dirt, debris, and moisture scrapes across from shoes and moving inventory.

If you’re in the market for new commercial flooring, it’s important to think beyond the looks. An exotic hardwood may move to the top of your list based on looks, especially if you’re in finance or banking, for example. But will that exotic hardwood be the best choice for years to come given your traffic levels?

There’s a lot to consider before you make your final selection. Luckily, we have some tips for you, and have a few suggestions to help you make your final decision. The most important thing is to love the look now and for years to come.

Start with a great foundation

Unfortunately, most people start looking for commercial flooring based on price and budget. And while that may seem like the best place to start, it actually prevents you from considering all of your alternatives.

In many cases, it isn’t the flooring choice you should consider first; it’s the foundation. It’s the base that your flooring is installed on.

Take, for example, carpeting. People often select the highest grade of carpet they can, then skimp on the padding underneath. Yet it’s the padding that works to protect the carpet from wear, adding strength to the binding and backing to absorb the impact of foot traffic. Padding also determines how easily your carpet can be cleaned. With the right padding, it helps increase suction as it’s vacuumed, allowing dirt to be pulled easily from the depth of the fibers.

If you’re thinking of installing new commercial flooring, don’t start by looking at flooring choices. Instead, start by asking yourself a few important questions.

• What kind of traffic will the flooring have to sustain each day?
• Is contamination a consideration?
• Does sound matter within the space?
• Will the flooring be subjected to chemicals or excessive exposure to dirt?
• What image will be portrayed to visitors?
• Is worker comfort something to consider?

The more you define what will happen in your space each day, the easier it will be to select the right choice for your needs.

Laminate

One of the most popular choices for commercial spaces if laminate wood flooring. It’s easy to install and maintain over time, especially when compared with hardwood. It has an added benefit of being hygienic, making it the perfect choice for business in fields like medical, that care equally about aesthetics as well as functionality.

If you’re attempting to gain LEED certification, you’ll find that laminate leads the way in helping you achieve accreditation. Laminate isn’t hardwood, but instead is made up of a composite wood with an overlayment hardwood image that mimics the real thing. Focus on materials used to find the most eco-friendly product in the marketplace. We can help you do that.

Engineered Hardwood 

If you want the look and feel of hardwood but are nervous about durability, consider engineered hardwood. Instead of being a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is a small slice of hardwood adhered to high-quality plywood. It’s less expensive than traditional hardwood, but provides the same look and feel. You’ll often find this in office buildings as it is more durable than traditional solid wood. It’s also more eco-friendly as it only uses a small amount of hardwood to produce the same results.

Vinyl composite tile

Vinyl composite tile is the perfect solution when you’re looking for an affordable, easy to maintain commercial flooring. What many business owners love about vinyl composite tile is the convenience; if you tear or damage one tile, it can be easily lifted and replaced. It’s also easy to keep clean; using mild cleaners, you can mop up just about any spills in no time.

The biggest drawback is durability. Depending on wear, the corners of the tile can start to peel back. The adhesive can also come loose, allowing the tile to shift into place. It can also fade if subjected to harsh light, or is cleaned with chemicals on a regular basis. Still, in the right location, vinyl composite tiles can offer you an affordable solution to your commercial flooring needs.

Luxury vinyl tile

Luxury vinyl tile is growing in popularity in both the residential and commercial markets for good reason. It can give you the look of just about any type of flooring in a more affordable package. Imagine having a floor that looks like hardwood, marble, or stone, yet gives you the convenience of vinyl composite tile. That’s the beauty of luxury vinyl.

It has a harder surface area than traditional vinyl. It also has a clear wear layer that provides more protection against wear and tear. Because of this wear layer, it doesn’t have to be stripped, waxed, or sealed like other choices. It’s becoming one of the preferred options for commercial property managers.

Carpet tiles

It’s hard to argue against the more traditional carpet tiles you’ll see in commercial properties all across Colorado. Since they are tiles, they offer an easy way to install and maintain the flooring. If you have a problem with one tile, simply pull it up and replace. Carpet tile also uses a strong adhesive for installation, making them stay in place longer than ever before.

Carpet tile comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. If you have something specific in mind, it can be dyed and created just for you. It reduces noise and provides a softer environment – especially important in wide-open spaces where noise reduction is essential. They are also better for safety reasons; they can reduce falls near entrances where people track in snow and slush.

What’s your choice for commercial flooring?

With all of these great choices, what’s the best flooring for your needs? If you can’t decide, stop by, and we’ll show you all of these choices and help you make a well-informed decision.

Start with what you know you want. It might be the type of flooring, or a desire to become LEED certified. We’ll show you your options and help narrow down your choices. We’ll help you pick the right product to suit your business needs.

• Flooring
• June 4, 2016

Knowing The Characteristics Of The Perfect Commercial Flooring

In today’s world, we spend about 93 percent of our time indoors. And of that time, the average person spends about one-third of it in their workspace. Choosing the right commercial flooring is important will impact not only how visibly appealing your space is to potential customers, but also to the feelings and work ethics of your employees. With so many patterns, shapes and textures available, what characteristics should you be looking for?

In many ways, carpet tiles lead the way. They range from 18 to 36 inch squares, planks, hexagons, diamonds and everything in between. They have various textures and designs that can create just about any look you desire. And because carpet tiles are the most highly engineered textile flooring in the industry, their attributes give you everything you need for longevity and wear. And while they offer provide years of wear, there’s something nice about knowing you can replace individual tiles if and when accidents do happen. It makes it economical in high traffic areas.

While carpet tiles tend to top most commercial flooring lists, it’s by no means the only flooring choice you have. Besides carpet tiles, numerous hard surface materials can help create an environment conducive to your workplace. Try luxury vinyl tiles or planks, ceramic, or wood. You can also move into marble, granite, polished concrete, rubber, or a variety of wood options that will add life to your commercial location.

When choosing a floor for commercial locations, pay attention to acoustical considerations. The last thing you want is a loud clicking sound as your employees walk down the hallway, again and again. And while wood may look nice, it can quickly turn into disappointment if it dents or scratches as desks, chairs and high heels navigate it every day. Choosing something like porcelain made to mimic the characteristics of wood may be a wiser choice to add stability and performance.

Have questions about what commercial flooring choice is right for your business? The best place to start is with a call. We’d be happy to help you select the right flooring for your needs.