Do you dream of owning a restaurant? Opening your own dining establishment can be a dream come true but comes with many decisions.
As a business owner, you must decide on policies, procedures, the menu, hiring staff, and more. Whether you buy an existing restaurant or build your own from scratch, you'll want to change the decor to suit your restaurant's style.
Flooring is one of the first things you can decide for your restaurant. Updating the restaurant flooring can give the place a fresh look if your space feels tired and dated.
However, it's easy to become overwhelmed with all your flooring options. This guide is here to help, so keep reading to learn more about what's available and how to know which is best for your restaurant.
Types of Commercial Flooring
Before you know which floor would work best, you need to know what flooring options you can choose. There are several choices, each with pros and cons.
However, it's essential to remember restaurant flooring isn't "one size fits all." Every establishment has a different personality. Here are six standard options your flooring contractor may offer.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring looks fantastic in the right setting but can pose some trouble as restaurant flooring. If you expect a lot of traffic, this type of flooring will wear down sooner than other materials.
This is because wood is a natural flooring material. However, if you choose this floor, you must maintain it to keep it looking its best.
Epoxy
Epoxy is another standard option offered by flooring companies because of its durability. It's cost-effective, available in many colors and patterns, and is perfect for high-traffic areas. Epoxy flooring consists of several layers of epoxy, whereas some other floor surfaces may only have an epoxy coating.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
If you're after the look of hardwood flooring but want to avoid the added maintenance of sanding and varnishing it every year, luxury vinyl tile is an excellent option.
These vinyl tiles are waterproof, dent-resistant, and excellent for dining room flooring. This type of flooring is easy to install and is more affordable than its hardwood counterpart.
Cork
Cork flooring hasn't been around as long as some other flooring materials but it's gaining popularity these days due to people opting for more eco-friendly building materials.
Cork is incredibly comfortable to walk on but is better suited to areas with less foot traffic. Cork flooring can come in several patterns, colors, and wood-like finishes, so you don't have to opt for a traditional cork aesthetic.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is an excellent option if your restaurant is more industrial in its theme. Furthermore, this type of flooring is highly cost-effective and is appreciated if you have ample floor space. Because of its durability, concrete flooring is great for restaurants, kitchens, and dining rooms with a lot of traffic.
Tile
Tile is an excellent choice if all you're going on is aesthetic. They're typically made from ceramic and come in multitudes of different styles and patterns. This makes your design choices almost limitless.
However, they can wear down and crack over time if installed in areas with heavy foot traffic. They can also be slippery, meaning you risk the safety of your diners by choosing this option.
How to Choose the Right Flooring Material
Now that you know more about your flooring options, you might wonder which one suits your needs. How do you know which one to pick? There are five factors you should consider when choosing your restaurant flooring.
1. Durability
Durability is a crucial factor when choosing a flooring material for your restaurant. If your restaurant sees a lot of traffic, you will need a material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills.
Concrete and epoxy are two good choices for high-traffic areas. Concrete is a very durable material that is easy to clean and maintain.
Epoxy is a hard, durable finish that can be applied to concrete or other surfaces. It's also easy to clean and maintain.
2. Cleaning Ease
Restaurant flooring that is not easy to clean will quickly become a problem in your restaurant. If you can't clean the floor properly, it will begin to look dirty and ugly.
This gives patrons the wrong idea about your establishment. So, choose a flooring material that is easy to clean, like luxury vinyl tile or epoxy.
Flooring that is easy to clean makes the job much easier and can save employees time. Keeping your kitchen flooring clean also helps stop the spread of germs.
3. Ambiance
While having easy-to-clean, durable restaurant flooring is excellent, it's also essential to consider what ambiance you want. For example, hardwood flooring could make your restaurant dining room look classic and timeless if your establishment is smaller and more intimate.
You can also use different types of flooring to create different zones in your restaurant. For example, you might use hardwood flooring in your dining room and tile flooring in your bar area.
4. Sustainability
Climate change is real; as such, we all need to do our part in caring for the environment. Opting for sustainable restaurant flooring is an excellent way to achieve this. Some more sustainable floor materials include cork, recycled wood, and certified sustainable virgin timber.
5. Cost
Finally, as much as you might like the idea of choosing hardwood flooring, it might not be as cost-effective as your pocket would want. When considering restaurant flooring, decide on a budget before you start getting quotes. This will help you stay within your budget and let the flooring contractor know what he has to work with.
Choose Restaurant Flooring That Suits Your Needs
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right restaurant flooring for your establishment. The most important thing is to choose a material that is durable, easy to clean, and that matches the overall style of your restaurant. With so many options, you will find the perfect flooring for your establishment in no time.
If you want the advice of highly skilled flooring professionals, contact us today. At National Floors Direct, we offer all types of flooring, from hardwood and tile to carpet. Let us help you bring your vision to life.
