5 Things to Know Before Buying heavy duty industrial flooring

09 Jun.,2025

 

Top 5 Commercial Flooring Options: Our Expert Picks

With in full swing, you may be thinking of new ways to remodel your business' flooring. Commercial flooring comes in a wide array of options, and finding the right choice for your space's needs can be challenging.

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When considering commercial flooring options, there are four main criteria to consider before proceeding into the nitty-gritty details: durability, style, ease of maintenance, and cost. Notably, some commercial flooring options work better in some spaces than others.

So, let's compare each commercial flooring option. Each option contains helpful pros and cons and installation methods to better decide what suits your space best.

Commercial SPC Vinyl Flooring

Stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl flooring is an excellent option for high-traffic environments due to its 100% waterproof construction and unmatched durability. SPC vinyl flooring is top of the line, thanks to its advanced four-layer flooring technology, consisting of a backing layer, SPC core, printed vinyl layer, and wear layer. 

Top-notch rigid core vinyl flooring offers extremely convincing wood-look, tile-look, and stone-look options that can withstand harsh environments, all while being eye-catching. Not to mention, maintenance requires only minimal cleanup. 

Best for: Areas that receive a lot of foot traffic, such as restaurants, medical offices, hotels, kitchens, and bathrooms.

How to Install Commercial SPC Vinyl:

  • Click and lock: SPC vinyl features a tongue and groove interlocking system that's user-friendly for both vinyl planks and tiles. 
Related Content >> How to Install Vinyl Flooring

Pros of Commercial SPC Vinyl: 

  • 100% waterproof: SPC vinyl consists of layered construction that is 100% waterproof throughout. This is a fantastic choice for businesses worried about moisture content or water damage. 
  • Durability: SPC vinyl's core protects against dents, while its wear layer withstands spills and scratches. 
  • Easy installation: Installation is no hassle, with interlocking planks that snap into place.
  • Sound absorbent: SPC vinyl's attached underlayment absorbs sound waves very effectively

Cons of Commercial SPC Vinyl: 

  • Price: SPC vinyl can be more expensive than some other commercial counterparts, but with all the perks of stylish, durable, and realistic flooring, it pays off.
  • Comfort: It has a sturdy and rigid feel, so users may notice this flooring is slightly uncomfortable underfoot.

SHOP ALL RIGID CORE VINYL

Related Content >> Commercial Kitchen Flooring: 4+ Ideas for Your Restaurant

Commercial Laminate Flooring

Laminate is one of the leading wood and stone-flooring alternatives on the market. Its synthetic structure allows for beautiful flooring at a relatively low price compared to genuine hardwood. If you're looking for ultra-realistic details, you can choose from our variety of smooth, hand-scraped, embossed, and distressed laminate flooring. 

Another popular feature of laminate is that it's both scratch and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for commercial spaces. Also, laminate's wear layer works against yellowing and fading from UV light better than other options on the market, like vinyl. 

Related Content >> Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

*Pro-tip: Consider the AC rating of your laminate flooring choice. Our experts recommend an AC rating of 4 to 5 to ensure your flooring stands up to your commercial environment. 

Best for: Business owners that love a wood look for their space. Offices, boutiques, fitness studios, apartment complexes, and cafes are often popular places for laminate flooring. 

How to Install Commercial Laminate:

  • Click and lock: Like commercial vinyl, commercial laminate flooring is DIY-friendly. Interlocking planks' tongue and groove connectors align to create a "floating floor" over your subfloor. Laminate makes it easy, and you don't need glue, tape, or adhesives for a professional, long-lasting finish. 

Pros of Commercial Laminate:

  • Styles: Laminate flooring comes in several stylish and cost-efficient styles to spruce up commercial spaces. Compared to genuine hardwood, laminate flooring offers consistent textures and tones. 
  • Comfort: You'll find this flooring option comfortable underfoot and great for everyday use in commercial environments.
  • Maintenance: Like vinyl, the wear layer of laminate flooring is easy to maintain.

Cons of Commercial Laminate:

  • Sound: Laminate can create a hollow sound if placed over an uneven subfloor, to begin with. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and include a good underlay for the most seamless installment.
  • Water resistance: Nowadays, many laminates come in various waterproof options. However, some are only water-resistant. This category of water-resistant laminates can only handle a certain extent of high-moisture concern, and they should be kept dry. If not, a vapor barrier can help mitigate this concern.

SHOP ALL LAMINATE

Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Vinyl sheet flooring is a modern twist on a classic household choice. From tile to stone to decorative wood looks, you'll surely find your ideal vinyl flooring. 

Today, vinyl sheets are highly durable and consist of multiple layers that can withstand commercial areas with heavy traffic. For the best protection in commercial environments, our experts recommend you purchase a vinyl sheet with an extra thick wear layer of 15MIL to 20MIL.

Best for: Any commercial space looking to show off its unique aesthetic. You can find vinyl sheets in office foyers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and schools. 

How to Install Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

  • Glue down: The traditional method provides more permanent and stable results for high-traffic areas.
Related Content >> How to Install Vinyl Flooring

Pros of Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

  • Styles: Vinyl sheets come in a wide range of colors and designs. This flooring often comes in large sheets, making it perfect for projects that require a seamless look.
  • Durability: Vinyl sheets also have a reputation of having a strong wear layer, which makes them perfect for maintenance and withstanding scratches and dents that come with heavy traffic. 
  • Stain-resistant: The transparent layer on top of vinyl sheets acts as a surface barrier against spills and stains. This type of flooring requires minimal maintenance to clean thoroughly. 

Cons of Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

  • Replacements: When damaged, replacing vinyl sheets isn't the easiest. You will have to remove the entire flooring section, unlike removing a single tile or plank with other flooring options. 
  • Not DIY-friendly: Considering that commercial vinyl sheet flooring must be glued down, it can be challenging to install. For proper installation, it's recommended flooring professionals manage the process.

SHOP ALL SHEET VINYL

Commercial Floor Tile

Floor tile is not only stunning and durable but 100% waterproof (if glazed). From porcelain to ceramic, you will find a large selection of tiles to choose from. 

Commercial floor tiles are often thick and sturdy, making them a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas. With endless patterns, designs, and shapes, you can craft your aesthetic desires for your commercial space from the ground up. 

When shopping for porcelain tiles, it's essential to consider the space you are placing them. Although not commonly used nowadays, the PEI rating from the Porcelain Enamel Institute can offer guidance. It may be helpful to consider porcelain tiles with a rating of 4 to 5 on the PEI scale for your high-traffic environment.

Body-color (bisque) of the tile is also something to consider. When chipping and damage happens to floor tile, the body color doesn't always match the top glaze. More often than not, porcelain tiles have the same color, and ceramic tiles have a red body. However, no need to fret, as floor tiles are one of the long-lasting commercial flooring options! 

Best for: Entryways for restaurants, lobbies, spas, and luxury spaces. Anywhere you would like to make a visual impact, flooring tiles are the way to go. 

How to Install Commercial Floor Tile:

With floor tiles, there are endless variations in installation design. The most important part of the flooring project begins with proper preparation and leveling of the subfloors. Installation may be pretty hard, but if you're comfortable with mortar, grout, and tile saws, this flooring option is for you. 

Pros of Commercial Floor Tile:

  • Durability: Great maintenance can ensure your tile's lifetime of over 10 to 20 years.
  • Maintenance: Due to its non-porous structure, floor tiles can be easily sanitized. With a quick sweep or mop, your floors look as good as new. 
  • Cheaper than natural stone: If you're searching for cost-effective options, ceramic and porcelain floor tiles offer an array of beautiful stone, decorative, and marble looks.  

Cons of Commercial Floor Tile:

  • Price: Floor tiles range in price due to the type of materials. If you have the budget to upgrade to tile, it can offer long-term results that require little to no maintenance or upkeep. 
  • Comfort: Floor tiles may not be the best for physical workspaces because of their rigidity and slippery, smooth texture. 

Commercial Carpet

Commercial carpet rolls and carpet tiles offer looks that are both trendy and customizable. The three most common materials for commercial carpets are nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, all of which are ultra-durable.

Many commercial carpets, also known as Berber carpets, are made with loop pile fibers. The fibers are looped through the carpet backing, making the carpet durable and with a short pile height. Your carpet tile won't get easily crushed or matted, like those with cut fibers. * Pro-tip: Many people buy rubber roll underlayment with their commercial carpet for extra comfort and sound absorption. 

Best for: Creating a comfortable and inviting space! You can find many commercial carpet designs in offices, apartment complexes, gyms, and rental real estate. 

How to Install Commercial Carpet: 

Installing commercial carpet can be difficult but doable! If you're seeking a DIY project, interlocking, and peel and stick carpet tiles offer a more effortless experience. However, we recommend consulting a contractor before starting the process to ensure the installation will work for your commercial space. 

Before carpet installation, check that you have the necessary tools: T-square, utility knife, and pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The company is the world’s best heavy duty industrial flooring supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

  • Glue-down: For high-traffic environments, we recommend using a pressure-sensitive adhesive to maintain the lifespan of your broadloom carpet or carpet tiles. 

Pros of Commercial Carpet:

  • Styles: Commercial carpet has loop fibers, making them extra durable against dirt, vacuum trails, and footprints. With a range of sizes and looks to choose from, you'll find your match. 
  • Sustainable: For eco-conscious buyers, many carpet rolls and tile options are made from organic or recycled materials, like plastic beverage bottles. 
  • Price: Compared to other commercial flooring options, carpet is a winner for being cost-effective. 

Cons of Commercial Carpet:

  • Thickness: Depending on the quality, you may notice a range of thicknesses among broadloom carpet and tiles. However, it's all based on personal preference!
  • Maintenance: Carpets attract oil and dirt and require additional care to keep a fresh appearance. Depending on what material you purchase, you can hide imperfections quite easily. 

SHOP ALL CARPET

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for an industrial, modern, or luxury feel for your commercial space, there's flooring to fit every situation. Remember, design and layout are important, but so is functionality. Your choice will directly impact the people who use the space. If you consider that, your employees and clientele will surely appreciate it!

We hope our guide has helped you hone down on the best flooring choice for you and your business. Ready to take your commercial flooring project to the next level? 

5 Factors to Consider When Coating Commercial Flooring

When choosing commercial floor coating, you have to consider the important factors, including safety, durability, and maintenance, reflecting the unique demands of your industry and business. 

Some matters are universal to nearly every commercial operation – whether you’re coating a mall floor, the lobby of a tower downtown, or a manufacturing space laden with heavy-duty machinery.

1. OPERATION INTERRUPTION

No matter how you spin it, there will be some interruption on a mass-scale concrete surface prep installation. Of course, there are ways for managers and workers to adapt to this interruption – working around shifts and breaks, scheduling machinery and production lines for odd-hour operations. 

However, your best bet at minimizing your business’s interruption (especially for those running a 24-hour cycle) is a polyurethane coating that bonds and sets quickly.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES

Suppose you’re in manufacturing, and your production experiences everyday spills or leaks. In that case, you’ll want a coating capable of taking on slip-resistant additives like Spartacote Diamond Topp.

Traction additives like these are high-performance and intended for intense environments that demand serious skid and abrasion resistance. The same goes for commercial gym flooring or kitchen floors with heavy foot traffic and spill potential. The last thing managers need is an injured worker or guest.

3. OUTDOOR-VS-INDOOR DEMANDS

Then there’s the matter of the elements. Ultraviolet rays and weather can significantly influence the long-term survival of your concrete coating. 

Look for Key Resin UV-resistant epoxy coatings for outdoor applications or surfaces with regular exposure to natural light, and use a polyaspartic top coat for extra support.

Similarly, some coats are better than others indoors – especially if you have workers or guests nearby. Look for low-odor, quick-drying coats as your best option here. Urethane coating/sealers are a top choice for low-odor applications and fast curing time. Check out our Key Resin polyurethane options to learn more.

4. BRANDING AND DESIGN

Some concrete coating choices are better than others for design purposes. Of course, not all businesses prioritize guest perceptions of their surfaces – especially production industries where only workers walk. But for B2C operations especially, property owners and designers will want a long-lasting coat with good color retention.

WHAT COATING TYPE IS BEST FOR DESIGN PURPOSES?

Consider using a polyaspartic top coat when designing, as these products have excellent gloss and color retention capabilities. They also have good abrasion and scratch resistance – making them a perfect choice for designers and owners concerned about long-term visual appeal.

5. THE PROJECT’S BUDGET

Only some budgets lends well to the highest quality finished coat. The cost of introducing additives and pigments, paying for labor, and halting operations can add up quickly. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on what’s vital for your commercial flooring. 

Good quality epoxy coatings are efficient for a wide range of applications and relatively inexpensive compared to other options – depending on the size of your space and if you’re looking for a short- or long-term solution.

Beyond budget considerations, floor coatings’ durability and specific applications are relevant to long-term satisfaction and performance considerations.

WHAT IS THE MOST DURABLE FLOOR COATING?

Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are often compared for their longevity and resilience. 

Epoxy floor coatings are renowned for their strength, providing a hard-wearing, dense surface that can withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for warehouses and industrial settings. 

Polyaspartic coatings, on the other hand, offer a unique blend of durability and flexibility, with the added advantage of UV resistance and a faster curing time. 

Both options ensure a long-lasting finish that maintains its integrity and appearance under the rigors of commercial use. Understanding the longevity of these durable coatings, particularly epoxy, helps plan for maintenance and future renovations.

HOW LONG DOES AN EPOXY FLOOR LAST IN COMMERCIAL SETTINGS?

Epoxy floors are celebrated for their longevity, typically lasting between 5 to 10 years in commercial settings, depending on the level of traffic and how well they are maintained. Regular cleaning and the occasional reapplication of the topcoat can extend an epoxy floor’s life significantly. 

Factors such as the quality of the installation and the specific formulation of the epoxy used play a role in determining the overall lifespan of the flooring. Investing in a high-quality epoxy coating and professional installation can yield a durable, visually appealing floor that withstands the test of time.

With durability and budget in mind, choosing the right coating for specific areas (such as shop floors) becomes a critical final step in our discussion.

WHAT IS THE BEST COATING FOR A SHOP FLOOR?

Polyaspartic coatings stand out for their rapid curing times, durability, and resistance to stains and abrasions, making them an excellent choice areas with a lot of activity and requiring minimal downtime. These coatings protect against wear and tear and enhance the floor’s aesthetic appeal with various finishes and colors.

Also, consider the following factors when choosing your coating:

  • The level of traffic
  • Potential chemical spills
  • Need for quick and easy cleaning 

NEXT STEP

Selecting the right commercial floor coating involves balancing various factors, from operational needs to aesthetic desires and budget constraints. Runyon Surface Prep offers a complete range of flooring solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.  

Contact us to discuss your requirements of metal flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.