The stuff under your feet matters more than you might think when it comes to your new business. Aesthetic appeal, physical longevity, and customer impressions of your new building’s interior impact the choices you make when it comes to flooring.
Unfortunately, the world of flooring can be a bit complex, so Miller Architects & Builders, your Saint Cloud commercial construction pros, are here to discuss a few of your options.
Here are a few questions that might help you narrow them down!
How Much Does Aesthetic Matter?
Of course, all businesses want their builds to look nice, both in terms of architectural design and maintenance. That’s a given. We’re simply asking if the appearance of your facility indoors is going to matter in the eyes of the customer, since this affects which kind of flooring you’ll need in order to put your best foot forward.
Businesses that actively serve customers on campus might consider a more traditionally appealing flooring, such as hardwood or carpet. Functionality, on the other hand, is the primary concern in businesses that don’t actively and physically work with clientele.
Every company, though, deserves to look sharp, whatever that means for them. It’s just good business sense. We at Miller Architects & Builders are proud to help make this happen – with your flooring and beyond.
Understand That Flooring Is Nuanced
Picking the right flooring for your business isn’t as simple as choosing a type and calling it a day. Within a variety of types, there exist levels of quality and strength that greatly impact the functionality of the final product.
For instance, The Wood Database explains that the Janka Hardness Scale is useful in “directly determining how well a wood will withstand dents, dings, and wear,” with some wood species able to withstand more than three times the force of another.
If your business is considering hardwood, it’d be important to understand where your species of choice falls on that scale to grasp the longevity and value of your investment, alongside what kind of care it is likely to need.
At Miller Architects & Builders, we value a communicative approach to our work, and this approach can help you weigh the pros and cons of each potential flooring.
Learn About Common Commercial Flooring Types
Of course, what constitutes “common” depends on your industry. Carpeting might be typical in, say, schools, but you’d be hard-pressed to find it in a manufacturing business.
That aside, we’ve listed a few popular flooring types below, so your business can get a good survey of what’s available.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
This type of flooring is perfect for the business looking for nothing but luxury. As its name implies, it’s made of nothing but pure wood, and it has a price tag to reflect that.
Though it’s commonly used in residential contexts, for many companies looking to add a high-end edge to their facility, hardwood’s timeless looks and long-lasting performance make it well worth asking their construction management company about.
Epoxy Flooring
A common sight in schools, health care facilities, and manufacturing centers alike, epoxy flooring is the ideal fit for the business looking for both performance and functional looks. Because it’s high-gloss, it has a way of brightening up even the most dull-looking spaces.
Epoxy flooring is easy-to-clean, and its hardy nature makes it simple to maintain. It’s also chemically resistant, making epoxy flooring a great match for manufacturing businesses.
Carpet
When it comes to occupant comfort, nothing beats carpet. It’s a great option for common rooms and gathering spaces – anywhere where congregations of people are common but stains are not.
Your commercial construction pro might recommend carpet if your business is focused on soothing its clients or creating a home-like space; apartment construction and senior living construction are two examples.
Vinyl Flooring
If you combined the classy good looks of hardwood and the functionality of epoxy flooring, you’d get vinyl flooring. No longer tied to the kitchy looks of the 60s, vinyl flooring is now available in a wide range of finishes, from wood-look to faux tile.
And while it might not feel underfoot like the materials it’s designed to mimic, vinyl flooring does a pretty darn good job of fooling the eye. If your business has customers to please but still needs flooring that can stand up to foot traffic, consider luxury vinyl – a thicker version of its standard counterpart.
Miller Architects & Builders Would be Happy to Expand Your Horizons
There aren’t all your options for your commercial construction project – not by a long shot! If flooring matters to you, Miller Architects & Builders would be happy to discuss it and educate you during consultations.
Let’s get started on your dream building today! Contact our Saint Cloud office online, or call us at 320-251-4109.