Contemporary Office Flooring Ideas To Incorporate Into Your Fit Out
Scratch Resistant Flooring
If you’re looking for scratch-resistant flooring that will stand the test of time and won’t break the bank, vinyl planks are the ideal solution. Not only are they hard-wearing due to the pressure and heat applied during the manufacturing process, but they are also much easier to replace than vinyl sheets.
Nowadays, vinyl flooring comes in a whole range of styles and colours, so you’ll be able to find something that fits your office interior, whether that be a traditional oak effect vinyl or a bold block colour to brighten up your space. If your office is likely to include a kitchenette, you will also benefit from the fact that vinyl planks are water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about any accidental spillages wreaking havoc over time!
Another cost-friendly, scratch-resistant option is laminate flooring. Laminate has come a long way since it first became available on the market. Today’s laminate flooring is available in a wealth of different wood styles and can even be embossed to give it a more authentic wood feel.
Before purchasing your laminate, you can find out the durability of the product by checking the AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating provided by the manufacturer. The higher the number, the more hard-wearing the product will be, so be sure to double check this before you commit to purchase.
Carpet Tiles
When you’re working in a busy office where staff are regularly on the phone or conducting face-to-face meetings, noise can be a real problem. If you’d like to bring a little zen back into your office space and reduce unwanted distractions, carpet might be just what you need. In terms of acoustics, carpet comes up trumps when compared with other commercial flooring types. In fact, research has shown that carpeted floors can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%.
In addition to noise reduction, carpeted floors can make the office both look and feel warmer. The insulative properties of carpet mean that it can maintain the level of warmth in a room, whilst the appearance and feel of a carpet underfoot helps to add a sense of cosiness that you don’t get with harder commercial floors.
When it comes to choosing your office carpet, carpet tiles are the preferred option due to them being cost-effective and straightforward to install. As with laminate flooring, there are different carpet ratings and classifications that can be used to identify how suitable the carpet will be for your space. The TARR (Texture Appearance Retention Rating) is one of the most common; however, the rating system used will be dependent on the manufacturer. Bear in mind that, if you do decide to opt for a lower or medium-grade carpet, you might want to consider purchasing additional mats to protect the carpet from the office chairs.
Hardwood Flooring
Nothing beats the look of a beautiful hardwood floor. Both stylish and sophisticated, hardwood flooring is extremely versatile and looks great in both modern and traditional office spaces. Whilst it may not be the cheapest option out there, one major advantage to hardwood flooring is its longevity. When maintained properly, a hardwood floor can last anywhere between 20-30 years before it needs attention, making it a worthwhile investment.
If you’re conscious about the environment, then you have yet another reason to invest in a hardwood floor. Gifted by mother nature, wood is a natural resource and doesn’t emit any harmful chemicals into the environment. That being said, make sure you do your research to find the most sustainable hardwood options. If your aim is to become more environmentally friendly, stay well away from endangered wood species. Instead, consider using reclaimed wooden planks which add charm and character to a space without harming the environment.
Anti-slip Flooring
Earlier on in the article, we mentioned the benefits of vinyl plank flooring for office spaces with kitchenettes. Another reason why vinyl flooring is such a great choice for this is because of its anti-slip properties. Some vinyl floors will be specifically designed to be slip resistant so, for kitchen and bathroom areas, take time to check which type will be most efficient.
Whilst a little more expensive, rubber is also another great anti-slip flooring material. If you’ve ever purchased a pair of running trainers, you might have noticed that the soles are made from rubber and there’s a good reason for that. Natural rubber has a solid grip making it an ideal choice for preventing falls and injuries. With the addition of an embossed surface, you have a recipe for the perfect anti-slip floor.
What Next?
Having read through our guide, we hope that we have given you some food for thought when it comes to flooring for your commercial office fit out. As you can see, there are many flooring options available for budgets both large and small.
As an office fit out company, our expert team have many years of experience finding the best flooring solutions for commercial office spaces. So, if you need help with planning your office fit out and would like to know how we can help you transform your space with the right flooring for your business, get in touch today.