Flooring

Flooring Guide

The Ultimate Flooring Guide for Business Owners, Property Managers, and Facility Managers

Introduction

In any business or property management role, flooring is more than just a design choice—it’s a critical investment that impacts aesthetics, safety, and functionality. Whether you manage a commercial office, industrial facility, or residential property, the right flooring solution can enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to a sustainable , safe environment. But with a wide variety of options available, which one is right for your needs?

This comprehensive guide is tailored to Business Owners, Property Managers, and Facility Managers looking for high-performing, cost-efficient, and reliable flooring solutions. Let’s explore the key flooring types, their benefits, and how they can improve your spaces.

What is Flooring?

Flooring refers to the permanent covering of a floor surface, which provides a durable, functional, and often decorative finish. Flooring plays a critical role in enhancing the comfort, safety, and appearance of buildings. With options ranging from resilient vinyl to polished concrete and hardwood, flooring choices directly affect longevity, maintenance, and overall cost-efficiency for a building’s operations.

Key Features and Benefits of Flooring for Business Owners, Property Managers, and Facility Managers

When selecting the right flooring for a property, consider the following features and benefits:

  • Cost-Efficiency: Flooring solutions like resilient vinyl, laminate, and concrete offer long-term value by minimizing installation and maintenance costs. These options can save property managers time and effort with easy installation and low upkeep.
  • Durability and Quality: High-quality flooring like polished concrete or hardwood can withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear, ensuring fewer replacements and repairs—perfect for facility managers focused on long-term performance.
  • Compliance and Safety: Many flooring options meet safety regulations and contribute to a safer environment. For example, rubber and resilient flooring reduce slip hazards, while carpeting and cork offer soundproofing benefits.
  • Aesthetic and Functional Design: Floors are a significant part of a property’s appearance. From polished concrete for a modern, sleek look to the natural warmth of wood flooring, choosing the right style can enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
  • Sustainability: Eco-friendly flooring options like bamboo, cork, and linoleum appeal to businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. They provide sustainable, durable alternatives without compromising quality.

Why Flooring Stands Out

Flooring solutions offer versatility, customization, and innovation, making them superior to traditional options. Advanced technologies in flooring materials, such as water-resistant bamboo, scratch-resistant laminate, and eco-friendly cork, provide durable and sustainable choices. Specialty floors like polished concrete and seamless polymer flooring deliver unmatched durability and ease of maintenance, ideal for high-traffic areas like offices, restaurants, and gyms.

Flooring Types Overview

  • 1. Wood Flooring
    Wood flooring offers a timeless and natural appeal. There are two primary types—solid wood and engineered wood. Solid wood brings rich character to any space, while engineered wood provides a more affordable yet equally aesthetic option. Both offer durability, but solid wood can be more susceptible to moisture. Engineered wood is an excellent choice for spaces that require moisture resistance. Best suited for: Executive offices, lobbies, and boardrooms.
  • Laminate Flooring
    A budget-friendly and versatile alternative to wood, laminate flooring mimics natural materials while offering better scratch resistance and easier maintenance. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas requiring a durable yet attractive solution. Best suited for: Retail stores, common areas, and corporate offices.
  • 3. Hard Surface Flooring
    Hard surface flooring encompasses materials like ceramic tile, natural stone, and polished concrete. These are durable, easy to clean, and available in a variety of styles. Ceramic tiles are ideal for areas requiring water resistance, while polished concrete offers industrial strength and minimal upkeep. Best suited for: Bathrooms, kitchens, industrial areas, and high-traffic commercial spaces.
  • 4. Resilient/Vinyl Flooring
    Resilient and vinyl flooring provide flexibility and durability, often used in performance spaces and high-traffic zones. Vinyl flooring is affordable and comes in various designs, making it a cost-efficient solution for areas that need moisture resistance and durability. Best suited for: Hospitals, schools, and high-traffic hallways.
  • 5. Specialty Floors (Rubber, Linoleum, and Bamboo)
    Specialty floors such as rubber, linoleum, and bamboo offer eco-friendly alternatives. Rubber is slip-resistant and shock-absorbent, making it ideal for gyms and high-traffic areas. Linoleum is durable and naturally antibacterial, while bamboo offers a renewable option for spaces requiring moisture resistance. Best suited for: Gyms, kitchens, and sustainable buildings.
  • 6. Polished Concrete Flooring
    Polished concrete is durable, low-maintenance, and highly customizable. Its sleek, modern look is a favorite for industrial and minimalist designs. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy use, making it an excellent choice for large facilities. Best suited for: Industrial buildings, warehouses, and showrooms.
  • 7. Carpeting and Area Rugs
    Carpeting is a classic option that provides soundproofing and comfort. Ideal for quiet areas like offices or hotel rooms, carpet comes in various textures, colors, and styles. Area rugs can be added to soften hard floors or provide a pop of color to a space. Best suited for: Offices, conference rooms, and hotel suites.
  • 8. Mats and Runners
    Mats and runners are practical for entryways and hallways, reducing wear and tear on floors while adding slip resistance. They offer a cost-effective way to protect high-traffic zones and can be easily replaced. Best suited for: Entryways, corridors, and lobbies.

Conclusion: Invest in Flooring that Meets Your Needs

Choosing the right flooring can make a significant difference in your property's operations, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency. Whether you’re managing a bustling office space, a high-traffic commercial building, or a multi-residential property, selecting durable, compliant, and stylish flooring solutions ensures you’ll reap long-term benefits.

By investing in flooring that combines innovation, sustainability, and durability, business owners, property managers, and facility managers can optimize their buildings for efficiency and long-lasting performance. Explore our range of flooring options and find the solution that best meets your specific requirements.

Enhance Your Property’s Efficiency and Aesthetics with the Right Flooring

Take the next step in improving your property’s appearance, functionality, and safety. Invest in flooring that meets your operational needs and provides long-term value. Explore our extensive range of flooring solutions designed to enhance both the performance and aesthetic appeal of your building.

Maximize Efficiency, Durability, and Aesthetic Appeal with the Right Flooring Solutions


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, we make no warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We recommend consulting with professionals for specific advice tailored to your project’s needs, particularly regarding building codes, regulations, and product specifications.

Under no circumstances shall we be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided in this article.


Flooring

Top 15 Types of Flooring


Laminate Flooring

Laminate Flooring - 148

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a floor covering that appears similar to hardwood but is made with a plywood or medium density fiberboard core with a plastic laminate top layer. Laminate may be more durable than hardwood, but cannot be refinished like hardwood.

See our collection laminate flooring brands like Shaw Laminate Flooring, Mannington Charter Collection™, Armstrong Laminate Flooring, Quick•Step Laminate Flooring, Tarkett Home Laminate Flooring, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of laminate flooring brands!

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Wood Flooring

Wood Flooring - 373

Wood Flooring

Many different species of wood are fabricated into wood flooring in two primary forms: plank and parquet. Hardwoods are typically much more durable than softwoods. Wood is a common choice as a flooring material and can come in various styles, colors, cuts

See our collection wood flooring brands like Shaw Hardwoods Flooring, Mannington Hardwood Flooring, Bruce® Hardwood Flooring, Anderson-Tuftex Hardwood, Hartco® Wood Flooring, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of wood flooring brands!

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Carpeting

Carpeting - 76

Carpeting

Whether you choose a room-size loose-laid or wall to wall permanently installed over a cushion, this soft floor covering, offers many practical advantages.

See our collection carpeting brands like Mohawk Carpet, Shaw Carpet, Anderson-Tuftex Carpet, Aladdin Commercial Hard Surface, Milliken Commercial Carpet, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of carpeting brands!

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Resilient/Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl/Resilient - 173

Resilient/Vinyl Flooring

Discover how resilient and vinyl flooring blends beauty and functionality. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, it offers a wide range of design options.

See our collection resilient/vinyl flooring brands like ArmstrongFlooring™ Sheet Vinyl, Mannington Resilient Vinyl Flooring, Tarkett Commercial Resilient Flooring, Johnsonite® Commerical Flooring, Mannington Adura® Flooring, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of resilient/vinyl flooring brands!

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Area Rugs

Area Rugs - 204

Area Rugs

For spreading personality around a room, the area rug has few rivals. What could be more elegant than an heirloom quality Oriental area rug atop a gleaming hardwood floor, or more charming than a handcrafted braided area rug on timeworn pine planks.

See our collection area rugs brands like Kathy Ireland™ Rugs, Nourison Home™ Area Rugs, Masland Rugs, Mohawk Area Rugs, Couristan Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of area rugs brands!

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Specialty Floors

Specialty Floors - 222

Specialty Floors

Whether it’s flooring for an exercise facility, a new athletic surfaces for a school, a slip resistant, anti-fatigue floor for a manufacturing facility, or an industrial seamless fluid applied floor, there is a speciality floor for every environment.

See our collection specialty floors brands like Johnsonite® Commerical Flooring, Forbo Flooring, Flexco® Resilient Floors, Altro Floors, Mondo® Commercial Flooring, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of specialty floors brands!

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Hard Surface Flooring

Ceramic/Porcelain - 785

Hard Surface Flooring

Hard flooring (not to be confused with "hardwood") is a family of flooring materials that includes concrete or cement, ceramic tile, glass tiles, and natural stone products.

See our collection hard surface flooring brands like Shaw Tile Flooring, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of hard surface flooring brands!

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Mats/Runners

Mats/Runners - 455

Mats/Runners

Discover the perfect mats and runners to enhance any room. From stylish designs to practical solutions, find quality options for every need.

See our collection mats/runners brands like Akro Floor Mats, Humane® Manufacturing Rubber Flooring, van Gelder Mats, Musson Rubber Mats , Uline, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of mats/runners brands!

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Flooring Videos

The Top 1 Flooring Videos


Overview of Flooring Options - This Old House
General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor discuss the wide world of flooring products.

Flooring News

Latest Flooring News

Plastic-Laminate Flooring
...Plastic-Laminate Flooring is a durable and cost-effective flooring option that mimics the appearance of natural materials such as hardwood or stone while offering enhanced resilience and ease of maintenance. Composed of multiple layers, including a protective wear layer, a high-resolution printed design layer, a dense core, and a backing, plastic-laminate flooring is highly resistant to scratches,...
Static Dissipative Flooring
...Static Dissipative Flooring is a specialized flooring solution designed to control and dissipate static electricity, protecting sensitive electronic equipment and creating a safer work environment. Unlike regular flooring, static dissipative flooring features materials that slowly discharge static electricity through the floor to a grounded surface, preventing the buildup of harmful electrostatic ...
Specialty Floors
...Specialty flooring for the public spaceChoosing the right specialty flooring is a top priority for interiors designers and specifiers to insure the well being of the work environment and provide special performance features in many public buildings. Slip resistances, sterility, ergonomics, acoustics, static-control and energy efficiency are only a few of the reasons for using special...
Slip Resistant Flooring
...Slip Resistant Flooring is specially designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of slips and falls, particularly in areas prone to moisture, spills, or high foot traffic. This type of flooring is commonly used in environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, gyms, and industrial workplaces, where safety is a priority. Slip resistant flooring materials include textured vinyl, rubber, ce...
Static Control Flooring
...Static Control Flooring is a specialized type of flooring designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity and safely dissipate electrical charges. It is essential in environments where electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronic equipment or pose safety risks, such as data centers, clean rooms, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities for electronics. Made from materials lik...
Conductive Elastomeric Liquid Flooring
...Conductive Elastomeric Liquid Flooring is a specialized type of flooring designed to provide electrical conductivity while maintaining a flexible, seamless surface. Made from a blend of conductive materials and elastomeric resins, this liquid-applied flooring is often used in environments where static electricity needs to be controlled, such as electronics manufacturing facilities, data centers, a...
Access Flooring
... Access Flooring, also known as raised flooring, is a versatile and practical flooring system used in commercial, industrial, and data center environments. It consists of removable floor panels supported by a grid of pedestals, creating a hidden space underneath the floor surface. This space is used for managing wiring, cabling, HVAC, and plumbing systems, allowing easy access for maintenance, upg...
Asphalt Tile Flooring
...Asphalt Tile Flooring is a durable and cost-effective flooring solution made from a mix of asphalt, synthetic binders, and natural fillers like limestone. Known for its toughness and resistance to wear, it is commonly used in commercial, industrial, and institutional spaces such as schools, hospitals, and factories. Asphalt tile flooring offers a hard, resilient surface that can withstand heavy fo...
Static-Resistant Flooring
...Static-Resistant Flooring is a specialized type of flooring designed to minimize the generation and accumulation of static electricity, making it ideal for environments where electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage or pose safety risks. Commonly used in industries such as electronics manufacturing, data centers, healthcare, and laboratories, static-resistant flooring helps to protect sensit...
Asphalt Plank Flooring
...Asphalt Plank Flooring is a durable and resilient flooring option made from a combination of asphalt, fibers, and other materials, formed into planks that mimic the look of wood or stone. Known for its strength and water resistance, asphalt plank flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to moisture, such as basements, commercial buildings, and industrial settings. It offers a lo...
Conductive Flooring
...Conductive Flooring is a specialized type of flooring designed to safely dissipate static electricity by conducting electrical charges through the floor and into the ground. This flooring is often used in environments where electrostatic discharge (ESD) could damage sensitive electronic equipment, such as data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, medical labs, and explosive handling ar...
Floor Grating
...Floor Grating is a robust, open-grid flooring system typically made from materials such as steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, designed to provide strength, durability, and slip resistance in industrial or commercial environments. It features a series of parallel or cross bars that create a sturdy, elevated surface capable of supporting heavy loads while allowing for excellent drainage and ventilation...
Floor Heating System
...eath the flooring. Floor heating provides a comfortable, even heat that eliminates cold spots and drafts, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. It can be installed under various flooring types, including tile, wood, and laminate. Besides offering increased comfort, floor heating systems are often more energy-efficient than traditional forced-air systems, reducing heating cost...
Stamped Concrete Flooring
...Concrete's not just for your ordinary gray driveway anymore. Because of its flexibility, it can take on color, texture, and shape, mimicking other, more costly flooring materials. And it offers long-term performance. Concrete flooring comes precast, cast-in-place, or in the form of concrete floor tiles. It can be poured right over a concrete slab structure. Portland cement, water, sand...
Flooring
...Innovative Flooring Solutions for Architects, Specifiers, and Building Consultants Introduction: In today’s construction landscape, the right flooring is essential not only for aesthetics but also for functionality, durability, and compliance with regulations. Architects, specifiers, and building consultants are often tasked with selecting flooring solutions th...
Tile Flooring
...Tile Flooring is a durable, versatile flooring option made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass, offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Known for its strength and longevity, tile flooring is resistant to moisture, stains, and heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for high-use areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Tile comes in a wide variety of styles, col...
Polished Concrete Flooring
...Polished Concrete Flooring is a sleek and durable flooring option that involves mechanically grinding and polishing a concrete surface to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. This process enhances the natural beauty of concrete by revealing the aggregates within, resulting in a modern, industrial look that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Polished concrete floors are known for the...