Best Floor Finishes for High-Traffic Areas

When choosing a flooring solution for a high-traffic area, you don’t want something that will break down and need repairing inside a couple of years. Instead, you want durability and strength, knowing that footfall will be high in the coming months. As well as durability, most people also look for the following:

• Water resistance
• Damage resistance
• Low maintenance
• Appearance
• Warmth

Additionally, most people are working within a budget (both in residential and commercial projects). With this in mind, here are some suggestions for high-traffic areas:

Polished Concrete

As the first solution, many people in the commercial sphere are turning to polished concrete in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is the material resistant to chemicals, but it also doesn’t need much maintenance, and its durability ensures long life. Depending on the location, you may also opt to add a waterproofing layer.

Another advantage of choosing polished concrete is that you can match the aesthetics with the surrounding area. When people think of concrete, they assume that there’s not much movement in design. In reality, there are all sorts of stenciling and staining options to get the appearance you need. Designs and patterns can be etched into the concrete flooring, providing alternate design options. These etch and grind techniques are commonly found in places like Australia, where concrete grinding melbourne from grind and seal is a popular choice among Australian home owners.

Tile

If the space is outdoors, tile is another option because it resists scratches, offers waterproof features, and is tough. As long as you’re willing to maintain and clean (which doesn’t require too much time or effort), there’s no reason why you can’t get two decades from tiles. If you’re researching for a kitchen, bear in mind that the unforgiving surface can cause issues in the joints.

While the tile resists mold and bacteria, the biggest problem you’re likely to experience is discolored grout between tiles. However, this is easily fixed when cleaning (a steam cleaner will make your life easier!).

Be careful when moving heavy objects because tiles can crack, but this potential problem is offset by the amazing design options.

Laminate

Just because space will experience high traffic, don’t think that you can’t use laminate flooring. Especially when on a budget, laminate flooring works well so long as you don’t expect water exposure. As before, you can choose a style to match the decor of the rest of the property. Also, it offers a balance between affordability, durability, and low maintenance.

If you checked out laminate flooring in the past, you’ll be glad to know that the styles available these days have improved dramatically. When buying a laminate, it’s much better to check the flooring in person because looks can be deceiving online.

Terrazzo

For those looking for high-traffic commercial flooring, terrazzo is another strong option (literally!). If you’ve already researched this option, you might have been put off by the heavy price tag. However, it has one of the longest life expectancies of any flooring. As well as extreme durability, you can customise the design and even use your business logo. When choosing for a lobby or another large space on business property, this is a fantastic option.

The smaller the space, the more expensive terrazzo becomes, so keep this in mind. Found in airports, showrooms, and other large locations, it’s an investment that lasts for many years.

Other Solutions

What if you don’t like the suggestions in this guide? Well, here are some others:

• Quarry tile
• Epoxy flooring
• Carpet tiles
• Rubber (standard in gyms)
• Engineered hardwood
• Vinyl tile

If you need help, don’t be afraid to speak to a professional. After explaining your high-traffic area, you’ll get tailored advice, whether for your home or business space.

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