Vinyl is one of the most popular types of flooring for residential use. It is durable, low maintenance and can look pretty fancy too. But what about commercial use? Does vinyl flooring work in a commercial environment? 

The basic answer to that question is yes, vinyl can work just as well for commercial spaces as it does in residential. At Fin Workspace Interiors, we have experience in using vinyl flooring in a variety of settings and have seen the benefits and also downsides of using vinyl in projects. So here is our guide to vinyl floors in commercial spaces just for you. 

Why use vinyl flooring?

There are three main benefits to using vinyl in a commercial setting: 

• Variety of finishes 

Vinyl flooring comes in many different designs and looks. Do you have a Moroccan themed store? No problem, there are tiled patterns just for you. Or if you want a more minimalist feel, then a hardwood or stone look vinyl would work really well. The important thing to remember is to make sure whatever finish you decide on, it has a high-grade commercial finish. With residential vinyl, you could go for a more low-end version that would have a 10mm wear layer (The protective layer on the top of the flooring). Commercial grade flooring will have closer to 30mm, which you need when you have heavier areas of footfall. 

• Water-resistant 

As it is made from a polymer material, vinyl is water-resistant. As it is strong against damage from humidity and moisture, this makes it perfect for even bathrooms, kitchens or basement areas in a commercial space. 

• Easy to clean 

Vinyl is one of the easiest flooring options to clean, which is important in commercial settings where hygiene regulations need to be met and regular cleaning is a must. You also don’t have to worry about cleaning products damaging the floor, as the synthetic material makes it very durable. 

What could be a problem?

Here are some of the problems we have encountered and some possible solutions: 

• Discoloration 

A buildup of oil and grease from footfall can sometimes lead to discoloration of vinyl flooring. Also sunlight and heat can have an effect on the colour of the flooring. Assessing your commercial space and installing precautions like blinds on the windows can prevent discolouration further down the line. Regular cleaning can also help prevent the buildup of surface substances that cause discoloration. 

• Dulling surface 

This is the biggest worry for many customers, that they have bought a beautifully patterned and coloured tile, but it will look tired and dull quickly. The main cause of a dull surface is people tracking bits of dirt and grit across the surface meaning that the surface layers are almost scraped off. The easiest solution to this problem is to make sure that the floor is kept dirt-free as much as possible. Regularly sweeping areas clean, especially heavy footfall areas, can go a long way to preserving the surface of your flooring. Having a mat at the door so people can wipe the dirt off their feet can also stop it from entering your premises in the first place. 

• Dents and surface damage 

Scratches and dents can sometimes occur if heavy items are dragged across it or even in some cases sharp heels can cause small scratches. If the damage is small you can use a filler to repair it. Also, depending on the type of tile you have installed, you can make repairs to specific areas if required. For example, if you have a tiled vinyl then you can simply replace the tile, or if you have installed a roll vinyl you can create a patch to replace the affected area. 

Versatile and hard-wearing, vinyl is a great flooring choice for commercial spaces. If you would like to know how it could work for your workspace then please get in touch with us at: hello@finworkspaces.com or call 206-489-0134