While design plays a key role in the flooring process, function and durability are also key considerations, as is ease of ongoing maintenance. Foot traffic is unavoidable; it’s what the floor is there for, but persistent foot traffic can cause damage. Over time, foot traffic wears away at all forms of flooring from concrete to carpet, although some materials withstand the pressure better than others. To help you make the right choice for your new flooring, we have come up with a few tips on choosing flooring for high traffic areas.
The best flooring for high traffic areas is always the most durable. But what is the most durable? There are plenty of solutions available, so you don’t have to limit yourself – Flooring Junction has some great tips for choosing the right product.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is an excellent option for any high-traffic area. Laminate mimics the appearance of hardwood floors and is a versatile option that looks good in almost all commercial settings. There are endless colours and styles to choose from, some options will closely match the look of real timber while others resemble painted or washed wood. Some laminates have been designed to mimic the look of other flooring types, such as stone or tile.
Laminate is durable due to its composition and protective top layer, though do keep in mind that laminate flooring comes in varying quality levels. For high-traffic areas, you’ll want to choose a high-quality laminate that can withstand significant wear and continue to retain its appearance and function for years to come.
Laminate deals particularly well with scratching and New Zealand’s harsh UV radiation. Flooring Junction has completed laminate projects in numerous multi-unit developments, residential group builder homes and in other commercial applications. Our team would be happy to discuss whether laminate flooring is right for you.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Vinyl is made with protective layers that support resistance to scuffs, scratches and stains. Often, the greater the more resilient the vinyl, the higher the cost. Higher-end vinyl options are exceptionally durable and resilient. They are designed to be easy to clean, waterproof, and, although the upfront cost can be higher than an entry level vinyl, the reduction in ongoing maintenance costs and longer life span of the product make it a sensible choice.
Vinyl is suitable for most commercial projects calling for a hard-wearing and low-maintenance flooring solutions. Commercial sheet vinyl comes in an extensive range of design options, from neutral through to a statement and can meet many different commercial grades including slip resistance and anti-static. Flooring Junction has completed vinyl flooring projects in education, aged care, healthcare, retail, and supermarkets.
Timber Flooring
Often replicated, though there is no substitute for real timber floors. In general, engineered wood floors are great for high traffic areas. They are extremely durable, long-lasting, and can hold up well to constant pressure. Engineered wood is also less likely to expand and contract like other types of woods, making it an extremely attractive option for spaces like entryways and most commonly used in higher end multi unit developments. Clients should keep in mind that natural timber is inherently soft, making it more susceptible to scratching and denting, though we believe that forms part of the charm of any natural timber floor.
Flooring Junction most commonly offers an engineered board comprised of 3-6mm of natural timber, overlaid on a composite to increase strength and reduce cost. Engineered timber floors are naturally warm and combine function and timelessness. They are available in a range of colours, textures, and patterns, adding a natural look and feel to your floor. We have completed engineered timber projects in multi-unit developments, hospitality, high-end residential, and more. We also work with solid and custom timbers and can create a timber flooring to meet your needs.
Rubber Floor
Finally, rubber flooring is often used in retail, gym and education sectors due to extreme shock absorbency resiliance and ease of ongoing maintenance. It can also withstand tremendous amounts of impact and traffic so it works well in hallways.
Trust Flooring Junction with Your Next Flooring Project
With over 30 years in the game, Flooring Junction offers unbeatable industry knowledge and highly competitive pricing. We have a proven track record across a wide range of sectors in Auckland, including commercial flooring, and offer an end-to-end service, from design and specification through to supply, installation and project management. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your flooring requirements for your upcoming project.
