When you design commercial architecture you need to think about all the details. Your focus should be on creating spaces that look and feel great. They should also be areas where people can work and shop in comfort. One thing that can have a big impact here is the flooring. There are lots of options, so you need to choose materials that tick all the right boxes.

Wood

Many people love the aesthetics of wooden flooring. There are several options here. That includes:

Laminate

This is the cheapest option and can provide the same look as solid timber. However, the acoustic performance can be a concern. As a result, it may not be the best option for high foot traffic areas and offices where noise would be an issue. Moisture can also be a problem as it causes warping.

Engineered hardwood

If moisture is a concern, this can be a much better option. These timbers are not susceptible to expansion or contraction when they get wet. They are also identical in aesthetics to solid wood. However, there is a downside in terms of the higher cost and the risk of surface damage.

Solid wood

There are few products that can match these timbers when it comes to the high end look. They are striking and help create a great first impression. However, they are one of the most expensive options. It can be costly to buy the materials and then there are extra costs to maintain them.

Vinyl tiles

Not everyone wants to go with timber flooring. Some prefer the look and style of vinyl tiling. There are composite ones here (VCT) that are affordable and long lasting. However, aesthetically people tend to associate them with hospitals. That might not be the kind of look you want for your commercial architecture.

Another option here is to choose luxury vinyl tiling (LVT). They are available in all kinds of styles, with various colours and patterns. That gives people a lot of choice. The downside here is that the quality can vary too. The best materials are thicker and have a good wear layer. However, thinner ones are not great for commercial settings because they can wear away quickly.

Carpeting

Carpets remain one of the best options for many commercial spaces. This is primarily because they are great acoustically and absorb more noise than harder materials. Broadloom carpet can be a really impressive option here because of the luxurious look. However, you need to think about waste, wear, and cleaning requirements.

Some people who want carpeting prefer to use carpet tiles. They can provide the benefits of rolls with less waste and more design flexibility. However, just like with the vinyl tiles, you need to check the quality. You need to select materials that feel nice underfoot while also offering good durability. It is also important to think that the seams between the tiles will be visible.

Let us help you get the details right on your commercial architecture

At Coffey Architects we know how tricky it can be to consider all of the factors when choosing things like flooring. We are happy to help clients here. Our experience is really useful because we have had the pleasure to design various buildings, each with their own needs. That means we have hands on knowledge of lots of different materials.

So, if you are thinking about a piece of commercial architecture, rely on us. We can work with you to choose the very best materials.