When it comes time to choose the best flooring for your business, you need to keep in mind several factors. Durability, maintenance, cost, and functionality should all be top of mind when installing new floors. From carpet and vinyl to hardwood and tile floors, each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For many businesses, concrete is the ideal option. However, concrete is not always a great fit for all businesses. Check out these benefits and drawbacks of concrete flooring, and decide if it is the best fit for your commercial space.
Why Concrete Is the Best Choice for Your Business
Durability and Longevity
One of the key reasons that so many businesses and commercial spaces use concrete is for its durability and longevity. Most business owners have enough on their plate, and thinking about flooring, year after year, is not a good use of their time. With concrete, they can install new floors and then not have to worry about wear-and-tear, foot traffic, machinery, or equipment scuffing or damaging the floors. Simply choose the right type of concrete, anything from exposed concrete to polished, then perform basic maintenance and your investment will pay off for years to come.
Maintenance is Easy
Carpets need to be shampooed, hardwood can get scratched easily in a commercial setting. Concrete, however, requires minimal maintenance. Sweep, mop, and deal with stains, especially from oil, and the flooring will last for decades. In a warehouse setting or any business that uses heavy equipment, the concrete flooring can suffer some minor damages. However, these are easily fixed by hiring a professional concrete sealer to reseal the flooring to keep it strong and beautiful.
Design Flexibility
Say goodbye to the boring gray concrete floor. There is now a wide range of design options for your business. Concrete can be stained or infused with pigments to create a customized color palate. These floors can also be scored, stamped, or stenciled into unique patterns and textures. Some concrete floors can even be painted, giving a business even more options for color and design.
Create a Less Noisy Space
Noise can be a distracting factor that affects both productivity and customer experience. Concrete floors dampen sound and help minimize noise. Because it is dense, the concrete absorbs and reduces the impact of sound vibrations from foot traffic, machinery, and equipment. This is ideal in small offices, or in restaurants where noisy spaces can be disruptive to conversation and workflow.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
The electric bills never stop coming. Keeping energy bills down is a huge concern for any business. Concrete helps improve energy efficiency, and boosts sustainability. Because concrete floors have excellent thermal properties, they contribute to big savings on energy costs for commercial buildings.
When Concrete is Not a Great Fit for Your Business
Budget
Concrete has a lot of benefits, but cost needs to be considered. For small businesses, or if your business is facing a budget crunch, concrete might be too expensive. Installing concrete floors is more expensive than wood, carpet, or laminate flooring. Concrete is more durable, so it makes a better long-term investment, but if cash flow is short, concrete floors might break the budget.
Moisture and Water Problems
Because it is porous, concrete absorbs moisture. If you deal with frequent spills, or high humidity, in your business, concrete might not be the best option. Spaces like restaurant kitchens, bathrooms, and sidewalks (which feature concrete floors) often experience slippery conditions due to water accumulation, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. To enhance safety in such areas, installing a tread plate can provide an additional layer of slip resistance. These plates can improve traction and help mitigate the hazards associated with wet or damp concrete surfaces, making them a valuable solution in settings where maintaining grip is crucial.
Weak Infrastructure
How are the subfloors at your office? Does your building have a weak foundation? You’ll need to answer these questions before investing in a concrete floor. If the foundation is weak or the subfloors are subpar, you will need to shell out big money for extensive preparation before you can install your new floors.
Comfort
Concrete is a hard, unyielding material. It is not made for comfort. If your business requires you or your employees to stand for long periods of time or walk for long durations, then concrete may not be right for you. Either choose softer flooring, or add anti-fatigue mats or areas with cushioned flooring to reduce discomfort for you, your customers, and your employees.
In Most Cases, Concrete is the Best Option for Your Business
While there are some drawbacks to concrete floors, the reality is that it is suitable for a wide range of commercial spaces. It can give you a durable, easy-to-maintain floor that can be customized for your business. Choose the color, texture, and style that best fits your commercial space, and your concrete floor will stay strong and beautiful for years to come. If you have the budget, concrete is the best long-term flooring investment you can make.
