Hardwood Floor Maintenance in Commercial and High-Traffic Areas

While many wouldn’t consider hardwood flooring for a commercial space nowadays, it can actually withstand the demands of a commercial environment for decades if taken care of properly. That’s why learning a few tips and tricks about hardwood floor maintenance in offices and commercial settings is necessary to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs and replacements.

Goto trioflor to know more.

Here, we’ll first discuss installing hardwood for commercial spaces for those who are looking for a long-lasting floor for their workplace. Then, we’ll provide all the necessary information you need to maintain and clean a hardwood floor in high-traffic areas.

Did you know a proper professional hardwood flooring installation plays a big role in its longevity?
Hire Minuteman Floors in Manchester, NH, and neighboring areas to get top-notch materials and installation.
Call now to discuss your project.

Commercial Hardwood Flooring: Where, What, and Why to Install It?

Hardwood is a versatile and classic flooring material that is often one of the best choices for both residential and commercial settings. It offers many advantages if you take into account a few factors.

So, first, let’s see what commercial environments are suitable (or not suitable) for a hardwood floor. Then, we’ll introduce the best 5 types of commercial hardwood flooring and their advantages for a commercial area.

What Commercial Environments Can Benefit from a Hardwood Floor?

Hardwood can meet the requirements of some commercial environments more than others.

• Offices: A hardwood floor makes the place, especially the reception and executive offices, welcoming and sophisticated.
• Retail stores: Retail environments normally get a lot of foot traffic, so hardwood can be a durable choice. Besides, it can enhance the ambiance by making it warm and inviting.
• Restaurants, coffee houses, and hotels: The design, glamour, and ambiance a wood floor provides in such hospitality-focused spaces play a significant role in their success.
• Showrooms and art galleries: If the place is used to showcase your products or artwork, a hardwood floor offers a classic and neutral backdrop that helps you draw more attention to the products or artwork.
• Financial institutions: Hardwood flooring adds a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness to financial institutions, such as banks.

However, when you’re thinking about installing a wood floor for a commercial building, you should consider its specific applications and needs.

Factors to Consider When Considering Hardwood Flooring for a Commercial Building

• The wood type and its finish have to be chosen carefully to meet the requirements of the place. For example, if there’s a risk of slipping, textured and matted finishes are more practical and safer.
• Are there heavy equipment and machinery? Even the best hardwood floor can’t withstand the impact, movement, and weight of heavy equipment and machinery.
• How high is the risk of water damage? Although some wood types and hardwood flooring finishes resist moisture well, you should remember that no hardwood floor can be 100% waterproof.
• Hardwood floors aren’t suitable for a place with corrosive and aggressive substances, like acids.
• Direct exposure to sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuations, and any other elements damage a hardwood floor quickly. So, it’s not a good choice for outdoor or even semi-enclosed areas.
• The subfloor condition must be compatible with hardwood installation.

Overall, hardwood can benefit your commercial space if you make sure the condition and requirements of the place are compatible with this natural flooring material. Plus, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential (fully discussed in the second half of this article).

What Types of Hardwood Are Suitable for Commercial Spaces?

There are various kinds of woods and, therefore, different types of hardwood flooring. However, each type has its own characteristics. That’s why, only a few of them can meet the requirements of commercial areas and can last for decades in such high-traffic environments.

Here are 5 types of commercial hardwood flooring.

• Maple Hardwood

Maple offers exceptional durability and resistance to scratches, impacts, and dents. Besides, due to its fine-grained appearance, it provides a clean and uniform look.

So, it’s a great choice for high-traffic areas where a modern style is preferred.

• Hickory Hardwood

Hickory is one of the hardest and strongest types of hardwood. It’s very dense and can resist moisture and water pretty well. But, unlike maple, its rustic appearance and visible grains create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition, this type of wood comes in different colors.

So, hickory hardwood flooring is the best choice for busy commercial places where a natural and traditional charm is desirable.

• Oak Hardwood

There are red and white oak woods and both offer excellent durability and stability. Oak hardwood also elevates the aesthetic of the place with its grain patterns and colors. Its beauty is timeless and glamorous.

• Brazilian Cherry Hardwood

Jatoba or Brazilian cherry hardwood is famous for its unique reddish-brown color and hardness. It’s extremely durable due to its high density and can withstand daily wear and tear in high-traffic commercial spaces. If you wish to add warmth and elegance to your place, this is for you.

• Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a layered flooring that includes

• Top layer: Hardwood,
• Core layer: Plywood or composite.

It offers more stability for places with temperature and humidity level fluctuations. Also, engineered hardwood can resist scratches and dents. However, because the hardwood layer is thinner than other hardwood floors, the number of times it can be refinished is very limited.

To sum up, only strong commercial hardwood flooring, paired with the right type of finish (see below), can be a practical choice for a busy office and other commercial buildings.

Best Hardwood Floor Finishes for High-Traffic Commercial Settings

Any hardwood floor, regardless of the place and type of the wood, needs a suitable finish. Using the right finish expands the flooring's lifespan and helps to keep it in good shape. Besides, it can add some features to make it a more practical choice for your place.

The best commercial-grade hardwood finishes for a high-traffic place:

• Urethane and polyurethane-based hardwood finishes add to the durability of the floor and provide good protection against scratches, scuffs, and daily wear and tear.
• Epoxy-based finishes not only offer durability but also resistance to chemicals and moisture. Plus, if combined with a textured additive, epoxy finishes make the surface slip-resistant.

In addition to the finish, commercial-grade polishes can be used to protect the finish from getting dull and add to its durability. Hardwood floor polishing can even fill tiny scratches on the floor. (Read Hardwood Floor Finish Types for more information.)

Consulting with an experienced flooring contractor can be a good idea to make sure the type of wood and its finish are the best choice for your commercial space. 

Get your hardwood floor refinished to restore its beauty and strength.
Call for a quote.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance, Cleaning, and Care in Commercial Areas

Taking care of a hardwood floor properly is necessary in any area. However, in commercial spaces, because of higher foot traffic, movement of furniture, etc., hardwood floor maintenance and care must be a priority.

Here are some hardwood floor care tips and guidelines for high-traffic areas.

• Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Cleaning hardwood flooring regularly is important to protect it from scratches. Debris, dirt, and tiny particles can cause small scratches and they’ll get deeper and bigger over time. So, you should consider sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping the floor frequently.

Just remember that, if you use a mop, it shouldn’t be too wet. A damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner that is suitable for hardwood is the best.

Also, except for this regular daily cleaning, you should have a schedule for deep cleaning hardwood floors two to four times a year. To do this, you can hire professional cleaning services. Or, if you have access to hardwood floor cleaner machines, you can do it yourself.

Deep cleaning can restore the floor’s luster and shine by removing all the dirt that is built up in areas that are hard to reach and clean with a mop.

• Hardwood Floor Refinishing

One of the best things about wood floors is that they can be refinished. It means, professionals sand the surface and remove the scratches and small gouges. Then, they apply a new finish and polish. After refinishing, a hardwood floor looks as good as day one.

The frequency of hardwood refinishing depends on the foot traffic and daily wear and tear. It’s recommended to have it refinished every 3 to 5 years. But if you can see a lot of scratches, dents, and gouges, it’s time to restore it with a professional refinishing service.

• Moisture Control

Wood is very sensitive to moisture, so it’s necessary to control the levels of humidity and moisture. Otherwise, you’ll be in for some warping, cupping, and other types of wood damage.

In commercial environments where humidity levels change frequently, you can use dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and HVAC systems to maintain the ideal humidity which is 35 to 55% for a hardwood floor. Plus, installing hygrometers helps you monitor the levels of humidity.

Learn more about Floor Humidity and Temperature here.

• General Tips for Hardwood Floor Care
• Inspect the floor and subfloor periodically to find damages and deal with them before they get too serious or spread.
• Clean up the spills as quickly as possible to protect the wood from stains and moisture damage.
• Use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, like entryways, stairs, and hallways to protect them from dirt, moisture, and wear.
• Use furniture pads to protect the floor from scratches and dents. Also, don’t drag furniture and equipment on a wood floor.
• Ask the employees to be careful with high heels and any other pointy objects.

All in all, if you want to reduce your expenses and enjoy the beauty of your wooden floor for many years, you should care about hardwood floor maintenance. Additionally, keeping a log to track the maintenance, cleaning, and refinishing helps you stay on top of the upkeep and be able to refer to it in the future for details.

For more 100% waterproof hardwood flooringinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

FAQs about Commercial Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Let’s answer some of our clients’ common questions about hardwood floor maintenance.

Is Removing Stains from Hardwood Floors Possible?

Yes, but it depends on the type of stain and how deep it is. For surface stains, you can use a damp cloth to scrub the areas with a hardwood floor cleaner. However, you should do it ASAP to prevent the stain from spreading and penetrating into deeper layers. And, if the stain is deep and stubborn, you’ll need refinishing to restore the original color and appearance of the wood.

Is Using Hardwood Floor Cleaners Necessary?

Yes. Cleaning a hardwood floor with a damp mop and a mild pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner is necessary to remove the dirt and protect the wood and its finish from scratches and dullness. In addition, if there’s a risk of mold and mildew growth, consider using antimicrobial cleaners suitable for hardwood floors.

Is Hardwood Floor Maintenance in Commercial Areas Different from Residential Areas?

Yes. Commercial environments are typically busy and get a lot of foot traffic and dirt. The risk of spills, stains, and other damages is also higher compared to residential areas. So, this means to keep the floor in good shape, daily cleaning and periodic deep cleaning are required as well as regular inspections and more frequent refinishing.

Is It Possible to Make My Hardwood Floor Slip Resistant?

Yes. First, you should opt for a slip-resistant finish, such as matte or textured finishes. Then, you can apply anti-slip polishes and coatings to further reduce the risk of slipping. Besides, in places where slipping is more common or dangerous, such as stairs, using carpets, rugs, and runners is the best solution.

Top Quality Hardwood Floor Refinishing Services in Manchester, NH

Minuteman Floors offers premium hardwood floor installation, repair, and refinishing services in Manchester and its neighboring towns. Our highly experienced staff is ready to help you pick the best type of wood, finishes, and polishes that meet the requirements of your place.

With in full swing, you may be thinking of new ways to remodel your business' flooring. Commercial flooring comes in a wide array of options, and finding the right choice for your space's needs can be challenging.

When considering commercial flooring options, there are four main criteria to consider before proceeding into the nitty-gritty details: durability, style, ease of maintenance, and cost. Notably, some commercial flooring options work better in some spaces than others.

So, let's compare each commercial flooring option. Each option contains helpful pros and cons and installation methods to better decide what suits your space best.

Commercial SPC Vinyl Flooring

Stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl flooring is an excellent option for high-traffic environments due to its 100% waterproof construction and unmatched durability. SPC vinyl flooring is top of the line, thanks to its advanced four-layer flooring technology, consisting of a backing layer, SPC core, printed vinyl layer, and wear layer. 

Top-notch rigid core vinyl flooring offers extremely convincing wood-look, tile-look, and stone-look options that can withstand harsh environments, all while being eye-catching. Not to mention, maintenance requires only minimal cleanup. 

Best for: Areas that receive a lot of foot traffic, such as restaurants, medical offices, hotels, kitchens, and bathrooms.

How to Install Commercial SPC Vinyl:

• Click and lock: SPC vinyl features a tongue and groove interlocking system that's user-friendly for both vinyl planks and tiles. 

Related Content >> How to Install Vinyl Flooring

Pros of Commercial SPC Vinyl: 

• 100% waterproof: SPC vinyl consists of layered construction that is 100% waterproof throughout. This is a fantastic choice for businesses worried about moisture content or water damage. 
• Durability: SPC vinyl's core protects against dents, while its wear layer withstands spills and scratches. 

• Easy installation: Installation is no hassle, with interlocking planks that snap into place.
• Sound absorbent: SPC vinyl's attached underlayment absorbs sound waves very effectively. 

Cons of Commercial SPC Vinyl: 

• Price: SPC vinyl can be more expensive than some other commercial counterparts, but with all the perks of stylish, durable, and realistic flooring, it pays off.
• Comfort: It has a sturdy and rigid feel, so users may notice this flooring is slightly uncomfortable underfoot.

SHOP ALL RIGID CORE VINYL

Related Content >> Commercial Kitchen Flooring: 4+ Ideas for Your Restaurant

Commercial Laminate Flooring

Laminate is one of the leading wood and stone-flooring alternatives on the market. Its synthetic structure allows for beautiful flooring at a relatively low price compared to genuine hardwood. If you're looking for ultra-realistic details, you can choose from our variety of smooth, hand-scraped, embossed, and distressed laminate flooring. 

Another popular feature of laminate is that it's both scratch and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for commercial spaces. Also, laminate's wear layer works against yellowing and fading from UV light better than other options on the market, like vinyl. 

Related Content >> Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

*Pro-tip: Consider the AC rating of your laminate flooring choice. Our experts recommend an AC rating of 4 to 5 to ensure your flooring stands up to your commercial environment. 

Best for: Business owners that love a wood look for their space. Offices, boutiques, fitness studios, apartment complexes, and cafes are often popular places for laminate flooring. 

How to Install Commercial Laminate:

• Click and lock: Like commercial vinyl, commercial laminate flooring is DIY-friendly. Interlocking planks' tongue and groove connectors align to create a "floating floor" over your subfloor. Laminate makes it easy, and you don't need glue, tape, or adhesives for a professional, long-lasting finish. 

Pros of Commercial Laminate:

• Styles: Laminate flooring comes in several stylish and cost-efficient styles to spruce up commercial spaces. Compared to genuine hardwood, laminate flooring offers consistent textures and tones. 
• Comfort: You'll find this flooring option comfortable underfoot and great for everyday use in commercial environments.
• Maintenance: Like vinyl, the wear layer of laminate flooring is easy to maintain.

Cons of Commercial Laminate:

• Sound: Laminate can create a hollow sound if placed over an uneven subfloor, to begin with. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and include a good underlay for the most seamless installment.
• Water resistance: Nowadays, many laminates come in various waterproof options. However, some are only water-resistant. This category of water-resistant laminates can only handle a certain extent of high-moisture concern, and they should be kept dry. If not, a vapor barrier can help mitigate this concern.

SHOP ALL LAMINATE

Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Vinyl sheet flooring is a modern twist on a classic household choice. From tile to stone to decorative wood looks, you'll surely find your ideal vinyl flooring. 

Today, vinyl sheets are highly durable and consist of multiple layers that can withstand commercial areas with heavy traffic. For the best protection in commercial environments, our experts recommend you purchase a vinyl sheet with an extra thick wear layer of 15MIL to 20MIL.

Best for: Any commercial space looking to show off its unique aesthetic. You can find vinyl sheets in office foyers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and schools. 

How to Install Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

• Glue down: The traditional method provides more permanent and stable results for high-traffic areas.

Related Content >> How to Install Vinyl Flooring

Pros of Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

• Styles: Vinyl sheets come in a wide range of colors and designs. This flooring often comes in large sheets, making it perfect for projects that require a seamless look.
• Durability: Vinyl sheets also have a reputation of having a strong wear layer, which makes them perfect for maintenance and withstanding scratches and dents that come with heavy traffic. 
• Stain-resistant: The transparent layer on top of vinyl sheets acts as a surface barrier against spills and stains. This type of flooring requires minimal maintenance to clean thoroughly. 

Cons of Commercial Vinyl Sheet Flooring:

• Replacements: When damaged, replacing vinyl sheets isn't the easiest. You will have to remove the entire flooring section, unlike removing a single tile or plank with other flooring options. 
• Not DIY-friendly: Considering that commercial vinyl sheet flooring must be glued down, it can be challenging to install. For proper installation, it's recommended flooring professionals manage the process.

SHOP ALL SHEET VINYL

Commercial Floor Tile

Floor tile is not only stunning and durable but 100% waterproof (if glazed). From porcelain to ceramic, you will find a large selection of tiles to choose from. 

Commercial floor tiles are often thick and sturdy, making them a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas. With endless patterns, designs, and shapes, you can craft your aesthetic desires for your commercial space from the ground up. 

When shopping for porcelain tiles, it's essential to consider the space you are placing them. Although not commonly used nowadays, the PEI rating from the Porcelain Enamel Institute can offer guidance. It may be helpful to consider porcelain tiles with a rating of 4 to 5 on the PEI scale for your high-traffic environment.

Body-color (bisque) of the tile is also something to consider. When chipping and damage happens to floor tile, the body color doesn't always match the top glaze. More often than not, porcelain tiles have the same color, and ceramic tiles have a red body. However, no need to fret, as floor tiles are one of the long-lasting commercial flooring options! 

Best for: Entryways for restaurants, lobbies, spas, and luxury spaces. Anywhere you would like to make a visual impact, flooring tiles are the way to go. 

How to Install Commercial Floor Tile:

With floor tiles, there are endless variations in installation design. The most important part of the flooring project begins with proper preparation and leveling of the subfloors. Installation may be pretty hard, but if you're comfortable with mortar, grout, and tile saws, this flooring option is for you. 

Pros of Commercial Floor Tile:

• Durability: Great maintenance can ensure your tile's lifetime of over 10 to 20 years.
• Maintenance: Due to its non-porous structure, floor tiles can be easily sanitized. With a quick sweep or mop, your floors look as good as new. 
• Cheaper than natural stone: If you're searching for cost-effective options, ceramic and porcelain floor tiles offer an array of beautiful stone, decorative, and marble looks.  

Cons of Commercial Floor Tile:

• Price: Floor tiles range in price due to the type of materials. If you have the budget to upgrade to tile, it can offer long-term results that require little to no maintenance or upkeep. 
• Comfort: Floor tiles may not be the best for physical workspaces because of their rigidity and slippery, smooth texture. 

Commercial Carpet

Commercial carpet rolls and carpet tiles offer looks that are both trendy and customizable. The three most common materials for commercial carpets are nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, all of which are ultra-durable.

Many commercial carpets, also known as Berber carpets, are made with loop pile fibers. The fibers are looped through the carpet backing, making the carpet durable and with a short pile height. Your carpet tile won't get easily crushed or matted, like those with cut fibers. * Pro-tip: Many people buy rubber roll underlayment with their commercial carpet for extra comfort and sound absorption. 

Best for: Creating a comfortable and inviting space! You can find many commercial carpet designs in offices, apartment complexes, gyms, and rental real estate. 

How to Install Commercial Carpet: 

Installing commercial carpet can be difficult but doable! If you're seeking a DIY project, interlocking, and peel and stick carpet tiles offer a more effortless experience. However, we recommend consulting a contractor before starting the process to ensure the installation will work for your commercial space. 

Before carpet installation, check that you have the necessary tools: T-square, utility knife, and pressure-sensitive adhesive.

• Glue-down: For high-traffic environments, we recommend using a pressure-sensitive adhesive to maintain the lifespan of your broadloom carpet or carpet tiles. 

Pros of Commercial Carpet:

• Styles: Commercial carpet has loop fibers, making them extra durable against dirt, vacuum trails, and footprints. With a range of sizes and looks to choose from, you'll find your match. 
• Sustainable: For eco-conscious buyers, many carpet rolls and tile options are made from organic or recycled materials, like plastic beverage bottles. 
• Price: Compared to other commercial flooring options, carpet is a winner for being cost-effective. 

Cons of Commercial Carpet:

• Thickness: Depending on the quality, you may notice a range of thicknesses among broadloom carpet and tiles. However, it's all based on personal preference!
• Maintenance: Carpets attract oil and dirt and require additional care to keep a fresh appearance. Depending on what material you purchase, you can hide imperfections quite easily. 

SHOP ALL CARPET

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for an industrial, modern, or luxury feel for your commercial space, there's flooring to fit every situation. Remember, design and layout are important, but so is functionality. Your choice will directly impact the people who use the space. If you consider that, your employees and clientele will surely appreciate it!

We hope our guide has helped you hone down on the best flooring choice for you and your business. Ready to take your commercial flooring project to the next level? 

Want more information on Wholesale Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring? Feel free to contact us.