Commercial flooring: the unsung hero of all commercial and industrial workplaces. While we might not give it much thought, what’s underfoot can substantially impact the efficiency, comfort, and workflow of your space. Not sure which flooring material is right for you? In this post, we’ll give you some expert tips on the best floorings for commercial and industrial buildings–and why you should trust an expert installer like ABE Construction Group.
Polished Concrete
Best for: Spaces needing durability like warehouses, retail spaces, restaurants, and distribution centers.
Need something durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective? Polished concrete offers all this and more. This budget-friendly commercial flooring option transforms existing slabs into glossy surfaces that withstand forklift traffic and heavy footfall without cracking or wearing down over time. Unlike high-maintenance alternatives, it only requires basic sweeping—no waxing or harsh chemicals needed.
But here’s the catch: polished concrete isn’t always pleasant underfoot. The surface can be hard and cold, both of which can take a toll on your workers. Opt for something softer or more insulated if temperature and comfort are key concerns.
Epoxy Coatings
Best for: Sites that require regular sanitation or chemical resistance, including warehouses, food and beverage plants, pharmaceutical labs, and automotive service centres.
Popular for commercial, industrial, and even residential builds, epoxy coatings bond a resin and hardener to form a strong upper layer that protects underlying concrete. This material creates impenetrable shields for environments where sanitation matters most. For example, hospitals typically choose antimicrobial epoxy for operating rooms, while food plants value its non-porous surface.
However, remember that basic epoxy can be slippery, especially when wet. Opt for slip-resistant additives, like quartz or flakes, to increase traction without compromising cleanability. Another downside of epoxy? Some variations can take up to 5 days to properly cure. But when you partner with ABE Construction Group, we’ll work with you to find formulations that can be applied and cured in short windows, so you’ll be back to work in no time!
Urethane Cement
Best for: Commercial kitchens, breweries, cold storage areas, and other facilities with heavy-duty needs.
Is your facility regularly exposed to demanding conditions, like intense temperatures, heavy equipment traffic, or harsh chemicals? Choose urethane cement for the ultimate workhorse. This material can handle -40 °C freezer floors and 105°C kitchen heat with equal ease. Plus, it is shock—and slip-resistant, making it a perfect choice for facilities where safety is crucial.
Unfortunately, these high-performance traits come with a cost: urethane cement is more expensive than other materials and can be difficult to install. But, for facilities with complicated demands, there’s no better choice.
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
VCT flooring–affordable, replaceable, and surprisingly tough. Retailers on tight budgets choose its endless colour patterns, while healthcare facilities value easy stain removal. This flooring is also great for office spaces, often combining VCT with soundproof drywall for quiet, professional spaces. If you are willing to splurge, you can achieve a high-end look with LVT tiles that mimic wood, stone, and other materials.
However, in some cases, VCT and LVT aren’t as durable as other options on this list. Avoid these tiles in situations requiring weather resistance or regular exposure to industrial equipment.
Making Your Flooring Decision
When choosing what commercial flooring to install, consider these factors with your team:
- Traffic patterns: Do your floors regularly withstand heavy movement from machinery, or do you primarily deal with foot traffic? Forklifts need epoxy, while VCT might be better for office or retail spaces.
- Maintenance capabilities: How often do your floors need cleaning? Do you have a dedicated maintenance and sanitation team? Choose urethane, concrete, or epoxy for quick hose-downs.
- Disruption tolerance: Consider the timeline of your commercial flooring installation. Polished concrete requires minimal downtime, while some epoxies require weekend closures.
Why Ontario Businesses Choose ABE Construction Group for Their Industrial & Commercial Flooring Installation
Looking to revamp your space from the ground up? Choose a commercial flooring installer like ABE Construction Group, which guarantees code compliance, complete transparency, and around-the-clock assistance. When you partner with us, you’ll benefit from our multi-trade expertise and turnkey facility maintenance services, which help solve unique challenges and complicated demands. Are you looking to pair your new floor with integrated cable channels or drain systems? We’ve got you covered. Interested in learning more about how we can help your Ontario business? Contact us today!
