If you’re overseeing the construction or redesign of an industrial workplace, one essential consideration is the choice of flooring material across your project. Different sections will have specific needs, traffic volume, weight loads, and exposure to water, chemicals, and other hazards. To help guide your choice, are some of the top favorites for floor materials in industrial areas.
Concrete
Widely used across industries and in various projects, concrete provides high strength and durability. It’s resistant to weather and heavy traffic and one of the most versatile floor materials available. You can use concrete in your warehouse or factory floors, as well as most indoor and outdoor apathways. Angular aggregates are recommended for more traction and slip resistance.
If you’re going for a concrete floor in an area with exposure to chemicals or temperature extremes, the finishing plays a significant role. Urethane concrete sealer is a good idea in such cases to prevent moisture seepage and cracking.
Cork
Planks or tiles of commercial-grade cork are an excellent flooring option in light industrial workplaces where personnel might spend long hours standing. The springiness and softness of the material provide excellent support, perfect for use in kitchens or retail stores. However, the surface treatment, which includes water-resistance, can wear quickly. In high traffic areas, you’ll need to reapply finishing, which can render it cost-ineffective continuously.
Fiberglass
Traditional fiberglass flooring is well-known for its water resistance. This material is durable and doesn’t scratch or stain easily, although it’s important to ensure a good fit in terms of dimensions and substrate. If you are dealing with conditions of high moisture or unavoidable fluid spills in your factory or workplace, fiberglass is an excellent solution.
Ceramic tiles
Not just restricted to home flooring, ceramic tiles can also be used in areas such as kitchens or laboratories, where water or chemicals are being handled frequently. Take care to select a rough finish to minimize slipping. High-quality materials such as vitrified ceramic are better suited to high traffic. Regular maintenance is vital; you’ll want to quickly replace cracked tiles and seal grout to prevent water seepage.
Rubber
You may consider extensive rubber flooring where better traction and support is needed, such as ramps and stairs. As the material is strong, impact-resistant, and absorbs static and noise, it’s a good choice for areas where heavy loads and equipment are frequently moved around. Selecting a high-quality rubber can also mitigate some of the usual drawbacks, such as its tendency to become slippery when wet, or raising at edges and joins to create a tripping risk.
Steel
Tread plate, named for its raised chequered pattern, is a very strong yet lightweight material for industrial floors, which also affords some slip resistance. It holds up to heavy foot traffic and is a good solution to cover floor openings. If you have a cold storage room, a steel plate is an excellent choice of flooring material. Personnel must take care to avoid spilling salt water or corrosive chemicals, however.
Vinyl tiles
With its low cost of application and maintenance, vinyl tiles offer a cost-effective solution to light industrial flooring needs. Vinyl tiles can effectively cover areas of high foot traffic, such as corridors. The material doesn’t hold up to heavy loads, though, as it can be prone to dents and scratches, which damage the finish.
When choosing your floor material for an industrial area, the form should always follow function. There isn’t one solution for all needs, and multiple materials may be called for. Consider the intended use and long-term costs to make the best decision.