The Beginner's Guide To Flooring Products
The beginner’s guide toflooring products1SPECTRACF.COM
THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOFLOORING PRODUCTSAt Spectra Contract Flooring, we’ve completed more than350,000 flooring installations nationwide using every materialon the market. We’ve created this introductory guide as aresource for those new to commercial flooring, giving you arundown of flooring materials.There are several factors to consider when selecting flooring,which we’ll use to evaluate various materials: Cost Applications Durability Design Maintenance requirements Ease of installation and replacement2SPECTRACF.COM
4 SECTION 1: Commercial carpets8 SECTION 2: Resilient (Vinyl) flooring10 SECTION 3: Ceramic tile12 SECTION 4: Sheet linoleum flooring15 SECTION 5: Rubber flooring17 SECTION 6: Laminate19 SECTION 7: Natural stone tile21 SECTION 8: Natural wood flooring24 SECTION 9: Concrete surfacing forindustrial settings3SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 1:COMMERCIAL CARPETSCommercial carpetingCarpet can support nearly any design. It insulates well, canbe environmentally friendly and is more comfortable thanany other flooring material. While carpet can collect dirt andstains as well as succumb to matting and fading, certain typesof commercial carpet are stain-resistant, easier to maintainthan traditional carpeting and can withstand harsh wearand tear. For heavier-duty applications, hard floors, such asceramic tile, stone, LVT and laminate, will last longer.The basics Carpet is made up of four primary parts: Face material — also called yarn, or pile yarn, this is the visiblecarpet surface Backing material Back coating — goes on the backing material to hold yarnin place Secondary backing — applied to the adhesive for dimensionalstability. When purchasing commercial carpets, considermeasures of durability regarding all four parts of the carpet.4SPECTRACF.COM
These measures include: Quality of face material — face material accounts for 80percent of a carpet’s cost and material determines whether ornot your carpet can withstand heavy foot traffic, body oil, spillsand sunlight Quality of backing material Twist level — number or twists in a carpet (more twists meansmore stability) Gauge — how closely together yarn is packed (the higher thegauge, the higher the quality) Pile thickness, or pile height — height of the yarn from backingto top (shorter height means more durability) Base weight — a carpet’s total weight Average density — the ratio of base weight to pile height (higherdensity means more durability)Broadloom vs. carpet tileThe two primary types of carpets are broadloom and carpettile. Broadloom carpets come in large rolls and are laid ontoa carpet pad that sits on your floor substrate. Crews installbroadloom by aligning large pieces together and cuttingthem, including the carpet pad underneath, to the correctsize. Carpet tiles, also called carpet squares or modularcarpet, come in pre-sized squares with their own integratedbacking and base. They sit directly on your substrate. Yourinstaller lays individual tiles one at a time, with minimalcutting, only resizing certain pieces where necessary.5SPECTRACF.COM
CostBroadloom carpet material is less expensive than carpet tile,but broadloom creates waste during installation due to theprocess of cutting down large pieces, particularly the carpetpad. This cost can offset savings in unit price compared tocarpet tile, which eliminates cutting and waste. Work withyour flooring installation contractor to identify the most costeffective option.Installation, maintenance and repairBroadloom installation can be intricate, particularly formosaic, wall-to-wall designs. It’s also time consuming andcostly to repair. If an area becomes irreversibly damagedby moisture or mildew, the whole carpet in a section mustbe taken up and re-installed. With no carpet pad required,carpet tile provides an easier and more expeditiousinstallation, reducing cost and streamlining schedule.Over time, carpet tile maintenance is easier, since you canquickly remove each individual tile to clean or replace it if itbecomes damaged.DesignBroadloom is the traditional and most popular choice,accounting for about 60 percent of commercial carpets.It provides nearly limitless design possibilities and is oftenthe only option for unique mosaics or intricate wall-to-walldesigns. Since broadloom is installed over a carpet pad, it canlook great even if your substrate has minor imperfections.Carpet tile offers a variety of design options and makessome designs possible that broadloom can’t cost-effectivelyreplicate, such as a checkerboard effects or textured layouts.Carpet tile is not suitable for mosaics, and seams are also6SPECTRACF.COM
more visible with carpet tile, which can be a drawback forcertain designs.Learn more about broadloom and carpet tile.Specialty carpetsManufacturers offer specialty carpets for unique applications.For example, if you want carpet in a lab with electronicequipment, you can use static dissipative carpet designed tolimit potential damage from static electricity. For areas thatsee food consumption and liquids, you can use solution-dyedcarpets, which resist stains and spills. Learn more aboutcarpets in our complete carpet buyer’s guide.7SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 2: RESILIENT(VINYL) FLOORINGResilient (vinyl) flooringResilient flooring, also known as vinyl flooring, is made froma combination of natural and synthetic polymer materialsformed in repeating structural units designed to providedurable surfaces.Types of resilientVinyl flooring falls into three categories: vinyl composition tile(VCT), luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and sheet flooring.VCT vs. LVT and sheet flooringVCT is a mix of natural limestone, filler materials,thermoplastic binder and color pigments, made by fusingchips into solid sheets and cutting them into tiles. LVT ismade of a limestone-base material mixed with composites.On the composite material sits an adhered digital graphicfilm, which can be created in nearly any look, sealed beneathan outer wear layer. Sheet vinyl uses a continuous sheet ofpolymer materials manufactured in widths of about six to16 feet. It’s similar to LVT in that it has a protective outerwear layer above a digital graphic film layer. It’s durable andused for unique designs that require larger sheets withoutvisible seams.CostVCT is cheaper up front, but LVT is far more cost-effectiveover time because it’s more durable and reducesmaintenance.8SPECTRACF.COM
DesignDue to the versatility of its graphic layer, LVT providessuperior design options to VCT. In the past decade,manufacturers have released an impressive spread of newLVT product in new sizes and shapes, such as hexagons andplanks, making new designs possible. Digital graphic filmlayers have improved so that they’re indistinguishable fromnatural materials, such as premium stone and wood floors,allowing LVT to fit nearly any design.Durability and maintenanceVCT must be stripped, waxed and polished on a regularbasis and isn’t suitable for heavy-traffic settings or areaswith moisture and humidity. LVT is durable, requires minimalmaintenance and withstands heavy foot traffic, rolling loads,spills, oils and other hazards.ApplicationsResilient flooring is used everywhere from hotel lobbies andoffice foyers to schools, hospitals and more. As LVT is moredurable than VCT, it’s better suited for the majority of theseapplications. Sheet flooring is also durable and popular formany applications, particularly commercial kitchen flooring,as it limits seams in the floor.9SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 3: CERAMIC TILECeramic tileCeramic tile is made from clay forms or mixtures and fallsinto two categories, porcelain and non-porcelain. Porcelainis made by pressing together porcelain clays and providesdurability and water-resistance with a dense, smooth productthat stands up to heavy wear and tear. Non-porcelain tiles aretypically made from white or red clay and are used for light ormoderate traffic areas.CostCeramic is more expensive than vinyl and laminate flooringbut more cost-effective than natural materials, such as woodflooring and stone.DesignCeramic is available in many colors and textures andprovides a premium, high-end finish unmatched by mostsynthetic materials.10SPECTRACF.COM
Durability and maintenanceCeramic tile provides tremendous durability and lastingquality with minimal maintenance requirements whencompared with VCT, wood flooring and carpet. It’s often notquite as durable as LVT or premium materials, such as stone.ApplicationsCeramic is suitable for most commercial environments,from hotels, office lobbies and retail settings to commercialkitchens. It’s not fit for heavy-duty settings however, as tilescan crack under extreme pressure.Installation and replacementCeramic tile is one of the easier flooring types to install andrequires relatively minimal maintenance. Because it’s installedin tiles, it’s possible to replace one section at a time relativelyquickly and inexpensively.11SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 4: SHEETLINOLEUM FLOORINGSheet linoleum flooringSheet linoleum is a natural resilient flooring made fromlinseed oil, limestone, powdered cork and recycled woodflour, resins and mineral color pigments pressed into a burlap(jute) backing. It’s a green option, made from all anti-bacterialand biodegradable materials, and is sold in widths of abouttwo meters, in a range of thicknesses.CostLinoleum is on par with laminate and resilient (vinyl) flooringin up-front costs, but it’s not quite as durable. If used in arelatively low-hazard setting, it can be cost-effective for years.If installed in an area better suited for heavier-duty products,it will require more maintenance and won’t be cost-effectivein the long run.DesignLinoleum offers tremendous design versatility with vibrantcolors in solid, marbled or flecked patterns, and now evengraphic designs. Some linoleum comes in softer naturaltones, and all can be custom-cut to create one-of-a-kindlooks. One advantage of linoleum is that its color and patternextend through the entire floor, making linoleum a costeffective substitute for many premium materials, such as tile,stone, hardwood and parquet.12SPECTRACF.COM
Durability and maintenanceThough not fit for heavy-traffic areas, linoleum is flexibleand can last for decades in light-to-moderate traffic settings,insulating against heat and sound and resisting gouging,scratching and water. Even if scratched, the color and patternstay the same, since they’re the same throughout the entirefloor. However, in heavy-traffic settings, linoleum can bescratched and require more maintenance than laminate orvinyl. Due to chemical corrosion, the linseed oil in linoleumcan darken and become brittle over time, particularly in areasthat regularly see strong UV rays. Certain alkaline cleaningagents can also damage linseed oil. Use a permanently13SPECTRACF.COM
bonded, high-performance finish to protect the linseed oil solinoleum can resist stains and be easily cleaned.ApplicationsLinoleum flooring has long been used cost-effectively forlight-traffic areas in schools, showrooms, retail settings,banks, offices and even elevators. It’s not suitable for areasthat see heavy traffic or moisture, such as stairs, bathroomsand kitchens. As a naturally resilient material, linoleum isrelatively soft, so it’s comfortable for those areas wherepeople must stand for long periods of time.Installation and replacementLinoleum is more stiff and challenging to install than mosttypes of flooring, requiring specialty tools and installation.It’s typically installed on wood subfloors but can beinstalled on most subfloor materials, including concrete.Installation is crucial, as water damage to the jute backingcan cause it to separate from the linoleum. Have yourinstaller perform testing to prevent any moisture issues andensure proper adhesion.14SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 5: RUBBER FLOORINGRubber flooringRubber flooring is an innovative, cost-effective solution formany facilities, providing a comfortable, durable, shockabsorbent floor that can be made from recycled materialsCostRubber is tremendously cost-effective compared to mostother flooring options, both in up-front costs and in longterm maintenance costs.DesignManufacturers have released designs that make rubberaesthetically versatile. It can fit a modern style and can comein tiles that offer creative patterns or on rolls that minimizeseams and provide a smooth, consistent look. Specked andpatterned finishes provide unique design options.15SPECTRACF.COM
ApplicationsRubber is increasingly gaining popularity across a range ofapplications and is commonly used in: Pet facilities and dog kennels School playgrounds and playrooms in daycare facilities andchurch nurseries Commercial gyms, indoor sports facilities and skating rinks Hospitals —its antimicrobial characteristics make it perfect forsome areas Entrances and walkways for many facilities, such as offices andindoor markets. When purchasing rubber flooring, considerthe thickness —the thicker the floor, the more durable (andexpensive) it is.Durability and maintenanceRubber is one of the most durable materials on the market,which is why it’s commonly used in high-impact settings.It’s easy to clean but can be damaged by oil-based cleaningsolvents. Some finishes, such as color-fleck patterns, can bedamaged by UV rays, so rubber looks better in environmentsthat don’t see intense sunlight.Installation and replacementRubber uses a free-floating installation, making the processfast, easy and cost-effective. It can be installed right on topof concrete, low pile carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile — evencompacted dirt. Rubber, particularly in tile forms, is also easyand cost-effective to replace.16SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 6: LAMINATELaminate flooringLaminate flooring is a synthetic blend consisting of four layerslaminated together: Wear layer — outer layer that helps the flooring resist stains,fading and daily use Décor layer— digitally printed graphic layer that gives laminatea look of natural materials, such as wood, porcelain or stone Core layer— primary structural layer that gives laminate itsstrong durability Backer layer— final layer that adds extra supportCostDue to its synthetic blend, laminate is more affordable thanpremium natural options. In the right setting, it provides solidlong-term value, though more durable options may delivergreater overall value. Laminate’s cost is comparable to thatof LVT.17SPECTRACF.COM
DesignSince laminate uses digital images, it can take on the look ofnearly any natural material with limitless colors and finishes.Durability and maintenanceCommercial-grade laminate provides great durability, as itresists scratches, sunlight, and even heavy wear and tear.For the best results, purchase laminate that has the highestAC Rating, a measure of a floor’s durability. Laminates arehypoallergenic and easy to clean and maintainApplicationsLaminate with a high AC Rating is suitable for a wide rangeof harsh uses, such as food consumption areas, as it’s easyto clean. It’s great for offices that want a natural look anddurability without high cost. Laminate can work in some hightraffic areas, but LVT, ceramic and terrazzo are often bettersuited for them. Laminate is susceptible to moisture, so itshould be used in combination with matting and rugs andisn’t suitable for bathrooms or kitchens.InstallationNew, glue-free and pre-glued laminates reduce installationwaste and costs, while options have emerged withpre-attached underlay or no underlay, allowing forrapid installation.18SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 7: NATURALSTONE TILENatural stone tileNatural stone tile is made from materials quarried from theearth, and every stone has its own unique characteristics.CostNatural stone tile is a premium product made from thehighest quality materials. These versatile, beautiful materialsprovide strong durability, minimize maintenance costs anddeliver long-term value. But they’re more expensive thansynthetic materials or ceramic tiles, and synthetic materials,such as specialty LVT, provide more cost-effective solutionsfor many applications traditionally served by stone.DesignStone provides a premium, high-end finish and can come ina broad range of colors and textures. Natural stone tiles offerone-of-a-kind finishes, as each stone is unique, differing incolor, feel and composition.Durability and maintenanceNatural stone tiles are tremendously durable. However,all natural stone tiles are porous, so they must beperiodically sealed with a protective coat and receiveseveral daily washes.19SPECTRACF.COM
ApplicationsStone tile is often found in settings designed to create apremium, high-end appeal but also serve a high volume offoot traffic. Hotel lobbies, stadium entrance areas, publicvenues, retail settings and upscale office buildings often usethese timeless products.InstallationStone tile is a tremendously challenging, and sometimes timeconsuming and expensive, material to install, requiring anexperienced, skilled installation team.20SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 8: NATURALWOOD FLOORINGNatural wood flooringNatural wood floors fall within three categories:solid hardwood, engineered hardwood and lockinghardwood floors. Solid hardwood — uses planks from a single piece of wood, canbe repeatedly sanded to last for years and must be nailed orstapled to a wood subfloor Engineered hardwood — made by fusing layers of hardwoodfor stability, it’s designed for installation over concrete, ismoisture-resistant and can sit anywhere in a facility Locking (floating) floor — engineered hardwood with a lockingtongue-and-groove system that streamlines installation byeliminating nails, staples and glueSpecial design considerationsfor wood Species— Your floor’s look, feel and pattern depends on thespecies of tree you select. You can pick a domestic, such ascherry, or an exotic, such as bamboo. For commercial settings,you want the hardest species that fits your design.21SPECTRACF.COM
Color— Most domestic species come in a range of pre-stainedcolors, while many exotic species aren’t pre-stained — instead,showing their natural color Width— The wider your planks, the fewer visible seamsin your floor Texture — You can select wood floors with a range of textures,from smooth to custom, tactile options Finish— Finishes protect wood, while adding color and hueMost engineered hardwood comes pre-finished, whichstreamlines installation, improves air quality and meanslonger flooring life and warranties without frequentrefinishing. Many solid hardwood floors are site-finished,offering easier repairs, a limitless selection of stain colors andthe ability to improve the surface following installation. Solidhardwood can withstand far more refinishes than engineeredhardwood can take. An experienced flooring contractor canhelp you select the greatest-value option.CostFor many applications, traditional wood flooring isn’t ascost-effective a solution as more modern synthetic options.But when properly installed, it can last for many years withminimal maintenance and deliver a great long-term value.ApplicationsWood is suitable for nearly any application, aside from heavyduty industrial facilities and specialty healthcare settings.22SPECTRACF.COM
Installation, durability andmaintenanceWood is hypoallergenic, can last for decades with the rightcare and is easy to clean and maintain. Wood is relativelystraightforward to install; in particular, engineered flooringwith a locking system allows for fast, cost-effective installation.A wood floor’s maintenance requirements are determined byits finish and species as well as the wear and tear it sees.23SPECTRACF.COM
SECTION 9:CONCRETE SURFACING FORINDUSTRIAL SETTINGSConcrete surfacing forindustrial settingsTerrazzo, concrete polishing and resinous (epoxy) flooringare all strong solutions for industrial and heavy-duty settings.Terrazzo is also used in hospitals, schools, lobbies and evenairports because of its premium feel.TerrazzoTerrazzo is a popular choice for those looking for extremedurability with total customization and premium finishes. Itcan be made from a cement matrix, or an epoxy resin mixedwith marble or recycled granite glass, and a wide choice ofother aggregates.CostTerrazzo is a premium product that requires highly skilledinstallation, so it’s not cheap. But terrazzo keeps maintenanceto an absolute minimum and is highly cost-effective in thelong term.24SPECTRACF.COM
DesignIn combination with synthetic divider strips to section offdifferent colors, terrazzo offers limitless color choices,allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind look. Custom logos,unique patterns, and even wording are all possible. It’spolished mechanically to create a beautiful shine associatedwith high-end marble tile.Durability and maintenanceIts density allows terrazzo to withstand the toughestenvironments; it can last for decades. When sealed, terrazzois non-porous and resistant to water, preventing microbialgrowth and mold — one of the reasons it’s a great fit forhealthcare facilities. Because there are no grout lines, whichtrap dirt, it’s easy to maintain and clean.InstallationTerrazzo is an incredibly complex material and requiresspecialty installation by an experienced, highly trained crew.Unlike some other concrete surfaces, harsh chemicalsare not used during the installation of terrazzo, so it’senvironmentally friendly.ApplicationsIn recent years, terrazzo has gained popularity in a range ofsettings, from hospitals and airports to schools, offices andhotel lobbies.25SPECTRACF.COM
Concrete polishingIn concrete polishing, typical concrete floors undergo aprocess of sealing and hardening that turns average concretefloors into beautiful, finished surfaces that are: Smooth Reflective Bright Strong Easy to cleanPolished concrete requires minimal maintenance and is acost-effective flooring system that can withstand the rigors ofany commercial facility, including: Schools Restaurants Hospitality settings Industrial facilities Retail outlets Corporate offices And more26SPECTRACF.COM
Resinous flooringResinous flooring uses a coating (epoxy) system to add colorand decorative finishes to concrete flooring. It can withstandthe harshest industrial environments and is suitablefor heavy-duty areas and both indoor and outdoor use.Resinous is easy to clean and maintain and is great for areasthat need a high level of cleanliness, such as healthcare,pharmaceutical and food processing facilities. You’ll need anexperienced flooring team to select and safely use the mostenvironmentally friendly epoxies. With any concrete surface,have your installer perform moisture testing and mitigation toensure a proper, lasting finish.27SPECTRACF.COM
MORE ABOUT SPECTRACONTRACT FLOORINGSpectra Contract Flooring is a Berkshire Hathaway companyand is the largest commercial flooring contractor in theU.S. We have dozens of locations nationwide and havecompleted more than 350,000 flooring installations for clientsin every industry. We provide start-to-finish flooring projectmanagement to save you time and money while makingflooring installation easy for you.Learn more about our flooring installation services or seesome of our best projects. If you have any flooring questions,request a consultation with our flooring experts or call any ofour locations.28SPECTRACF.COM
THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FLOORING PRODUCTS At Spectra Contract Flooring, we've completed more than 350,000 flooring installations nationwide using every material on the market. We've created this introductory guide as a resource for those new to commercial flooring, giving you a rundown of flooring materials.
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