Options for Choosing Commercial Washroom Flooring

Intro

Washroom functionality is roughly the same whether it is situated within a private home, business or leisure centre, but choosing the right flooring for a publically used washroom, certain materials are better than others as a very specific set of properties need to be met.

For example, public washroom flooring needs to be able to handle a lot of people in a safe and effective manner, and handle lots of water while remaining visually pleasing and matching the rest of the environment.

It’s also very important that the flooring is easy to clean to make it easier for maintenance staff. Refer to our 10 tips for cleaning a commercial washroom for more.

Important Features to Consider

Water Resistance

One of the most important features to consider when choosing commercial washroom flooring is how well it will stand up to water. As public washrooms are constantly being used, there will be a lot of water on the floor which means that the flooring needs to be able to resist water damage and maintain some sort of slip-resistant properties. If porous materials are used, then moisture and liquids can work their way down into the flooring which will likely cause mould and bacteria growth.

Some materials are more resistant than others, and it is important to consider materials that can be sealed to maintain water resistance. Ideal commercial flooring will be non-porous and naturally resistant to liquids with little upkeep required.

 

 

 

 

Durability

All flooring will suffer from wear and tear over time, but some materials are more durable than others. When choosing commercial washroom flooring, it is important to consider how long the material will last before it needs replacing as this can be very costly.

Some materials are designed to last for many years with little sign of wear and tear, while others will show significant signs of wear and tear after only a few years. It is important to factor in a flooring’s ability to resist scratches, colour fading, cracks and breaks.

 

Safety

Another very important factor to consider when choosing commercial washroom flooring is safety. As public washrooms are constantly being used, there is a higher risk of slips and falls which can lead to serious injuries.

It is therefore important to choose the flooring that has some sort of slip-resistant properties to reduce the risk of accidents. Some materials are more slip-resistant than others, and it is important to consider the level of traction that is required for the specific environment. Some materials may also be slightly cushioned, in the event of a fall.

Health

Another factor to consider when choosing commercial washroom flooring is the health of those using the washroom. As public washrooms are used by many people, there is a higher risk of bacteria and virus transmission.

Some materials are solid and easy to clean, which makes them much easier to maintain over time. Some materials may also feature antibacterial properties which can naturally kill any microorganisms that may be present.

Appropriate Design

Despite the room being a washroom, doesn’t necessarily mean that design should be overlooked. The flooring should be in keeping with the overall design of the room, and the business as a whole.

Some businesses may prefer a more traditional look, while others may want to create a more modern environment. It is important to find commercial washroom flooring that matches the desired aesthetic. For more information, read more about the benefits of a well-designed washroom.

Affordability

Of course, the cost is always going to be an important factor when designing a commercial washroom. Some materials can be quite expensive, while others are more affordable. In addition to the costs of materials, you will also need to factor in the cost of installation, maintenance, repairs and perhaps even replacement down the line.

Commercial Bathroom Options

Concrete

Concrete is a very popular option for commercial bathrooms as it is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is also a very affordable option, which makes it ideal for businesses on a budget. The downside of concrete is that it can be quite plain and uninspiring, so it may not be the best choice if you are looking to create a stylish washroom. Additionally, concrete is usually only used on the ground floor or first floor buildings as it is very heavy.

It’s important for concrete flooring to be sealed regularly and sometimes polished to maintain a well-maintained look.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a great option for commercial bathrooms as it too is very affordable, and easy to install. There is a wide range of colours, styles and designs which makes it a great option if you are looking to create a stylish washroom. Vinyl is resistant to water and stains and is very easy to keep clean with simple mopping or wiping. Unfortunately, a downside to vinyl is that it is usually quite thin and can fade or be damaged over time.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles and stones are a very popular option for public washrooms as they offer a wide range of styles, designs and colours. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain and can last for many years with little sign of wear and tear. They are, however, quite pricey and require professional installation which can add to the overall cost. Another downside to ceramic flooring is that they are commonly porous and so would require chemical sealing every 6 to 12 months to maintain antibacterial properties.

National Stone

Natural stone looks fantastic, regardless of where it is used. It is very strong, easy to clean and makes a perfect washroom flooring. It comes in a wide range of colours, styles and designs which means that it can be used to create any desired look. Stone flooring is also quite slip-resistant, making them ideal for use in public washrooms. However, they are very expensive, difficult to install and require regular sealing to maintain their antibacterial properties.

Typically, natural stone is commonly used in high-end restaurants or leisure environments like golf clubs.

Brick

Brick flooring is an ideal washroom flooring for restaurants, bars and pubs because of the rustic and stylish look that it offers. Brick is also very easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for commercial washrooms. However, it is important to note that brick flooring can be quite slippery when wet, so it is important to choose a non-slip variety if you are planning to use it in a public washroom. It is also recommended that brick flooring should be sealed regularly in order to prevent liquid from penetrating past the surface and causing stains.

Other Stories