What flooring for a shop?

[aaj4]

Just in the process of starting up a shop.. Decorating it etc... What flooring would you recommend? I'm thinking of a thick vinyl.. Taking into account all the rain we get, carpet would get very dirty? I'd like to think I can put something down and forget about it for a while.. Opinions would be great, thanks

 

[Blue Steel]

What you plan to sell can infuence your choice, hardware store or trendy clothes for example.

Main choices i'd of thought would be
contract vinyl / safety flooring ( anti slip)
Ceramic tiles
Contract laminate
i personally prefer a contract gel backed carpet but fit a large entrance mat, make sure it's deep enough so they walk two steps on it, say 1.5 mtr.

Don't fit anything domestic grade if you can help it, and ensure whatever is laid is fully stuck down, adds years to the life of carpet or vinyls.

 

[Thinehost]

I can't comment on the best products to use; however, I would recommend you think carefully about the colour you select 'cos you're going to have to live with it for quite a long time.

I'd love to change our shop floor because it's dark - however, there's plenty of wear left in the current vinyl and can't get hubby to agree to change it just because of the way the shop feels on dark wet days ....

.... if you're in the market for second-hand dark coloured vinyl, though

Margaret

 

[bigeasy]

I barrier or coir matting is a must, it'll protect the rest of your flooring from the elements and make them last much longer. Even if you replace the matting every year it'll still save you money.
As for the rest of the floor, it all depends on what look you are going for.
Where are you based? I own a flooring shop and might be able to help.

 

[Floorsave]

Hi,

If you are looking for a floor that will be very hard-wearing then I would suggest a hard floor which is basically a vinyl that is of commercial quality.

Try looking at Polysafe or Altro.

The costs of these are minimal however, the price of sub-floor preparation and laying can add up. It normally would cost around £50-£70 per meter squared, fitted including preparation.

The cost would be an investment as the vinyl should last in upwards of 15 years.

Daniel

 

[Normansmith]

As stated previously depends on the type of shop, but the self levelling epoxy floors last for years and now have some attractive patterns and finishes. Non slip and washable

 

[puffin]

Amtico flooring

 

[Trisha&ChrisPlant]

Amtico flooring

Amtico flooring is lovely. We were going to do that, then opted for commercial quality carpeting instead - but wish we hadn't!

 

[bensmoa]

i would rather say go with mix strategy. use hardwood floors mainly and also use some glass floors as well it will give a great impact to your shop

 

[kelvin1950]

Glass flooring may well work in California. In England, especially in the weather we've had this year, you'd permanently have a mop in your hand.

 

[Darrenchase]

I'd go with lvt like karndean or poly floor as amtico can work out expensive in your home let alone business and lvt is more appealing than safety vinyl. Safety vinyl would proberly work out cheaper though.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

Glass flooring may well work in California. In England, especially in the weather we've had this year, you'd permanently have a mop in your hand.

.....and lawsuit in your "pending" file too!!! Surely that would be really slippery?? :0

 

[Gav]

I'd go with lvt like karndean or poly floor as amtico can work out expensive in your home let alone business and lvt is more appealing than safety vinyl. Safety vinyl would proberly work out cheaper though.

Exactly what i was going to say, Amtico is expensive unless you like something out of their value range. Karndean is similar and cheaper and will last about 10 years. They are individual tiles so if you scratch the surface you can replace individual tiles.

 

[sarahjohs]

Vinyl is a practical option but hardwood floors are super classy.

 

[ballista]

Depends how much you wish to shell out. Apart from ceiling work we did our shop fit ourselves and chose carpet tiles as easy to lay and replace

 

[Louie]

I would use commercial quality vinyl, or altro personally. Maybe Amitico if it was for fashion or something high end.