Commercial flooring systems
Select a floor for the room, the substrate, and the way the building is maintained. The product specification and manufacturer’s installation instructions remain the starting point.
Resilient flooring: LVT, LVP, and VCT
Luxury vinyl tile and plank provide a range of patterns and formats. Vinyl composition tile is another option for spaces where the maintenance program and replacement strategy suit the product. Compare the actual wear layer, finish, approved adhesive, rolling-load requirements, and cleaning procedure rather than relying on the product category alone.
A water-resistant finish does not eliminate substrate moisture requirements. The adhesive and floor preparation system must still be suitable for the slab and the intended use. Review transitions and base at the same time as the field material.
Commercial carpet: tile and broadloom
Modular carpet can make local replacement practical, provided spare material is available and the installation pattern is documented. Broadloom offers a different visual result and requires attention to seam placement, layout, and access for installation.
Consider acoustics, cleaning capability, traffic, furniture movement, and the treatment of adjoining hard surfaces. Include removal and adhesive preparation in the comparison where an existing finish is being replaced.
Resinous coatings and concrete finishes
Resinous systems and polished concrete are not interchangeable. Coating thickness, preparation profile, chemical exposure, slip-resistance requirements, and cure time depend on the selected system. Polishing results depend on the condition and composition of the existing concrete.
Discuss repairs, joints, cracks, existing contamination, and the desired appearance before setting expectations. A site review or sample area may be appropriate when the slab condition is uncertain.
Compare the full scope
| Requirement | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Room use | Traffic, rolling loads, expected spills, and the cleaning procedure. |
| Substrate | Testing responsibilities, repairs, preparation, and any mitigation. |
| Installation | Access, layout, transitions, cure times, and protection. |
| Maintenance | Products, equipment, replacement strategy, and available staff time. |
Use the installation planning guide to turn these requirements into a project brief, or request a scope review.