Match the floor to how each space is used, not only to how it looks.
Start with four criteria
Our commercial flooring guide names four main criteria for a commercial floor: durability, style, ease of maintenance, and cost. Some flooring types work better in some spaces than others. The floor you choose also affects the employees and the clients who use the space every day.
Compare the five main options
| Flooring | Often used in | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| SPC rigid core vinyl | Restaurants, medical offices, hotels, kitchens, bathrooms | 100% waterproof construction; rigid feel underfoot; can cost more than other options |
| Commercial laminate | Offices, boutiques, fitness studios, apartment complexes, cafes | Our experts recommend an AC rating of 4 to 5; some laminates are only water-resistant |
| Commercial vinyl sheet | Office foyers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, schools | Glue-down install; a damaged area needs the full section removed |
| Porcelain or ceramic tile | Restaurant entryways, lobbies, spas | A PEI rating of 4 to 5 can help in high traffic; needs a level, prepared subfloor |
| Commercial carpet (tile or roll) | Offices, apartment complexes, gyms, rental real estate | Cost-effective; attracts oil and dirt, so it needs more care |
⚠️ The ratings in this table are the recommendations in our commercial flooring guide. Confirm them against the data for the exact product you specify.
Match the install method
- Click-lock: SPC vinyl and laminate planks lock together as a floating floor. Laminate needs no glue, tape, or adhesive.
- Glue-down sheet: commercial vinyl sheet is glued down. Our guide recommends a flooring professional for this install.
- Rolling loads: commercial vinyl plank and tile installs with rolling loads must be glued with a manufacturer-approved adhesive.
- Carpet in high traffic: use a pressure-sensitive adhesive for broadloom carpet or carpet tiles.
Need a flooring spec for a TI job?
Send us the space types and the square footage. We will match a product to each area.
Before you finalize the spec
A tile install starts with correct preparation and leveling of the subfloor. Laminate over an uneven subfloor can make a hollow sound, so use a good underlay and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Get samples of each product and look at them in the real space. Then finalize the spec.