A store floor works as hard as the staff on it.
What a retail floor faces
Commercial spaces see rolling chairs, utility carts, constant foot traffic and dropped items. Staff at counters and in retail shops stand for hours. A good retail floor must resist wear, stay safe when wet and clean up fast. Choose the material first, and then check the product details.
Compare the main options
| Option | Strengths for retail | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| SPC rigid core vinyl | 100% waterproof. The core does not dent, warp or bend, even over unlevel subfloors. Suits any amount of traffic. | Rigid feel underfoot. Can cost more than other commercial options. |
| Commercial carpet tiles | Traffic ratings from medium to extra heavy. You can replace one damaged tile. | Carpet attracts oil and dirt and needs more care. |
| Rubber tiles and planks | Slip resistant, cushioned for staff who stand, and absorbs sound. | Higher initial cost than vinyl or carpet tiles. |
| Commercial vinyl sheet | Large sheets give a seamless look. A strong wear layer resists scratches and dents. | Hard to repair: you remove the whole damaged section. |
Check the wear layer on vinyl
On vinyl, the thickness of the wear layer matters more than the total thickness. Our commercial vinyl guide recommends a wear layer of 20 mil or more for commercial use. Our commercial flooring guide recommends 15 to 20 mil for commercial vinyl sheet. Check the wear layer on each product page, and ask us which figure applies to your product.
Refreshing a sales floor?
Send us the square footage and the traffic you expect. We will suggest floors that fit each area.
Plan for carts and rolling loads
- Vinyl: commercial installations with rolling loads must be glued to the subfloor with a manufacturer-approved adhesive.
- Carpet: in areas with a lot of traffic, glue the carpet down with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for more stability.
- Rubber: vulcanized rubber is denser and has higher abrasion resistance. It suits heavy rolling loads and constant foot traffic.
Keep the floor clean
- Vinyl: vacuum without a beater bar. Damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, and clean up spills immediately.
- Carpet: vacuum frequently. Deep clean from time to time with a hot water extraction machine.
- Rubber: sweep, and damp mop from time to time. Rubber naturally resists stains, mold and mildew.