Choosing the furniture, equipping the kitchen, perfecting the menu and hiring staff are all things we’re familiar with when opening a new restaurant. It can all be very exciting! But there is one thing in particular that restaurant owners often forget about and may be the last thing on their minds - choosing the right flooring. After all, when envisioning a dream restaurant, owners rarely imagine the floor. Here are some popular options to think about when choosing your restaurant’s flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular choice not only for its cost effectiveness, but also for its designs. Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, can be made to imitate the look of stone, metallic or other customized designs. It is waterproof and very durable. Vinyl is a softer material than many other flooring options such as concrete and can help insulate sound to reduce noise in your restaurant.
Hardwood
Previously only considered a rustic look, today’s hardwood flooring can be refinished and stained to fit any decor. Use different stains and patterns to signify separation of different spaces such as the reception and dining areas. While hardwood floors are extremely durable, keep in mind that they don’t take well to humidity and stain easily so it’s best not to use them for the kitchen or bathroom.
Tiles
Tiles are among the most popular flooring choices for both residential and commercial use. But it’s important to understand the differences among them. Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay and sand and fired at high temperatures, which makes them extremely durable and easy to clean. They are also often used for walls.
Commercial kitchens and restaurant bathrooms often use quarry tiles after applying a finish to create the non-absorbent and slip-resistant texture. However, they are usually only available in shades of earthen tones, such as dark gray, light gray, tan, brown, and beige.
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and have a high resistance to chipping and cracking. They can be made to mimic different types of material such as stone or wood but are more expensive than other types of tiles.
Stone
High-end service restaurants often choose stone flooring for its refined and elegant look. While the price of natural stone flooring is comparatively more expensive, it’s also rather high-maintenance. They need to be sealed to prevent stains and discoloration. Granite and slate are among the most popular stone tiles used in restaurants.
Cork
For an eco-friendly floor, cork is a great choice. Cork flooring gives the decor a unique look and is extremely comfortable to walk on. It’s sound dampening properties will reduce noise in crowded areas and will insulate against temperature changes. However, cork might not be as durable as the other materials and may need to be refurbished after several years of heavy use.
Whether it’s the first or last thing you will be considering, choosing the right restaurant flooring is extremely important. Safety, functionality and durability are all essential considerations, other than design and style. Restaurant Design Concept can help you find the perfect flooring for your restaurant’s needs.
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