The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Flooring: Enhancing Your Business From the Ground Up

Posted on February 12, 2024 by bafcorp20

Choosing the appropriate flooring for your commercial space is more than just a design choice. It’s an investment that impacts aesthetics, safety, maintenance, and even the environment. As a facility manager or business owner, navigating the expansive world of commercial flooring can be daunting. From carpeting to concrete, each flooring type offers a unique set of advantages and drawbacks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about commercial flooring, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to make a choice that sets your business up for success.

Call 317-253-0531 to Speak With an Indianapolis Commercial Flooring Contractor

Understanding the Core Types of Commercial Flooring

Commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, and healthcare facilities often demand flooring solutions that can withstand significant wear and tear. Understanding the different types of flooring available will help you make informed decisions regarding your specific needs.

Carpeting: The Soft Underfoot Option

Carpeting is a popular choice in commercial settings, adding warmth and sound-proofing qualities. It’s available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it a versatile design tool. However, the maintenance of commercial carpeting requires routine cleaning to prevent wear, tear, and the buildup of allergens and bacteria.

Vinyl: Resilient and Versatile

Vinyl flooring is durable, low maintenance, and comes in numerous colors, patterns, and textures. It can replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone while providing a softer feel underfoot. As a cost-effective solution, vinyl remains a top choice for areas with heavy foot traffic.

Tile: The Enduring Classic

Tiles, such as ceramic or porcelain, are celebrated for their longevity and resistance to moisture, stains, and scratches. They offer a sleek, professional appearance and are relatively easy to maintain. However, broken tiles can be expensive to repair, making them a less flexible solution for dynamic commercial spaces. Grout lines can also be tricky to keep clean if they are not sealed properly.

Hardwood: The Elegant and Long-lasting Option

Hardwood floors exude elegance and are hardwearing, but they may require additional maintenance to keep them looking their best in a commercial environment. Wood floors are often a top choice for creating a sophisticated ambiance in high-end businesses like boutique shops and law offices.

Concrete: The Industrial Workhorse

Long seen as a utilitarian option, concrete’s versatility is now appreciated for its minimalist aesthetic. Stained or polished concrete flooring offers unique design opportunities, and its exceptional durability makes it a prime candidate for high-traffic areas, production spaces, and warehouses.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Flooring

Selecting the right commercial flooring is a complex decision that involves a range of factors beyond initial cost and visual appeal. It requires a thoughtfully balanced consideration of functionality, maintenance requirements, and the user experience.

Durability and Maintenance

High-traffic commercial areas need durable flooring that can withstand the daily grind. Consider the anticipated foot traffic, frequency of cleaning, and any special maintenance requirements when assessing a flooring type’s durability.

Aesthetics and Design

The visual appeal of a flooring choice can influence customer perception and employee morale. A well-designed floor can complement and enhance a space, creating a welcoming environment for clients and staff alike.

Cost and Budget

The initial cost of the flooring material is just the tip of the iceberg. When evaluating the total cost, factor in installation, long-term maintenance, and the flooring’s lifespan. While cost is a significant consideration, it’s important to balance it with long-term value.

Safety and Slip Resistance

Safety is non-negotiable in a commercial space. Factors like slip resistance and fire safety ratings should be thoroughly evaluated, especially in areas where these risks are higher, such as entryways and food preparation spaces.

Environmental Impact

The growing awareness of environmental responsibility has led to an increase in Eco-friendly flooring options. Evaluate products based on their material sourcing, manufacturing process, and ability to be recycled or reused.

Customizing Your Flooring Selection for Different Commercial Settings

Each type of commercial flooring has its ideal setting based on the unique demands of the space. Let’s explore how to tailor your flooring choice to suit various environments.

Offices and Workplaces: In a commercial office space, comfort and cleanliness are key. Carpet tiles may be a suitable choice, as they are easy to install and replace, provide insulation, and can help control noise levels.

Retail Stores: Retail spaces need flooring that can handle heavy foot traffic while also serving as a design element. Vinyl or hardwood can provide a balance of durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance.

Hospitality and Restaurants: For areas where cleanliness and quick turnaround are essential, such as hotel lobbies and restaurant dining rooms, polished concrete or high-quality ceramic tiles provide both a stylish and hygienic solution.

Healthcare Facilities: In healthcare environments, hygiene and maintenance are paramount. Non-porous, bacteria-resistant flooring materials, such as sheet vinyl, are recommended in patient rooms to reduce the risk of infection.

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities require robust flooring that resists damage from desks and chairs. Additionally, easy-to-clean surfaces like linoleum can manage the regular maintenance required in these bustling environments.

Commercial Floor Installation and Maintenance

The installation and ongoing care of your commercial flooring are as important as the choice of material itself. Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to premature wear and even pose safety hazards.

Hiring Professionals

Consulting with professional flooring contractors from the outset can prevent costly mistakes later. They have the expertise to recommend and install the right flooring for your space, ensuring it’s done correctly the first time.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance Techniques

Implementing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule is crucial for preserving the integrity of your commercial flooring. Whether it’s daily vacuuming, periodic deep cleaning, or refinishing, following manufacturer guidelines and professional advice will extend the life of your investment.

Repair and Replacement

Addressing any damage or wear promptly is essential for maintaining a professional appearance and safe environment. Repair and replacement options will vary based on the type of flooring, but again, professional guidance can help you navigate these challenges successfully.

In Summary

Investing in quality commercial flooring is investing in the foundation of your business. The right flooring can enhance your brand, provide a safe and productive work environment, and even contribute to your company’s sustainability goals. Take the time to assess your needs thoroughly, explore all the options available, and consider consulting with professionals to ensure the choice you make is the best one for your space, ensuring that your business is set to thrive from the ground up.

Are you ready to upgrade or install new flooring in your facility or office space? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial flooring services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding locations.

Top Options for Soundproofing Commercial Floors

Posted on November 16, 2021 by bafcorp20

Whether a commercial floor restoration project is on your mind or you are preparing a new commercial construction build, consider installing soundproof flooring for a valuable and lucrative property upgrade. There are several options and methods for soundproofing floors, so it is best to discuss your property’s needs with a licensed commercial flooring contractor in Indianapolis who can provide recommendations and estimates specific to your property’s layout, functions, and overall business objectives.

Continue below to learn your top options for soundproofing commercial flooring, including which commercial general contracting company in Indiana to trust for superior results.

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Soundproof Flooring for Commercial Properties and Businesses

It doesn’t take much thought to understand why commercial tenants and businesses want soundproof flooring. For multi-housing complexes, renters and buyers alike are looking to nullify the cumulative sounds of creaking floorboards, pattering feet, washing machines, television sets, and barking pups. Offices, medical centers, fitness studios, schools, arenas, and more all benefit from a quieter environment or sound barrier technology applications.

As a result of this increasingly present consumer demand in the real estate industry, soundproof flooring is becoming more of a standard in the structure, design, and build of apartment complexes, corporate offices, recording studios, and schools. Having commercial soundproof flooring can attract tenants and buyers within all of these industries and more.

Commercial Carpet Installation

If your commercial floors are engineered hardwood, concrete, laminate, tile, or some other type of hard-surfaced material, sound is embellished. Carpeting is much quieter, thus making it a sensible technique for soundproofing floors. Carpet is convenient because it is easy to install, usually taking anywhere between 3 and 8 hours depending on square-footage and existing flooring conditions.

Carpet is also cheaper, so it’s a cost-effective alternative to other soundproofing methods. If you wish to replace your flooring with hard-surface material, talk to your commercial general contractor about the sound ratings among different species of wood and types of manufactured wood materials.

Noise Cancellation Upgrades

In addition to replacing commercial hard floors with carpeting, you can heighten the level of noise cancellation by installing supplementary components in between the flooring and the sub-flooring to absorb sound. This includes using materials like cork or acoustic tiles. Cork is very dense, so just a thin layer is needed to absorb extra noise. Acoustic tiles are used in recording studios and large-space commercial properties because they are highly-effective noise-cancellation mechanisms. They are designed to dull echoes and reverberations and work well for floors too.

Alternative to Floor Replacement and Commercial Renovation

Sometimes replacing commercial flooring or remodeling a commercial building are not viable options. But there are still soundproofing options you can try, like placing area rugs and carpets in high-traffic areas, such as the main entrances and upper levels of your building, to soften noises from above. You can also consider wall and ceiling insulation upgrades, which can offer sound-proofing benefits.

Are you interested in improving the client or customer experience within your commercial building through strategic interior design and remodeling? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial general contractor services in Indianapolis Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services — Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Basic Carpet Care Guide for Commercial Properties

Posted on November 17, 2020 by bafcorp20

Carpeting is a common flooring preference for many commercial properties, from offices and medical facilities, to apartment buildings, hotels, daycare centers, and more. Whether wall to wall carpets, area rugs, or specialty carpeting, this type of flooring is a noteworthy investment, making routine maintenance and preventative care a vital part of your business or building’s priorities. Although many presume that carpeting is outdated or unsanitary, the truth is that with good care, commercial carpets can be attractive, functional, and hygienically satisfactory. Without proper care, you will eventually be forced to remove and replace your commercial flooring.

Continue reading to learn some recommended strategies for commercial carpet care, and who to call for commercial flooring general contractor services in Indianapolis, Indiana if your carpeting is beyond the point of return.

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Commercial Building Carpet Cleaning Advice

When it comes to maintaining anything within your commercial building or property, consistency is key. Routine maintenance means ongoing attention, caution, and care. Cleaning, scotch guarding, and professional carpet cleaning service are the main priorities that should top your commercial carpet care to-do list. Here’s are the areas to focus on when caring for your commercial carpeting:

✅ Scotch Guarding

Scotch guarding is one of the most important preventative maintenances for carpets. It is strongly recommended for new carpet purchases and installations. Scotch guarding is essentially a protective coating that is invisible on carpets, but provides a high level of protection. Carpets need this in order to prevent premature wear and tear, fading, dirty and dingy fibers, and more.

✅ Routine Vacuuming

Every minute of every day, new dander and dirt are collecting within the fibers of your commercial carpets. This accumulation eventually leads to an upheaval in allergy symptoms and sick days, as well as unsanitary working or living conditions. These resulting affects of dirty or contaminated carpeting can have an impact on employee and/or guest morale, satisfaction, and productivity. Not only does this have a negative impact on the success of your business, but it also adds up in renovation costs. By implementing regular and routine vacuuming as much as possible, you can avoid high accumulations of these contaminants and more. Furthermore, daily vacuuming greatly improves the look of carpets, which is beneficial to all facets of your business’s success and value.

✅ Shampoo and Sanitizing

Carpet shampooing sanitizes your commercial carpets by killing germs and bacteria, so carpets smell good, look bright, and feel soft to the touch. It is recommended to have your commercial carpets professionally shampooed and sanitized on an annual basis. For proprietors who own multi-resident commercial properties, it is wise to mandate that lessees and renters must have their unit’s carpets professionally cleaned every year. Although you could do this yourself, professionals have the resources, time, and training, so leave it to them for best results. Not only does carpet shampooing and sanitizing eliminate stains, dirt, allergens, and similar contaminants, it also prevents dingy and fading carpet color.

Are Your Commercial Carpets Old or Damaged?

If your commercial property’s carpeting is older than 10 years, or moderately damaged, it would be wise to replace it with new commercial flooring. Talk to an Indianapolis commercial general contractor about your commercial flooring options. If you are interested in an updated, modern look, consider vinyl, hardwood, tile, or laminate floors instead of carpet.

Trusted Commercial Flooring Contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial flooring services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed commercial general contracting teams have the quality assurance program that guarantees to meet your flooring installation needs, on time and within budget. Whether you are having commercial floors installed for a new business, or to revamp an existing one, we provide full-service, turnkey flooring installation for all commercial industries. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

The Advantages of Commercial Engineered Wood Floors

Posted on September 4, 2020 by bafcorp20

If you are in the market for commercial hardwood flooring, you may want to consider engineered wood as an option. It is a popular mid to top-level flooring choice among business owners for various reasons. To find out if engineered hardwood flooring is right for your business, it is best to review its advantages and disadvantages, and then determine which factors on each side carry the most weight with you.

Continue reading to evaluate the most notable advantages, and a few possible disadvantages, of engineered hardwood flooring so you can make your choice for your commercial property.

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Commercial Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is not entirely hardwood, but mostly a wood product made with bonded wood fibers and adhesive veneer panels. It is manufactured using recycled veneers and woods from several types of tree subspecies. Engineered wood flooring is constructed with layers of plywood, and then finished off with a top veneer layer of real hardwood. This top layer is stained and treated just as any hardwood floor would be. The layer beneath the top hardwood ply is called the structural support core board. And the layers beneath that are called backing layers, used for stability.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Floors

The best advantage to installing engineered hardwood floors is the price points. Because it does not require an abundant amount of real solid hardwood, it is much cheaper all around. For anyone remodeling or renovating on a budget, but still desires the look AND feel of hardwood floors, this is a great cost-effective alternative.

Additional Advantages Include:

☑ EASY INSTALLATION
☑ HIGHLY DURABLE & STRONG
☑ EXCELLENT STABILITY
☑ LONG LIFE SPAN
☑ LOW MAINTENANCE
☑ MOISTURE & CLIMATE-RESISTANT
☑ INFINITE DESIGNS & STYLES
☑ LESS PRONE TO WARPING & WATER DAMAGE

A Few Potential Downfalls of Engineered Wood to Consider

The major drawback to engineered hardwood flooring is probably the thin layer of real hardwood veneer. Because it is so thin, it is more vulnerable to grooves, dents, and other forms of wear. This means it will most likely need to be replaced because engineered wood cannot be redone over and over again like solid hardwood floors. This is especially true for areas of the office or property with heavy foot traffic or vehicular traffic (forklifts, golf carts, etc.).

Aside from vulnerable veneers, engineered wood floors are susceptible to shape distortion. Although they are highly durable, their shape can distort overtime, and can even warp or twist. This means it will require some repairs after a while. Because they are not the best fit for all commercial buildings, be sure to take the professional advice of an Indianapolis commercial general contractor.

Indianapolis Commercial Flooring Contractors

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial flooring repair and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you are having commercial floors installed for a new business, or to revamp an existing one, we provide full-service, turnkey flooring installation for all commercial industries, including offices, retail stores, dance studios, medical facilities, apartments, warehouses, and all other varieties. Our commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

The Value of Hybrid Flooring Systems for Commercial Real Estate

Posted on May 5, 2020 by bafcorp20

Beautiful flooring is typically an important element for most business owners. But beautiful floors should also be functional, which is why so many modern commercial real estate renovations and builds now incorporate hybrid flooring systems. Hybrid flooring systems, including terrazzo floor vitrification, are popular flooring options that well-suited for virtually all commercial buildings, complexes, and industries. Hybrid floors offer more than just a desirable and infinitely customizable aesthetic, they also deliver a wide range of benefits that are useful in achieving certain business objectives.

Continue reading to learn more about the valuable benefits of hybrid floor systems, including where to request a professional bid for commercial flooring service near you.

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Hybrid Flooring Systems

Hybrid floors are an innovative flooring option made from nonporous materials like resin and porcelain tile, or laminate and vinyl. The process of installing hybrid floors involves the integration of such materials pressed together in layers to produce an extremely hard, monolithic surface. Not only are such floors customizable, coming in a wide array of colors, textures, and designs, they are also very low maintenance and last for many years. Floor vitrification is another type of hybrid flooring technology that uses a different installation process than resin and tile, and laminate and vinyl.

Floor Vitrification

Floor vitrification is the process in which a chemical conversion is applied to a highly polished terrazzo floor or surface. Terrazzo floors are a type of flooring that contains chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other similar high-quality aggregate within a cement-based binder. The finished look is a bit groovy, with swirls and marble-like qualities that are simply stunning and 100% unique. Furthermore, the vitrification process creates a density upon the floor that protects it and maintains its aesthetic value. There are several benefits acquired using this type of process.

Whether inside or outside, hybrid flooring and floor vitrification can be a great option for almost any type of commercial property. Garages, plazas, lobbies, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, museums, hospitals, medical buildings, and much more are great candidates for this innovative flooring.

Here a list of the primary benefits offered by hybrid flooring systems and floor vitrification for your commercial property:

🠚 Can Save Over 50% in Maintenance Costs!
🠚 Lighter Brighter Finish
🠚 Permanent Glossy Appearance
🠚 Chemical Resistant
🠚 Anti-Fungal & Anti-Bacterial
🠚 Slip-Resistant
🠚 Dirt-Free Grout Lines
🠚 Virtually Maintenance-Free
🠚 Minimal Absorption Rate
🠚 Lowest Cost of Ownership

Don’t Miss Out on Innovative Commercial Floor Options

Many business owners and commercial proprietors are not familiar with hybrid flooring systems when it comes time to choose materials for their floor renovation or new construction build. This causes them to miss out on all the wonderful and cost-effective benefits they have to offer. Talk to a local Indianapolis commercial construction contractor about your commercial flooring needs if you want to learn which options will best meet your overall business objectives.

Licensed Indianapolis Commercial Flooring Contractors

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial flooring services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you are having commercial floors installed for a new business, or to revamp an existing one, we provide full-service, turnkey flooring installation for all commercial industries, including offices, retail stores, dance studios, medical facilities, apartments, warehouses, and all other varieties. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.