Tips for Selecting the Best Flooring for a Commercial Kitchen

All businesses need a floor that they can rely on. It should be tough, durable, low maintenance, and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. In a commercial kitchen, these attributes are more important than ever. The health of both customers and employees often depend on them. The question is, what type of flooring is best for a restaurant kitchen?

Well, the good news is that there’s plenty of variety on offer. When shopping for commercial flooring in Ipswich, the first thing you should do is identify your needs. In a kitchen, safety is paramount. Any floor that you choose should be slip resistant, easy to clean, and kind on the feet. Chefs, porters, and servers walk long distances while in the kitchen, so the flooring needs to be springy enough to support them.

These handy hints and tips for selecting the perfect kitchen floor will help you make the right choice for your business.

Is Your Kitchen Open or Closed?

It has become quite common for kitchens to be open plan and exposed to diners. It can foster a greater sense of intimacy and it is a good way to show off the skills of chefs. If this is the case, your choice of flooring will need to be aesthetically pleasing as well as super durable. You can get away with having a very plain floor in a closed kitchen, but visible materials need to be carefully considered.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of commercial flooring in Ipswich to choose from. Vinyl, for instance, comes in a huge range of colours and designs. It is tough, hard wearing, and provides a flexible surface without being too soft. It is also highly affordable and when cared for correctly, will last many years. It is a common sight in busy kitchens for all of these reasons. For an even swankier look, opt for coloured ceramic tiles.

How Big Is Your Budget?

This is the factor that will determine how you shop and what type of materials you look for. Generally, the best option for tight budgets is to prioritise on durability. At least that way, you know you’re getting a floor that won’t need replacing again in a few years. Laminate is another cost efficient choice, as it can be manufactured quite cheaply. Despite this, it is strong and stands up well under pressure.

The only major downside to laminate is that the cheaper varieties can produce a poor quality join. If liquids, particularly water, seep into the cracks, there is the potential for damage. In a kitchen, spills are a normal part of life, so it is worth considering this. If you do opt for laminate, choose a highly quality product and have it fitted by a professional installer. The same rules apply to any kind of hardwood flooring.

Is Your Kitchen Floor Safe?

It is very important that you match your choice of flooring to the intended surface. In fact, this is particularly vital for kitchens with uneven floors. It is possible to lay things like vinyl and ceramic over the top, but a small amount of preparatory work is usually required. It is worth the extra effort, though, as it results in a surface that is even, safe, and easy to walk on.

Where possible, stick with slip resistant materials. Heavy duty rubber is a good example and it is a commonly used commercial flooring in Ipswich. It doesn’t have the same polish or shine as ceramic, but it is very safe. High-quality rubber is an eco-friendly material. If you are trying to reduce the carbon footprint of your kitchen, it could be the right choice.