7 Types of Industrial Flooring Materials | Pros and Cons of Types of Industrial Flooring Materials

Types of Industrial Flooring Materials |Benefits of Industrial Flooring | Tips To Hiring an Industrial Flooring Contractor

What is Industrial Flooring?

Industrial Flooring typically refers to any floor finished with materials that are designed for use in a production or manufacturing setting. It refers to the flooring surface and not the material that finishes the floor (substrate), which may be a durable, high-traffic commercial or institutional grade material.

Industrial flooring is typically used in areas like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. The flooring should be able to withstand impacts, resist abrasion, maintain the appearance, and maintain color under extreme conditions.

Industrial flooring is critical to the functionality of your building. For many businesses, an industrial floor is the first impression your customers get when they walk in.

It also provides good slip resistance so that people can work with less of a safety risk.

Factory flooring performs well in moist or wet environments and usually withstands getting good time too.

You can choose a variety of different textures and colors to make your space feel more welcoming and personalized.  Choose the best industrial flooring for your business needs.

Tips To Hiring an Industrial Flooring Contractor

Hiring a commercial contractor to install new industrial flooring in your company is a wise investment.

If you are in the wholesale industry, you will want to make sure the flooring is durable enough to handle the thousands of heavy boxes your employees will be carrying as they stock the product on and off the shelves.

It is also important that you choose flooring with a warranty, so that you know that you will be able to replace it if it gets damaged.

When it comes time for you to upgrade your industrial flooring, it’s important that you hire an industrial contractor with experience in installing this type of flooring.

Ideally, you want to find one that offers an installation warranty, so that you know they stand behind their work.

Ask a lot of questions so you feel 100% confident in the company you choose to hire.

It’s also important that you take a look at their portfolio before you decide if they are the right company for the job.

An industrial contractor can help you upgrade your facility with new flooring that will help your business operate more efficiently and more safely!

What are the Benefits of Industrial Flooring?

The benefits of industrial flooring include the following:

1. Slip-resistant – It’s critical that your flooring is slip resistant so that your customers and employees can be safe as they move around in the space.

Industrial flooring is designed to have a slip resistant finish.

This is ideal whether you are trying to keep your customers safe or your employees from injuring themselves on the job.

2. Durability – Industrial flooring is designed to withstand the wear and tear of heavy-use areas.

It can handle a lot of foot traffic over time and still look good!

3. Impact Resistance – When you’re talking about industrial flooring, you are talking about floors that people will probably be dropping things on if they aren’t careful.

Industrial floors will resist the impact of things like dropping tools, boxes, and other materials on them.

4. Temperature Resistance – Industrial flooring is designed to withstand changes in temperature.

While it may seem counterintuitive, industrial floors are often installed in warmer climates with higher humidity levels.

5. Ease of Cleaning – Industrial floors can be easily cleaned so that the space doesn’t need to close down when you need it for something else.

Industrial floors don’t have a lot of fine textures so they’re easy to clean.

6. Available in a Variety of Colors – Industrial flooring is available in a variety of colors and finishes to match your design goals and the needs of your business.

Different Types of Industrial Flooring Materials

Industrial flooring materials that have been made special for industrial use are called “industrial flooring products” or simply “industrial flooring.”

These are manufactured specifically for high-traffic areas and tend to be more durable than standard flooring, especially those used in warehouses. They include;

1. Epoxy Industrial Flooring

Epoxy floors are one of the most popular picks for many industries. Epoxy can be applied on any existing flooring, including concrete, tile, and more.

Epoxy is resin-based and easy to maintain, which makes it a perfect fit for warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

With fast curing time, your company downtime is minimal. Furthermore, epoxy flooring is customizable for your specific needs—including an anti-microbial coating to meet the sanitation requirements for your food production or healthcare facility.

Advantages of industrial epoxy floor include;

1. Epoxy floors are completely seamless.
2. They require less maintenance than other types of flooring.
3. Epoxy is easy to clean and sanitize – it meets the highest standards for food safety requirements and can be cleaned easily with a standard mop and bucket.
4. They are durable and strong, which adds value to your facility.

Drawbacks of industrial epoxy floors include;

1. It’s expensive
2. Installation is difficult
3. Can be custom-mixed, which can add additional costs and time.
4. Depending on the size of your facility and the thickness of the floors being installed, they can be difficult to work with.
5. They require more effort to install than other hardwood flooring materials; you will need various tools like floating cutters, edgers, and truck rolls just to name a few.

2. Industrial Concrete Flooring

A typical concrete floor can be polished or have industrial coatings placed directly to it. The impact of polishing is that it seals and protects the surface.

Advantages of industrial concrete floor include;

1. Concrete is extremely long and durable. It might last a lifetime if properly sealed and maintained on a regular basis. Nonetheless, it is critical to keep an eye on the floor for cracks and other problems. Untreated concrete floors might suffer from moisture intrusion and salt damage.
2. Concrete has long been recognized for its low maintenance requirements. Surface pollutants such as oil and dirt can be simply wiped away. In harmful chemicals environments, the proper drainage system combined with a concrete floor can considerably improve workplace safety.
3. Although concrete is not typically chosen for its aesthetic appeal, it can be easily painted or stained.
4. It is also compatible with a wide range of specialty coatings, including waterproofing and antibacterial coatings.
5. Because many commercial and industrial properties already have a concrete subfloor, installing a complete concrete system is less environmentally harmful. Other flooring can be removed, and the existing concrete slab can be upgraded with sealant and other coatings.

One of the most significant disadvantages of concrete is its porous nature, which can lead to efflorescence and dusting, both of which can be remedied by polishing.

3. Industrial Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is used as a base for the installation of other elements of commercial and industrial design, including carpet, laminate, and tile.

Vinyl Flooring is a fast-curing polymer that can be painted or laminated to create a more beautiful floor. It is resistant to scratches, scuffs, and most chemicals.

It can also be installed over concrete floors without any form of sealing applied.

Advantages of industrial vinyl floor include;

1. It is easy to maintain and clean.
2. It has a long-life span. You might not have to change it for years depending on how much traffic your facility gets.
3. Most styles are available in a variety of colors, making it easy to create the exact look you want.
4. Industrial vinyl flooring is inexpensive—flooring installation costs less than $5 per square foot.
5. They can be installed by almost anybody.

4. Industrial Wooden Flooring

Wooden flooring is one of the most popular and sought-after options for many industries.

An ordinary wooden floor can be applied on any existing flooring, including concrete, tile, and more. Wood floors are durable and moisture resistant.

Wooden floors should be regularly maintained to ensure they last a long time.

Although wood floors are not non-porous, the natural elements cannot be permanently embedded in them.

Typically, the floor will be unable to absorb moisture or chemicals. In that case, a substance like acrylic or epoxy can be applied to the surface to make sure it performs properly and lasts in harsh environments.

Advantages of industrial wooden floor include;

1. It is affordable and it requires less maintenance
2. It can be sanded, varnished, dusted or waxed and kept in good condition. However, it is not a miracle flooring material as it wears out if you do something to it such as cutting it or burning marks on it.
3. You can get more colours and textures of wood floors that you like than any other type of flooring.

Drawbacks of industrial wooden floor include;

1. Wood is susceptible to stain and water damage if not sealed properly.
2. It might continue to absorb noxious substances from the environment so regular maintenance is essential in order to avoid routine damage to the flooring and underlying structure of your building.
3. The cost of maintenance is usually higher than traditional floors.
4. It may be impossible to get rid of permanent unwanted stains and odors that penetrate the surface of the wood floor.
5. Wood is susceptible to warping and rotting because it’s not a non-porous material, so regular maintenance will ensure that your wooden flooring has maximum life span.

5. Industrial Polyurethane Floors

Polyurethane is a combination of urea and polyols mixed with plasticizers, stabilizers, and other chemicals.

Polyurethane is used in commercial and industrial settings for its ease of installation, resistance to water damage, and ease of maintenance.

Polyurethane has gained popularity because it has better physical properties than many other flooring options.

Polyurethane can be sprayed or poured over almost any surface. It is also resistant to many chemicals that can ruin other flooring materials.

Polyurethane is the perfect material for high traffic areas or potentially dangerous conditions.

Advantages of industrial polyurethane flooring include;

1. It has a long lifespan.
2. Polyurethane flooring can be created in any color.
3. Heavily trafficked areas also benefit from the low maintenance requirements of polyurethane flooring.
4. Polyurethane is available in both seamless and welded sheets, which can be installed by almost anyone.
5. It is an excellent choice for areas where service and product janitorial crews are restricted from.
6. Polyurethane floors can be installed on concrete, cement, and ceramic tile.

Drawback of industrial polyurethane flooring include;

1. It has been reported to be more difficult to maintain than other flooring options.
2. It is a heavy material and with time it will become stained by organic materials, but it will not absorb water as some other materials can.

6. Industrial Rubber Floors

Rubber is considered as a flooring material because of its long service life and its resistance to chemicals.

It is an excellent choice for areas where product janitorial staff must be present on a regular basis.

Rubber can be applied to just about any type of surface and can be installed easily by almost anyone.

It has minimal maintenance requirements, which means it will last for generations without deterioration.

Advantages of industrial rubber floor include;

1. Rubber is a non-porous material which means that it can’t absorb any fluids or chemicals.
2. It can be created in any color and texture.

Drawbacks of industrial rubber floor include;

1. It requires a good amount of money for its installation and maintenance.
2. Rubber flooring is usually more expensive than hardwood floors or linoleum, making it the most expensive type of commercial flooring available.
3. The biggest drawback of rubber flooring is that it can be damaged easily by heat and chemicals.
4. The installation of rubber floors requires additional training, special equipment, and highly skilled technicians.

7. Decorative Asphalt

Asphalt is a mixture of sand, cement and asphalt binding materials like polyurethane that make it waterproof and durable. It is used in commercial buildings for its ease of installation and low cost compared to other flooring materials around the world.

Asphalt is considered a perfect alternative to concrete and cement.

It can be poured throughout the floor and will be set immediately without the need for additional curing time.

Asphalt is made to look like hardwood, stone, tile, marble floors and other traditional types of flooring that are expensive to install.

It is also resistant to chemicals and substances that could ruin other types of flooring materials.

Advantages of decorative asphalt include;

1. It is very water-resistant and durable.
2. It is a low-cost material compared to other flooring options.

Drawbacks of decorative asphalt include;

1. It does not absorb moisture, which means it will require cleaning more often than other materials.
2. It is expensive, but still an inexpensive option compared to some other flooring products that are available in the market these days.