What is the Best Flooring for Commercial Kitchens?

Types of Kitchen Flooring Tiles

When it comes to kitchen flooring, the first thing you must always ask yourself – will it be easy to work upon? Well, if it’s a commercial floor, people will have to be on it for quite a lot of time, right? So, if it’s too slippery or uneven, it might not be good for their health. 

But, which option should you choose?

Truth be told, kitchen flooring tiles come in various materials, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Therefore, the choice of kitchen flooring tile depends on factors like budget, durability, style preferences, and maintenance requirements.

Considering everything else, here are some of the options that you may choose from: 

1. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and other natural materials, and they are kiln-fired to create a durable and water-resistant surface. They come in various designs, patterns, and colors, making them a versatile option for kitchen floors. 

These tiles are also relatively affordable and easy to clean, but they might crack if a heavy object is dropped on them. So, you may have to work carefully on it.

Pros:

• Wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns to choose from.
• Relatively affordable compared to some other options.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Resistant to stains and water, especially with a glaze.
• Durable and can withstand moderate foot traffic.

Cons:

• Susceptible to cracking if heavy objects are dropped on them.
• Cold and hard underfoot, may require area rugs or mats for comfort.
• Grout lines can be challenging to clean and may require regular maintenance.

2. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles. However, they are also denser and less porous, making them even more water-resistant and durable. They are an excellent choice for kitchen floors as they can handle heavy foot traffic and are resistant to stains. 

Porcelain tiles can also mimic the look of natural stone or wood. So, if you are going for an aesthetic touch, they may be a decent choice for you.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and resistant to wear, scratches, and stains.
• Less porous than ceramic tiles, making them highly water-resistant.
• Available in various designs, including ones that mimic natural stone or wood.
• Low maintenance and easy to clean.

Cons:

• More expensive than ceramic tiles.
• Hard and cold surfaces may not be comfortable for extended standing periods.
• Difficult to cut and install, requiring professional installation for best results.

3. Natural Stone Tiles

Popular options include marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone. Natural stone tiles offer a unique and elegant look to the kitchen, and their durability varies depending on the type of stone. But, talking from a general viewpoint, these tiles are quite long-lasting.

The only downside of them is that they require regular sealing to maintain their appearance and protect them from stains and moisture.

Pros:

• Unique and natural appearance, each piece has its own individual characteristics.
• Durable and long-lasting if properly maintained.
• Can add value to your home due to their premium appearance.
• Some stones, like granite and slate, are highly resistant to water and stains.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other tile options.
• Requires regular sealing to protect against stains and moisture.
• Some stones, like marble, are prone to scratching and require extra care.
• Heavy and difficult to install, may need extra subfloor support.

4. Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are a cost-effective and versatile option for commercial kitchen flooring. They are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and patterns, including options that mimic the appearance of natural stone or wood. 

Vinyl tiles are easy to install, comfortable underfoot, and resistant to water and stains. But, I would say that their durability level can be a little dicey.

Pros:

• Affordable and budget-friendly option.
• Wide range of designs and patterns, including options that mimic natural materials.
• Comfortable underfoot and provides some cushioning.
• Easy to install and maintain.

Cons:

• Not as durable as other options, may show signs of wear over time.
• Prone to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) depending on the type of vinyl used.

5. Laminate Tiles

Laminate flooring offers an affordable alternative to hardwood or stone tiles. They consist of layers of synthetic materials fused together, topped with a photographic layer that can mimic various patterns and textures. 

Laminate tiles are relatively easy to install. but they may not be as durable as other options, especially in areas with high moisture. Also, they get a bit too slippery sometimes.

Pros:

• More affordable than natural wood or stone tiles.
• Available in various designs and styles, including realistic wood or stone textures.
• Easy to install and can be installed as a DIY project.
• Resistant to fading from UV light exposure.

Cons:

• Less durable than natural wood or stone, prone to scratches and chipping.
• Not suitable for areas with high moisture, as water can damage the material.
• May produce a hollow sound when walked upon.
• Difficult to repair if damaged, often requires replacement of the affected area.

6. Cork Tiles

Cork tiles are made from the bark of cork oak trees. They are eco-friendly, comfortable to stand on, and provide some natural cushioning. Cork tiles are resistant to water to some extent, but they require periodic sealing to protect them from spills and moisture.

Also, these tiles tend to get damaged pretty quickly, if it’s going through rough usage. Thus if you end up choosing it, you have to maintain and manage it properly. 

Pros:

• Eco-friendly and renewable material.
• Comfortable underfoot with natural cushioning.
• Resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria.
• Naturally hypoallergenic and anti-static.

Cons:

• Requires regular sealing to prevent water damage.
• Susceptible to scratches and dents.
• Not suitable for areas with high moisture.

7. Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum is a natural product made from linseed oil, resins, wood flour, and other renewable materials. It’s available in various colors and patterns and is primarily known and popular for its durability and easy maintenance. 

Linoleum is water-resistant but should be sealed to prevent staining. Moreover, it does not offer too much durability as well. So, that’s another thing of concern. 

Pros:

• Made from natural and renewable materials, making them eco-friendly.
• Resistant to water and stains when properly sealed.
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Relatively affordable compared to some other options.

Cons:

• Susceptible to scratches and scuffs.
• Requires periodic maintenance and sealing to prolong lifespan.
• May fade over time when exposed to sunlight.
• Prone to indentation and can be damaged by sharp objects.

Note: As said before, prior to selecting a kitchen flooring tile, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle, budget, maintenance preferences, and the level of foot traffic in your kitchen to choose the most suitable option for your needs.