When shopping for flooring, you would likely consider its implications before you commit. The decision-making process is even more weighty if you’re running a commercial kitchen. This environment demands a robust floor type that can withstand the rigors of commercial space, from high traffic to spills.
What is the best floor for a commercial kitchen? Explore what you need to know to select the perfect commercial-grade flooring for your restaurant.
What Is Commercial-Grade Kitchen Flooring?
Commercial-grade flooring refers to the types of materials designed to withstand the demands of commercial areas, which typically involve high foot traffic, spills, stains and weight from heavy equipment. Compared to residential flooring solutions, commercial kitchen floors are tougher, more durable and suitable for the busy atmosphere of the food industry.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health’s administrative rules for retail food establishments, flooring materials should be smooth, nonabsorbent, durable, grease-resistant and easy to clean. While you can use different flooring materials based on the needs of your establishment, they must follow manufacturer specifications.
These guidelines underscore the importance of choosing proper flooring materials for food establishments like restaurants. Considering the need for a durable material that doesn’t absorb moisture and can resist grease, commercial-grade flooring is the most practical solution.
How to Choose Commercial-Grade Flooring
The best floor materials for commercial kitchens possess qualities that make them ideal for that environment. Look for these features when choosing kitchen floor materials for your restaurant:
- Antimicrobial: Floors that act as safe spaces for bacteria to thrive are hazardous in food preparation areas. Antimicrobial flooring materials have qualities that discourage the buildup of dirt and germs. These floors accommodate thorough cleaning to ensure no areas harbor microorganisms.
- Durability: Besides bustling with long hours of foot traffic, commercial kitchens are also exposed to damaging conditions like constant spillage, scratches, heavy bumps and thermal shock. Additionally, regular cleaning uses strong chemicals to protect against microorganisms. For these reasons, select durable flooring materials that can withstand daily wear and maintain longevity.
- Slip resistance: Safety should be a top priority when selecting floors for commercial kitchens. As a work area with high foot traffic, a commercial kitchen increases the risk of slipping due to moisture and greasing from oil spills. Anti-slip flooring lowers the risk of serious injuries.
- Strong moisture barrier: Commercial kitchens are exposed to increased levels of moisture and spillage. They also need to be mopped regularly. Consider a flooring material with a high resistance to water damage due to a strong moisture barrier. When shopping for materials, look for the nonabsorbent feature.
- Easy to maintain: Hygiene in a commercial kitchen is crucial, and it demands a floor that is easy to clean and maintain. These floors have features like stain and water resistance, allowing regular cleaning and scrubbing using basic products. Additionally, consider ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure long-term cost-efficiency.
Types of Flooring for Commercial Kitchens
Various types of commercial kitchen flooring are available, appealing to buyers for different reasons, such as aesthetics and affordability. Here is an overview of the different options on the market.
Ceramic Tile
Tiles are timeless flooring materials that have been a reliable option for decades due to their durability and resilience. However, tiles are more suitable for residential flooring because they lack the qualities to withstand the demands of a commercial establishment. Since ceramic tiles are even weaker than porcelain ones, they may not fare well in a commercial kitchen. They are also slippery when wet, which can be a serious hazard in a kitchen.
Generally, tiles are easy to clean and are present in many kitchens. But they are porous unless you opt for glazed ceramic or porcelain, which will perform until the grout lines weaken. Weak grout lines let water seep under the tiles and accumulate dirt and bacteria. Tiles will also crack due to foot traffic and equipment weight in commercial kitchens. As such, periodic replacement and regrouting to manage moisture retention, odors and general wear and tear are common with tiles.
Epoxy
Epoxy resin is one of the most preferred coating materials in the flooring industry, contributing to the renewed popularity of concrete floors. While epoxy is strong and can take on heavy use, it’s a temporary solution. Cracks and chipping are common, which is not desirable in a commercial kitchen where the floor is exposed to spills, chemicals and heavy objects. Epoxy floors are also not slip-resistant, which can lead to hazardous working conditions in the case of spills.
Another consideration is that epoxy flooring systems in Minnesota need approval from the regulatory authority to ensure adherence to specific guidelines.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular and luxurious flooring option, but it’s not common in commercial kitchens because it requires high maintenance and special care to provide long-term value. Vinyl’s maintenance requirements include wiping spills immediately and preventing sand, dust and grit, as they can cause damage. Spills also lead to an increased likelihood of falls, since vinyl floors are slippery when wet.
As resilient as the material can be, these levels of care are not practical in an environment where spills occur frequently and dirt builds up due to heavy foot traffic. In addition, Minnesota prohibits vinyl in kitchens, food preparation, deli and dishwashing areas unless it meets NSF Standard 52 or is recommended for use in these areas by the manufacturer.
Polyurea
Polyurea stands out as one of the best floors for commercial kitchens. As a coating material rather than a floor type, polyurea works with concrete to provide a robust, long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for residential and commercial spaces. Polyurea concrete coatings are considered a more reliable alternative to epoxy. They offer several critical advantages, making them one of the most effective commercial kitchen flooring options. These qualities include:
- Durability: Polyurea provides superior resistance to chipping, abrasion, moisture and chemical spills.
- Elasticity: Polyurea’s high elasticity accommodates floor expansions and contractions caused by temperature extremes, preventing cracking.
- Slip resistance: The final coat comes with anti-slip aggregate that provides friction, reducing the risk of slipping.
- UV resistance: Polyurea has excellent UV stability, allowing it to withstand sun exposure.
- Antimicrobial: Polyurea coatings can effectively combat bacterial growth and contaminants on the floor surface, which is critical in food preparation areas.
Commercial Kitchen Flooring FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about commercial kitchen flooring:
What Type of Flooring Is Best for a Commercial Kitchen?
There are multiple flooring options with diverse qualities, which means the best flooring material for you depends on your unique needs. However, if you consider the capacity to withstand the demands of commercial kitchens, polyurea has an edge over other materials.
How Much Does Commercial-Grade Kitchen Flooring Cost?
The cost of commercial flooring depends on the material. However, the typical range is $2 to $10 per square foot and rarely exceeds $20 per square foot.
How Much Does Polyurea Flooring Cost?
Polyurea flooring costs depend on various factors, such as floor size, condition and coating system. For a full estimate of polyurea flooring for commercial kitchens, it’s best to request a quote from a reliable provider.
Contact BlackHawk Garage Door for All Your Flooring Needs
Commercial floors demand superior performance to meet the conditions of the trade and adhere to regulatory compliance. Qualities such as durability, slip resistance, moisture resistance and easy maintenance must be a priority. Selecting the right flooring material can be tedious, but with the help of experts, it can be smooth and quick.
At BlackHawk Garage Door, we provide residential and commercial ployurea flooring solutions for customers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Contact us today to learn about our polyurea flooring!