Do you have an industrial kitchen? If so, choosing the right flooring can be a tough decision. Industrial kitchens are prone to spills and wear and tear, yet they must simultaneously look stylish and professional.
With all these factors and so many options, it’s no wonder that kitchen owners feel overwhelmed! How will you choose the perfect type of flooring for your unique industrial kitchen setup? Fear not – we’ve researched and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you sort through the details.
Keep reading for more information about some of the best options for industrial kitchen flooring around.
Types of Industrial Kitchen Flooring
When it comes to industrial kitchen flooring, there are several options available. Depending on your facility’s needs, you may choose tile, epoxy flooring, and more.
Tile
Tile is used for industrial kitchen flooring due to its durability and affordability. Quarry tile, the most common type used in commercial and industrial kitchen floors, is an unglazed clay tile made from clay and sediments fired at high temperatures.
Its naturally slip-resistant texture makes it ideal for industrial use, and its limited range of colors from reddish-brown to tan to gray. Unlike other types of flooring, such as linoleum or carpet, quarry tile does not absorb liquids or odors, making it easy to clean and maintain.
The tiles can be sealed with grout, enhancing their stain resistance and making them easier to clean. The hardy nature of quarry tile makes it the perfect choice for busy industrial kitchens, where spills and other messes are common.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a popular choice for industrial kitchen flooring. Its distinctive look adds an attractive, high-end feel to any space, while its durability and strength make it ideal for commercial kitchens where food is prepared daily.
Despite these remarkable qualities, natural stone can be expensive and requires significant maintenance to keep it looking good. Due to the porous nature of stone tiles, they must be regularly treated with sealant to prevent staining and water damage.
Additionally, when choosing the right kind of tile for an industrial kitchen setting, safety must also be considered. The tile should have enough slip-resistance that it does not become dangerously slippery when wet but, at the same time, should not have too much texture that it becomes difficult to clean.
Vinyl
Vinyl is excellent for industrial kitchen floors because it is highly resilient and thin, taking on the physical properties of the subfloor it’s laid on. If installed over something hard like concrete, you get a hygienic, easy-to-clean floor that is moderately durable and resistant to damage.
An underlayment layer can be added beneath the vinyl to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. This gives your industrial kitchen floor extra cushioning and insulation from sound, helping to make it a more comfortable work environment.
With proper care, vinyl floors can also stand up well in high-traffic areas without cracking or breaking down easily. For these reasons, vinyl makes an excellent choice for industrial kitchen flooring.
Concrete
Poured concrete can be finished with various textures, colors, and inlays that fit different restaurant styles. With the right sealant and regular maintenance, concrete will look good for years and can resist heat and most impacts.
However, it is porous, so it should be sealed periodically to prevent stains from food spills or oils. Concrete flooring provides an attractive option that will last in any industrial kitchen setting.
Epoxy
When it comes to industrial kitchen floors, epoxy flooring is an excellent option. Made with a combination of the following:
- Epoxy resins
- Colorants
- Additives
Epoxy flooring offers a seamless and highly sanitary surface that can be sealed for maximum durability. Marble chips are often added to the mix for texture and slip resistance.
Additionally, due to its ability to be applied as a liquid before hardening, epoxy flooring can easily cover old floors and renovate them. Moreover, the coating can even be extended several inches up the walls of your industrial kitchen to create a coved base that will help deflect water away from the corners and simplify cleaning.
What should you look into when choosing materials for industrial kitchen flooring?
When choosing materials for industrial kitchen flooring, it is essential to consider a few factors, including:
- Durability and safety are two of the most considerations. You’ll want to ensure that your floors can withstand regular use and abuse without showing signs of wear or becoming slippery when wet. Additionally, selecting a material with non-slip properties is crucial so your staff remains safe while working in the kitchen.
- Pay attention to how easy the material is to clean and maintain since spills are inevitable in any commercial kitchen setting. Look for materials that won’t absorb liquid or be easily stained by food products and require minimal cleaning effort. Selecting low-maintenance options will save you time and money in the long run.
- Cost is another factor to consider when selecting industrial kitchen flooring materials. Quality sometimes comes cheap, so it’s wise to compare different options and balance cost and quality. After all, you don’t want to replace your floors every few months due to poor quality or excessive wear and tear.
- Aesthetics should also be considered when choosing material for industrial kitchen flooring. While this isn’t as crucial as durability or safety, having an attractive space will make customers more likely to return and recommend your establishment. Choose colors that match the overall decor of the restaurant while keeping in mind that lighter colors may show dirt more.
The best solutions for all your industrial kitchen flooring needs
It is crucial to consider the proper industrial kitchen flooring for any environment. That’s why McLean Company gives you access to the highest quality and most reliable commercial and industrial flooring services necessary for your facility.
From epoxy and urethane floors to coating removal services and more, we will transform worn-out or damaged surfaces, update the look of your facility, or find just the right flooring solution so you don’t have to worry about safety impacts or any other damage. Contact us today if you’re looking for exceptional service and a long-term so