If you own a bar or restaurant, then you know how important the right flooring is. From easy maintenance to longevity, it’s an investment that is crucial to your profits. Flooring for the “Front Of House” is just as crucial as flooring for “Back of House”. Here is a guide to the best types of commercial restaurant flooring or bar flooring so you can make an informed decision.
Selecting the best flooring for a café involves balancing aesthetics, durability, maintenance, comfort, and safety. Cafés typically experience high foot traffic, potential spills, and the need to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here are some of the best flooring options for cafés:
1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
- Durability: LVT is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, resistant to spills, stains, and scratches.
- Design: Available in a wide range of designs, including wood, stone, and tile looks, allowing for flexibility in creating a specific ambiance.
- Comfort: Softer underfoot compared to real wood or tile, making it more comfortable for staff and customers.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant, making it ideal for areas prone to spills.
2. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
- Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to wear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean and highly resistant to stains and water, though grout lines may require occasional deep cleaning.
- Design: Available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for creative and stylish designs that can match any décor.
- Water Resistance: Highly water-resistant, making it suitable for areas where spills are common.
- Safety: Choose tiles with a slip-resistant finish to ensure safety.
3. Polished Concrete
- Durability: Very durable and can handle heavy foot traffic without showing wear.
- Maintenance: Low maintenance, requiring regular cleaning and occasional re-polishing.
- Design: Offers a modern, industrial aesthetic; can be stained or colored to enhance the décor.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant and easy to clean, though it can be slippery when wet unless treated.
- Cost: Cost-effective, especially for large spaces.
4. Engineered Hardwood
- Durability: More stable than solid hardwood and less prone to warping from moisture or temperature changes.
- Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and may need refinishing over time, but it’s easier to maintain than solid wood.
- Design: Provides the classic, warm aesthetic of hardwood, which is appealing in café settings.
- Comfort: More comfortable underfoot compared to tile or concrete.
- Water Resistance: Not fully water-resistant but can handle minor spills if cleaned promptly.
5. Epoxy Flooring
- Durability: Highly durable and resistant to chemicals, stains, and heavy foot traffic.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean, with spills and stains easily wiped away.
- Design: Can be customized with various colors and patterns, even incorporating the café’s logo or branding.
- Water Resistance: Highly water-resistant, making it suitable for areas prone to spills.
- Safety: Can be made slip-resistant with the addition of textured finishes.
6. Rubber Flooring
- Durability: Extremely durable and resilient, suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
- Comfort: Offers excellent cushioning, making it comfortable for standing, which is beneficial for staff.
- Safety: Naturally slip-resistant and provides good traction, reducing the risk of falls.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant, making it suitable for wet areas.
7. Cork Flooring
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly, made from renewable resources.
- Comfort: Soft underfoot and provides good cushioning, making it comfortable for long periods of standing.
- Acoustics: Naturally sound-absorbing, reducing noise levels, which is important in a bustling café environment.
- Maintenance: Requires regular sealing and careful maintenance to protect against spills and scratches.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant when properly sealed, though not as robust as other options for areas with heavy spill risks.
Key Considerations
- High-Traffic Durability: Choose flooring that can handle high foot traffic without showing wear, such as LVT, tile, or polished concrete.
- Ease of Cleaning: Cafés require flooring that can be easily cleaned to maintain hygiene, especially in food and beverage areas.
- Comfort: Consider the comfort of staff who stand for long periods, as well as the overall ambiance for customers.
- Safety: Slip resistance is crucial, particularly in areas where spills may occur.
- Aesthetics: The flooring should complement the café’s overall design and atmosphere, whether it’s modern, rustic, or cozy.
By considering these factors, you can select the flooring that best suits the specific needs and style of your café.
Contact Us
Make contact today to discuss your requirements and to get a quote today.
email: tommy@mlfflooring.ie
phone: (086) 032 1501