If you are replacing your floors as part of your indoor maintenance plan, there is some key information you need to know before you start. Initial costs matter, of course, but so do long-term costs like labour and supplies to keep those floors looking their best.

It’s not just about budget, though. Studies show that 90 per cent of dirt in a building is tracked in and distributed on the floor, so choosing the right option will help optimize cleaning processes through your entire building.

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Your floors help give visitors and staff a first impression of your building, so choosing a material that will last through the long haul will lower your costs and improve your company’s image.

Here are some of the important factors to consider when choosing your flooring:

• Consider the intended use of the space and the end result you desire. For example, you may need soft acoustics in a shared building, infection control for a healthcare facility, or safety for heavy traffic in a school. These will need to factor into your decision-making.
• Wear and tear You want something that is going to go the distance, so if you have high traffic areas, you may need something durable like vinyl or carpet tiles that are easy to clean and can have a longer lifespan.
• Think about your floor as a system, rather than simply as a product. Consider adhesive, subfloor, and finish as you make your decision.
• Look at sustainability and whether you can include green products and practices in your installation to help lower your business’ carbon footprint. Also consider recycling and disposal of the materials you’re choosing as you look towards your future sustainability goals.
• The method of installation and the length of time it takes is also important because it can disrupt your business. Work on choosing something that can be installed during your down time or will not impact your business more than necessary.

Replacing your flooring can be costly so you want to get it right the first time by choosing something that suits your budget, your space, and the impression you want to leave on visitors and staff.