Research Outline

Office Buildings:Commonly Used Floor Finishing

Goals

Obtain insights or statistics on floor finishes with regard to the types of vinyl, types of tile, and some of the most common fabrics that are being used in office buildings. The information will be used to determine the types of cleaning products that should be used in each of these finishes.

Early Findings

Office Buildings:Commonly Used Floor Finishing

Vinyl

  • Vinyl is considered to be one of the most chosen types of floor covering for commercial establishments.
  • Offices and other types of commercial facilities opt for vinyl as this material make their floors look spotless and well-maintained for a long time.
  • The material is also durable as it is known to keep its original beauty even in areas where there is heavy foot traffic.
  • Due to this quality, choosing this material for a flooring finish is considered to be a worthwhile investment.
  • Vinyl is also a tough material that can ward off damage from scratching and scraping actions.
  • Vinyls with a "0.03mm (12 mil) or 0.5mm (20 mil) wear layer" are suitable for commercial use and can increase the durability of the floors.
  • Rigid core vinyls are also recommended on account of their durability and aesthetic quality.
  • This type of vinyl is an SPC or WPC that contains an engineered layer to make it more stable, more comfortable, and more dent-resistant.
  • It is also completely waterproof and is more durable than a regular luxury vinyl.

Tiles

  • Office buildings in the U.S. typically use ceramic tiles on their flooring.
  • This type of tile is available in two variants, glazed and unglazed.
  • Ceramic tiles are produced by heating molded clay.
  • After heating, the glaze is added to add color to the tile. This process enables the production of colorful tiles.

Carpets

  • Carpets or carpet tiles are also used in office building flooring as these materials provide insulation from noise.
  • It is also a flexible option as each tile can be individually neatly and quietly taken out for replacement easily.
  • Carpets are also now more sustainable as more natural fibers and recycled components are being used.
  • However, carpets can easily get soiled and may need to be repaired often.

Summary of Findings:

Our one hour of research provided some insights on floor finishes with regard to the types of vinyl, types of tile, and some of the most common fabrics that are being used in office buildings.