Commercial flooring systems are essentially a group of components that are used, locked, connected, or fastened together. When finished, the system makes up the floor in a commercial building such as an office, factory, or other property. Support is usually found at the opposite sides of the system, and can come from the foundation or additional components. Here are some common types of commercial flooring systems in use today.
Dimensional Lumber
One of the most common types of commercial flooring is dimensional lumber.
Typically, this will include three elements:
– Beams
– Joists
– Subfloors
Each of these elements has a specific purpose and function. The beam extends the entire length of the floor and to provide strength to the entire system, especially at the middle. Joists are much shorter, and run perpendicular to the beam. Center points should rest upon the beam in order to add stability to the structure. The subfloor is simply a layer of plywood or oriented strand board attached to the joists with glue and screws, with the finished floor on top.
Concrete Systems
Concrete is very popular as a commercial flooring system. The concrete can be easily installed by pouring it into the building frame. In addition to poured concrete, another common system is cast concrete. This form of concrete ground covering is set in place with cranes and then connected to the building frame. When used on floors above ground level, they also serve as the ceiling for the cellar below.
Raised Flooring System
Another category of commercial flooring is a raised system. This system is great for classrooms and computer rooms since they allow for easy access to utilities and wiring kept below the floor. There are multiple varieties of these systems, but the use of pedestals to prop up the deck is the most common.
The structures of raised systems are very basic and standardized. When using pedestals, they will sit on the landing in a pattern or grid plan. From there, the panels are on top, being supported by the pedestals themselves. This structure gives support and stability.
Resilient Flooring Tiles
Several types of resilient tiling are present today in commercial buildings. The first is known as vinyl composition tile (VCT). These 12″ x 12″ tiles come in many different colors and grades, and are very easy to install. They are also durable, cost effective, and impact resistant. As a porous tile, they also help to hold the finish of the ground covering very easily.
Linoleum is a second type of resilient tile. This material is very durable and is enjoying a recent surge in popularity due to its beneficial environmental impact. Once installed, it looks very similar to sheet vinyl.
There is a wide variety of flooring types to choose for your commercial building. Take into consideration how it is manufactured, installed, and its maintenance profile before making your final decision.