Choosing the right kind of hotel flooring can be a bit daunting. Hotel aesthetics generally demand an air of granduer and elegance. Nothing will reflect this quite like flooring will, so choosing the right option is crucial. Other factors to consider include cost, durability and the environment, and each which will impact your choice in very different ways. There are a plethora of options to choose from, and to help you make the right decision we’ve put together this helpful information sheet detailing the most common options for hotel flooring avaliable.
The major concerns that will influence your decision for hotel flooring will be looks, comfort, cleanliness, sound-proofing, safety and the environment. You can read more about this more in our hospitality flooring guide.
When it comes to hotels, these are the most suitable options:
There are different types of carpet flooring suited to certain applications, the main being woven, tufted, bonded, flocked and needle punched – and each can either be supplied in modular or broadloom types.
Broadloom carpet is often manufactured in two main types:
Woven Carpet
Woven carpet is your classic carpet style. It is more labour intensive than other types of carpet and tends to be more expensive. However, the weaving techniques used in its manufacture allow for endless design possibilities and is suitable for grander applications (such as hotel lobbies and hallways). Woven carpet is popular in industries where custom patterned floors and durability are important.
Tufted Carpet
A more modern method of carpet production, tufted carpet uses much faster and more efficient methods of production and is therefore a cheaper option.
The process uses special sewing equipment to stitch rows of tufted pile yarn through a backing canvas. The yarn is caught by loopers and then cut off with a blade. There are also various types of backing that can be applied for different performance applications.
These carpets are secured in place by a synthetic latex that acts as an adhesive, plus a secondary backing fabric. Tufted carpet is a relatively affordable and quite durable; and its flexibility makes it a suitable choice for designers.
Modular carpet is made up of tiles and is very flexible for use in hotel spaces that require rapid changes (for example dining areas). These tiles are held in place by PVC or bitumen compounds that keep the carpet flat and secure.
Modular carpet is a cost effective method that can greatly reduce expenses. This style of carpeting is highly flexible and allows for an array of arrangements to suit many different spaces. Tiles have different features, such as cushioning for greater foot feel, variegated patterning and feature tiles to liven up large expanses.
Engineered wood flooring has many benefits for both consumers and the environment. Engineered hardwood is created using a careful layering process where multiple sections are fused together using heat, pressure and adhesives. The result is a durable, beautiful and cost-effective alternative to pure hardwood flooring that is very suitable for hotel spaces.
Sheet vinyl is made from coloured vinyl chips which are ‘welded’ together under pressure and heat. It is stored as large ‘sheets’ and rolled out on top of a surface, to then be heat welded into place. This process makes sure that no dirt or residue can be trapped under the surface, ensuring absolute surface integrity. Vinyl is water and slip resistant and is highly durable. It is called resilient flooring for these reasons, and because it has a degree of give, making it able to sustain harsher conditions than other materials (such as wood and tiles).
Vinyl planks are manufactured in a very similar way to sheet vinyl and have many of the same characteristics.
Depending on the product and its application, planks can be wet or dry laid. If dry laid they have a special backing that prevents slip and stops any curling or lifting. They are faster and less costly to lay than sheet vinyl.
Vinyl is suitable for hotel areas where there is high foot traffic but looks are of lesser concern. That being said, modern vinyl can have a very convincing photographic layer included under the surface, giving it the look of any number of materials, including wood, stone or tiles which are very convincing.
There you have it – vinyl, engineered hardwood and carpet are three very different, yet very suitable, options for hotel flooring. Each have their pros and cons, and may be more suitable for some areas more than others, but all are excellent choices.
Choosing the best option for hotel flooring is a crucial element to creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing and durable environment. Hopefully this guide is helpful in ensuring you can make the most informed decision.
Aussie Flooring Insights works with all major flooring manufacturers to ensure we can find the best products for your unique needs. Give us a call or contact us online and let us help you find your perfect flooring.
Aussie Commercial Flooring Insights is one of Australia’s largest commercial flooring contractors. We are committed to providing flooring solutions that will enhance built environments for end users as well as delivering on the business needs of our clients across Australia.