Whether you’re a small preschool or a larger private or public school, you know your flooring won’t last forever. If it’s time for new flooring, understanding what is the best flooring for schools can feel like a daunting task. In short, you probably want something that can withstand heavy traffic, spills, and is safe for even the youngest students. However, rarely is only one type of flooring the right type of flooring for an entire school. Here’s why.
Different Areas Have Different Purposes
Even when we exclude cafeterias and bathrooms, you still have rooms with different purposes. Because of this, rarely when asked about the best flooring for schools, do we recommend just one product for the entire facility. For example, you may want vinyl flooring in the hallways and classrooms while the library is better suited for carpet tiles. Vinyl works well in hallways and classrooms because of its durability. However, in the library, you want something that will help absorb sound and keep it quieter. Don’t overlook rubber flooring as it is slip-resistant and stands up to traffic as well as providing some sound absorption and may be ideal for much of your facility.
Offices Should Feel Warm & Welcoming
Whether you need flooring for the main offices only or want to include the principal’s and counselors’ offices too, you want those who come in to feel welcomed and comfortable. Flooring contributes to the overall feeling of any space. One option is luxury vinyl tile. It can look like wood or tile but it is quieter to walk on and more comfortable to stand on than porcelain and ceramic tile. Quality luxury vinyl tile is mostly waterproof and durable.
Play Areas & Multipurpose Spaces
Preschools often have indoor play areas where rubber flooring can be the perfect option. It’s easy to clean, non-slip, and when little ones fall, they usually aren’t severely injured. It is also a great option for therapy rooms in public schools. If you have a multi-purpose space where physical education and performance activities both take place, consider a resilient flooring like a cushion-backed vinyl flooring system. It’s less expensive than hardwood and requires less maintenance.
Dining and Bathrooms
These areas have more exposure to water. As such, you want a flooring material that is as waterproof as possible. A slip-resistant vinyl is one option that works in both areas. We love that today’s vinyl comes in many colors and patterns so when we install it, we can create visual interest or use color to separate sections of your school or space. Of course, cleaning is easy and there’s little maintenance when properly installed. And, because it is also well-suited for hallways and classrooms, it’s one of the flooring materials that work in large portions of a school. Of course, we have traditional tile for the classic approach too.
What is the Best Flooring for Schools?
We stand by our belief that there isn’t one best flooring solution for schools. Choosing the right flooring comes down to the activity going on in the space, the school itself, and the budget. The experienced team at Seer Flooring can help you choose the right flooring for your entire school or just a few areas. We can help whether you’re looking at re-flooring your facility or building a school from the ground up in the greater Tampa Bay area or Sarasota. Call Seer Flooring today at (727) 469-7963 or fill out our contact form for your free consultation and estimate for your commercial flooring needs.