If you’re a business owner already planning the upgrades you’d like to make to your interiors in the coming year, and better flooring is topping your list, there are plenty of interesting trends taking shape that not only look great but will also put your budget to great use.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for in materials, aesthetics, and technological advancements, no matter your type of business.
Commercial Vinyl Flooring: Where Style Meets Strength
The popularity of commercial vinyl tile going into 2026 is not expected to wane. In fact, we predict an uptick. This is a resilient, synthetic floor type that works in just about any high-traffic setting, from restaurants to offices, retail, hospitals, and grocery stores. If you’re the owner or manager of a restaurant and you’re looking for the best commercial kitchen flooring, this is an excellent choice.
Commercial vinyl flooring has progressed considerably and can effectively mimic wood or stone. It is also available in a variety of bold and geometric patterns.
Offering impressive durability, moisture resistance, and easy cleaning, commercial vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option that’s tough enough for constant footfall, and it installs more rapidly than many other flooring solutions.
At Ozburn-Hessey, we’re seeing high demand for Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) in stylish porcelain and ceramic looks, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in realistic-looking wood, and Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT), a glue-down type of tile made of limestone and vinyl resins.
The Latest in Laminate
In the world of commercial flooring, your laminate choices will depend on your type of business. If your floors experience heavy foot traffic, you’ll want to look for AC5 (commercial heavy) laminate. For less busy businesses, AC4 (commercial general) is just fine.
A major trend we’re seeing is the use of laminate to mimic natural materials like oak, acacia, and chestnut. Long, wide planks are now popular, as are patterns such as herringbone and chevron. We’re also seeing the high-gloss finishes from years gone by being replaced by more subtle ultra-matte and velvet-touch surfaces that are ideal for hiding scuffs and scratches and for imparting a refined aesthetic.
Commercial laminate flooring has come a long way over the years, and is available in highly water-resistant or fully waterproof options. With sustainability topping many businesses’ core values, laminate also comes in eco-friendly options, including those with low-VOC emissions. Look for GREENGUARD Gold certification or ask our technicians about the best choice for your needs.
Transform Your Space With Wood
As with laminate, wide planks in matte and low-sheen finishes will continue to dominate wood choices in 2026. We’re already seeing increased demand for natural, warm, earthy tones, and we expect this to continue. Engineered wood and textured styles (wire-brushed or hand-scraped) are great choices for creating a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Popular styles and finishes in commercial wood flooring include white oak, for a light, Scandinavian-inspired look; greige and taupe for their capacity to blend well with just about any interior décor; and both walnut and chestnut for their rich, warm elegance.
When the Rubber Hits the Floor
One of the fastest-growing trends is commercial rubber flooring. This can be attributed to the material’s sustainability, high-tech advancements (including antimicrobial and smart features), and attributes like slip-resistance, water-resistance, durability, and noise reduction.
This is the ideal choice for fitness centers, playrooms, schools, daycares, hospitals, clinics, and any type of corporate setting. With more colors and finishes now available, you’ll have plenty of choices if this is the material you’ve been leaning toward.
Speak to our technicians about the right thickness and other considerations to make the most of your budget.
Commercial Floor Coverings 2026: What’s Best for Your Space?
While your choices in commercial floor coverings for 2026 run the gamut, performance, sustainability, eco-friendly materials, and advancements in smart and high-tech flooring make meeting your needs easier than ever.
We’re seeing LVT leading the pack for its realistic wood and stone looks and its impressive resilience. We’re also fascinated by all the exciting advancements in high-tech features. This includes nanotechnology coatings for scratch resistance, antimicrobial additives for optimal hygiene in hospitals and commercial kitchens, and smart, sensor-integrated flooring for traffic monitoring and other data collection.
Sustainability and intentional design will be central to commercial flooring decisions in 2026. We expect low-VOC and zero-emission products to continue topping the list of priorities, particularly in healthcare and education settings. Clients are also looking for cradle-to-cradle certifications, carbon-neutral manufacturing practices, and full material transparency.
As workplaces become more multifunctional, flooring is increasingly used as a zoning tool to guide movement through subtle changes in pattern and to reinforce branding through custom colors and logo designs.
Partner with Ozburn-Hessey, Your Flooring Installation Experts
As commercial flooring trends continue to evolve, having the right installation partner at your side means taking your investment full circle. At Ozburn-Hessey, we’ve helped businesses and homeowners across Middle Tennessee elevate their interiors with flooring that reflects their desired aesthetic and meets their budget and performance criteria, too.
Planning ahead for 2026? Our team of certified technicians is here to deliver flooring solutions built for longevity and impact.
When you choose Ozburn-Hessey, you’re choosing the quality craftsmanship and the superior installation services you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.