Schools, museums, and retail stores are typically high-traffic areas, but when fall rolls around in Nashville, your flooring can really take a beating. This is why you must have the right materials for the job.
Commercial flooring that looks great, suits your space, and can withstand moisture, grit, and debris from the outdoors is a tall order. At Ozburn-Hessey, our expertise and craftsmanship come together to deliver solutions that balance beauty and durability.
To help you prepare for the fall weather, we’ve created a quick guide that lists various flooring options designed for heavy traffic, along with key considerations for your installation decision.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – Where Style Meets Strength
In commercial spaces, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are top choices for Nashville’s fall conditions. Both are 100% waterproof and moisture-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic entrances and corridors where debris is often tracked indoors.
Vinyl plank flooring is designed with a thick wear layer that resists scuffs and scratches from heavy use. It can also mimic the look of hardwood or natural stone (marble, slate, or granite, for example, complete with desired veining).
For schools and retail stores, commercial vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option that achieves a professional look while offering the long-term performance you need.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring – Durable and Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for an affordable yet durable flooring solution, waterproof laminate offers excellent value. Its advanced wear layer provides strong resistance to dents and fading, and newer waterproof versions can also prevent warping from humidity or spills.
Laminate is a solid choice for common areas, classrooms, or hallways that experience heavy traffic but are less exposed to moisture. It’s easy to clean, quick to install, and has a natural wood or stone appearance. With this flooring type, you get durability and a pleasing design without spending a fortune.
Commercial Carpet – Comfort With Acoustic and Safety Benefits
For educational institutions and businesses, commercial carpet is a top pick, especially if it’s low-pile nylon, which is designed for durability and stain resistance. Offering a softer, more comfortable walking surface compared to hard flooring, carpeting can feel more welcoming. And since its synthetic fibers are both slip-proof and absorb sound, it can be an ideal choice in certain high-traffic settings during wet fall weather. Carpet tile is a particular favorite because it’s easy to clean in larger, busier commercial spaces, and any damaged sections can be replaced without pulling up an entire area.
Commercial Tile Flooring – A Nashville Stalwart
Commercial tile flooring, particularly porcelain tile, is unmatched in its durability and therefore a great choice for entrances, lobbies, and other high-traffic areas. It’s fully waterproof, stain-resistant, and simple to clean and sanitize. While the surface is harder than vinyl, this option is a smart investment for its longevity. Great for high-volume spaces in retail, education, museums, and hospitality, tile can also be paired with commercial floor coverings like mats designed with beveled edges and double-sided tape or non-skid underlay to add a pop of color and character without the threat of slips. The added bonus with a tile and mat pairing is that the carpeting traps grit and moisture, so it isn’t spread throughout the building.
Is It Time You Upgraded to a More Durable Flooring Solution?
Ozburn-Hessey is Nashville’s trusted commercial and residential floor and ceiling installation company. A family-owned business in operation since 1953, we bring highly experienced staff and an unmatched standard of excellence to every one of our projects.
If you know your organization’s flooring is due for an upgrade and you want to find the ideal solution for your space, reach out to our experts. Our many industry partnerships mean we offer the highest quality products available, and as lifelong residents of Nashville, we understand what works best for our weather. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Get in touch with the team at Ozburn-Hessey today.