Your flooring takes the most pressure, weight and battering, so choosing the right option is vital.
In an industrial setting, you need the flooring to be strong so it can withstand any heavy machinery and plants you might be using, as well as foot traffic. However, you also want a cost-effective option and flooring that will last without too much maintenance effort.
When choosing the right floor, there are several factors to consider, such as durability, safety, maintenance and installation cost.
At Nationwide Concreting, we are experienced concrete contractors specialising in concrete flooring. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry, giving us a wealth of knowledge on why concrete flooring is often beneficial for industrial applications compared to alternative materials.
In this blog, we compare concrete to your other flooring options.
For industrial spaces, there are several flooring options available.
Concrete flooring is a layer of concrete which can be finished in different ways to suit different sectors.
Its benefits are:
However, drawbacks can be:
Epoxy flooring is a synthetic resin floor laid on top of a concrete subbase. It functions to protect the concrete flooring and adds a decorative element.
Strengths of this flooring option are:
Weaknesses are:
Vinyl flooring is another synthetic material made from layers of different materials, including PVC, wood and stone.
Pros of this flooring option are:
But, you will also need to consider:
Tile flooring is often made from a variety of materials, such as stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, vinyl or cement.
Advantages of this floor type include:
Disadvantages are:
Polished concrete offers the benefits of a concrete floor but has an added aesthetic appeal thanks to its smooth, glossy finish.
Benefits of this flooring include:
But, the cons of the flooring are:
With the options laid out, how do you choose the right flooring for your industrial property?
As mentioned above, there are several factors you will need to consider when choosing the flooring. These include:
When these are considered, most of the time, concrete comes out as one of the better options because it meets the needs of industrial usage.
Concrete flooring offers many benefits when compared to alternative flooring options.
Concrete: More affordable than premium flooring options.
Hardwood: High upfront costs and expensive maintenance.
Tiles: Mid to high cost, depending on materials.
Carpet: Cheaper initially but needs frequent replacement.
Concrete: Extremely strong and resistant to wear, impact, and heavy foot traffic and can last decades with proper care.
Hardwood: Susceptible to scratches, moisture damage, and warping.
Tiles: Durable but prone to cracking under heavy impact.
Carpet: Wears out quickly in high-traffic areas, absorbs stains, and can be damaged.
Concrete: Simple to clean with regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Hardwood: Requires specialised cleaners and periodic refinishing to maintain appearance.
Tiles: Needs grout cleaning and sealing to prevent mould and dirt buildup.
Carpet: Needs frequent vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain treatments.
Concrete: When sealed, it is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and spills.
Hardwood: Easily damaged by water and stains.
Tiles: Water-resistant, but grout can stain and harbour bacteria if not properly sealed.
Carpet: Absorbs spills and moisture, leading to stains and potential mould growth.
Concrete: Can be polished, stained, or stamped to mimic natural stone, wood, or custom textures. Works well in modern, industrial, and minimalist spaces.
Hardwood: Limited to natural wood tones and finishes.
Tiles: Available in various patterns, but grout lines can disrupt the seamless design.
Carpet: Wide variety of colours and textures, but lacks the sleek, contemporary aesthetic of concrete.
One of the biggest benefits of concrete flooring is its environmental and sustainability benefits.
Concrete flooring is often the best flooring option for industrial applications.
This is because it is durable, strong and low maintenance. Plus, the installation costs are low, and it is an incredibly sustainable option.
At Nationwide Concreting, we are one of the UK’s leading concrete specialists. With over 40 years in the industry, we have provided concrete flooring and concrete finishes to a wide range of sectors and many industrial projects across the nation.
Every project is bespoke to your needs, so you can be confident that you get the best concrete for your needs.
Whether you're constructing a new facility or renovating an existing one, you can trust us to deliver the durable, high-performance concrete floor you’re looking for.
Contact our team today by calling us on 01590 676 585 or complete our online contact form to request a callback or free quote.