10 Flooring Options for Your Restaurant

There is so much organization put into the opening and running of a restaurant. From selecting the staff to planning the menu, there are so many decisions to make. Your decor is one of the most important as it creates the ambience of your establishment. 

The flooring becomes the foundation of your decor aesthetic. It also must be functional and safe. It’s also important to evaluate rules with regard to quality flooring options that are allowed in regulated spaces like prep areas.

There is a huge variety of choices when it comes to selecting your restaurant’s flooring. You may choose to go with one seamless look or a combination of materials. Here are some choices to start thinking about your flooring plan.

1. Concrete

Polished concrete is a great choice in terms of durability. It’s incredibly strong and easy to maintain. It also resists stains and damage from impacts. This makes concrete an ideal choice for the high traffic areas in your restaurant.

Concrete can also be extremely versatile. It can be dyed or stained in a huge range of colors. It can also be etched or finished with a pattern or texture for added style. Your restaurant may already sit on a concrete slab that can be polished and sealed for a refined look at a low cost. 

2.Tile

Tile is a popular choice for commercial spaces and for good reason. It’s low maintenance and water-resistant. Its durability and strength make it a great material choice for a wide range of areas. It’s not only a perfect choice for dining areas but works well in kitchens and bathrooms too.

Tile is also one of the more diverse choices for flooring. It comes in an endless array of options and styles. Large neutral tiles are a good choice for large, open spaces. Smaller, bolder tiles are a fun choice to make a big impact in more compact areas.

3. Cork

Does your restaurant have a strong emphasis on your wine menu? Then cork could be the perfect choice for your flooring. It’s sound dampening nature is useful in crowded spaces. Plus, it’s unique look makes a statement.

Cork is eco-friendly and easy to clean and maintain. When properly sealed, it can be extremely durable. It can also be refinished to bring new life to it after several years. You can even opt for cork plank flooring that is designed to look similar to hardwood.

4. Hardwood

Hardwood is a classic flooring choice for its durability and timeless style. It can be used with any design aesthetic and is relatively easy to maintain. It can also be refinished and restained to change up the look. 

Do you want hardwood with a more unique look? Check out more unconventional installation patterns. Hardwood installed in a herringbone or chevron pattern can create visual interest in your space. Consider planks with different variants of stain colors for a more trendy look.

5. Laminate

Laminate is an awesome choice to stand up to the daily wear and tear your restaurant experiences. Its resin coating makes it a scratch-resistant and easy to clean choice for high traffic areas. It will also be resilient to any spills that are inevitable to occur.

Its low cost and flexibility make laminate a wise choice for large spaces. It comes in a huge assortment of designs and colors. It’s often made to look like wood but can also be designed to simulate tile and stone, making it a budget-friendly option for a high-end look.

6. Epoxy

Epoxy is a resilient floor coating that covers an existing concrete floor. It’s a good choice for large restaurant spaces as it’s extremely durable and simple to maintain. It’s waterproof and eliminates the risk of mold or mildew. 

You can create a seamless design as epoxy is an ideal material for all of the spaces in your restaurant. It comes in an endless range of colors and can be as simple or as complex as you want. You can opt for a flat finish for an industrial look or a metallic sheen for a more decorative design.

7. Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular choice for flooring because of its cost-efficiency. It is also durable and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for restaurant environments. Flooring made of vinyl insulates sound and reduces echo. It also provides a soft, safe surface to walk on.

Luxury vinyl tile or LVT is a perfect balance of cost and design. It comes in a huge range of styles and price ranges and installation is a simple process. It’s varying shades and sizes make it a great choice for any type of decor. 

8. Stone

Are you looking for a durable surface that is ideal for all of the areas of your restaurant? Stone is a good choice for both high-end appearances and long-lasting use. It stands up well to heavy traffic as well as drops and spills.

There are several types of stone used for flooring. Tiles made from granite and slate are extremely durable and easy to clean. Look for textured stone to provide for good traction to prevent falls. Stone tiles come in many styles and can fit well in a large variety of decor themes. 

9. Rubber

Rubber has been predominantly used as kitchen flooring, but it can be a great choice for all of the areas of a restaurant. It is resistant to stains and water and extremely durable. It’s also slip-resistant and absorbs sound. The softness of rubber flooring reduces the risk that dropped dishes will sustain damage.

The selection of rubber flooring has been expanding in recent years. It is available in a variety of colors and styles including solids and patterned designs. You can even opt for recycled rubber flooring for an eco-friendly alternative. 

10. Carpet

If you want to create a cozy, intimate setting in your dining room, carpet floors may be the way to go. It may seem risky to opt for carpet in a room that will surely have food and drink spills. However, there are options that can minimize these risks.

Carpet is sound dampening and soft underfoot, creating a quiet environment. It is inexpensive and can be treated to make it more stain-resistant and easier to thoroughly clean. You can even look for carpet tiles so if one is permanently damaged, just that piece of the floor would need to be replaced.

Restaurants have a unique combination of priorities when it comes to decor and design. The space must be functional, safe, and easy to maneuver for employees. It should also be appealing, comfortable, and welcoming to guests.

Researching and planning floors carefully will lead to a balanced environment of safety and style. Think about the vibe you want to create in your space. There is a floor out there to ground your style choices and create the perfect ambience.