New Options For Hotel Flooring Can Save Money

October 23, 2020

hotel flooring options

From lobbies to reception areas to guest rooms, hotels see a lot of heavy traffic no matter if it’s an expansive, upscale resort or a smaller, cozy lodge. When you’re running a 24/7 business, it’s critical that performance demands are met year after year regarding materials like new hotel flooring. Plus, it must look fabulous, too, because guests expect a certain level of beauty and sophistication when spending time and money relaxing, hosting a meeting, or getting married at a hotel. Their initial impression, in turn, can translate to repeat business.

With the volume of floor area required by hotels to motels to other hospitality hotspots, buying brand-new flooring or replacing old ones can turn into a pretty hefty cost. But, there’s a range of flooring to choose from that can help save you money, and some things to consider include attractiveness, durability, maintenance, and return on investment. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top flooring picks for hotel installations while keeping in mind both the employee and customer experiences. 

Natural Stone

One of the most luxurious flooring options is natural stone. The beautiful colors, patterns, veining, and finishes mean that you’ll have an option for just about any style. Guests will notice the warm, inviting ambience or high-end environment created using natural stone, so if your brand is all about pampering guests and providing high-end service, then this may be the right material for you. 

black_marble flooring for hotel lobby

From marble to granite to travertine, there are various natural materials that offer different characteristics. Some are stable and not prone to chipping, resist water, and even fireproof. Part of the durability of natural stone is because it’s such a hard surface, which will likely, unfortunately, tire employees faster. 

Even though natural stone offers incredible longevity, it is more expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, such as the need to polish and seal regularly. However, it should increase property value, which is something to consider when factoring in your return on investment. 

Carpeting

A budget-friendly hotel flooring option, carpet comes in many colors, patterns, and textures. Various factors like loop type, pile height, and padding can create a luxurious, squishy feel beneath the feet or a flatter, denser feel for higher traffic areas.

One of the biggest benefits is that it minimizes noise, which is great if needing extra soundproofing. However, it stains easily, is not waterproof, harbors allergens, and requires regular vacuuming and shampooing. Broadloom carpets that can be up to 13 feet wide require the purchase of a pad that’s glued to the subfloor, whereas carpet tiles that are 3-foot squares are cheaper to install and easier to minimize leftover waste. 

One of the downsides is that carpet requires more maintenance and needs to be replaced often. It’s important to factor in how many times you may need to replace carpet during the lifetime of another flooring option like tile or vinyl and compare costs. While both types of carpeting will show wear more quickly than other flooring materials, it is inexpensive to replace any damaged areas. However, know that new carpet tiles replacing pieces in an old installation will stand out, so it’s best to add newer pieces to a perimeter so that the older ones blend in better. 

Porcelain Tile

With a variety of design style options, porcelain tile comes in many patterns and colors to meet your hotel’s aesthetic. It’s another cost-effective hotel flooring choice that can also replicate natural stone and wood look tile, too.

plank tile porcelain flooring for hotel

The versatile product is resistant to water and stains, low maintenance, and durable even for commercial use. However, chipping and wearing down around the edges are noticeable, but it’s inexpensive to purchase and replace. 

Luxury Vinyl Tile

One of the best hotel flooring choices that can save you money is luxury vinyl tile (LVT). This versatile material features a high-end, enhanced appearance and is able to convincingly mimic the looks of upscale natural stone, ceramic tile, and real hardwood thanks to new manufacturing technology. You’ll have a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to select from to work design styles like rustic to contemporary and everything in between. 

dark wood lvt flooring for hotel room

LVT is tough flooring that offers many benefits like being waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to repair. It also minimizes noise levels, which guests will notice, and won’t chip, unlike some other flooring options. With its combination of features, hotel operators can install luxury vinyl tile or planks in any room or area of the hotel. Since it’s a softer material to walk on, your employees will love it as well because it will be easier on the body to stand on for hours on end. Cleaning is simple, as daily sweeping or vacuuming will get rid of dust and dirt, and damp mopping will tackle more stuck-on messes. There’s no specific cleaners required, and you’ll never have to reseal, polish, or buff the floors. It’s also an excellent choice for family-focused or pet-friendly hotels since it can stand up to the messes of kids and pets. 

The durable flooring is made to last for decades, with many companies offering generous warranties to match. Plus, LVT is affordable to purchase, vinyl flooring installation is a piece of cake, and when factoring in the price with the longevity of the product, vinyl makes for a great return on investment. 

The Best Hotel Flooring Choice

With all of the foot traffic a hotel gets, flooring for the hospitality industry needs to be extremely durable and fashionable. After all, first-time customers and loyal clients expect an inviting experience, and the flooring materials you choose can impact the cleanliness, safety, and beauty of a space. While some floor choices offer comfort and others offer durability, luxury vinyl tile provides both, which makes LVT one of the best materials suited for busy hotels. With luxury vinyl, there will be less maintenance and replacement costs when compared to tile and carpet. Before you pick the perfect floors for your branding, make sure that it will hold up well for your guests and employees, too.

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