In your quest for a commercial kitchen floor tile, you have many options. You can choose from vinyls, stone, or glass tiles, but the latter has several advantages. Besides being more durable and aesthetically appealing, glass tiles offer better endurance and durability. The most common tiles used in commercial kitchens are quarry tiles. They have excellent water and stain resistance. Depending on the material, some tiles may require grinding to provide traction, while others may feature a traction inlay.
Hardness
The durability and hardness of commercial kitchen flooring tiles are two of the most important factors to consider before buying them. Although these materials are durable, they have several disadvantages as well. In addition to being expensive, they need to be repaired often and can become discolored when not properly sealed. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase tiles with a high level of durability. If you want a durable kitchen floor, consider natural stone tiles.
To determine the hardness of tiles, check their PEI rating. This measure measures how resistant the tiles are to abrasion. The higher the PEI value, the better. A higher PEI score means that the tile is durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. The PEI rating also shows the number of rotational cycles that a tile can withstand. If a commercial kitchen floor is used heavily, a high PEI value means that it is easy to wipe clean and prevent a slip-hazard from occurring.
Slip-resistance
Commercial kitchens can be hazardous places to work, because they are frequently subjected to spills, grease, and other substances. While many flooring options boast slip-resistant surfaces, only a select few actually offer fully customizable slip-inhibiting properties. Different facilities require different levels of slip resistance. Listed below are some tips to choosing the right flooring for a commercial kitchen. You’ll be glad you did. But how do you choose the right commercial kitchen flooring tiles for your facility?
The first consideration should be slip resistance. When choosing kitchen flooring tiles, you’ll want to think about the tile’s hardness and texture. Harder tiles are better at handling extreme temperatures and are therefore better for a kitchen floor. Tile texture is another key consideration, as rougher tiles have less slip resistance. In a commercial kitchen, tiles with a high COF value have a lower slip factor than those with a lower one.
Durability
The main advantage of ceramic tile for commercial kitchens is its durability. It is easy to clean, resistant to heat and stains, and can be cost-competitive. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and sediments that have been fired at high temperatures. Because of their hardness and impact resistance, these tiles are very durable. The most common type of ceramic tile for commercial kitchens is quarry tile, which is unglazed clay. Although it comes in limited colors and typically has a square shape, it is inexpensive, durable, and appropriate for any kitchen environment.
Another type of commercial kitchen flooring tile is made from resin, which is a tough substance that can withstand moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy impact. Resin floors are relatively easy to maintain, but they can be difficult to repair. Some types of epoxy resin flooring are difficult to work with, and require replacement every five to ten years. Epoxy resin flooring, on the other hand, is extremely sensitive to heat and needs to be replaced every five to ten years.
Cost
Whether you are remodeling your commercial kitchen or installing a new floor, the cost of installing new tile can add up quickly. Ceramic tiles, for example, are difficult to install and require a professional. Installation costs can range anywhere from $8 to $25 per square foot. For a 1000 square foot room, vinyl or linoleum flooring will run about $3000 to $7000. Sheet flooring, on the other hand, can cost around $0.84 per square foot.
When choosing a commercial kitchen flooring tile, you need to consider the durability and maintenance requirements. Using chemicals to clean tiles often will cause the grout to deteriorate. If the tiles crack or chip, they need to be replaced. Tile floors also show signs of wear, retain odors, and are vulnerable to water seeping under the tile. Additionally, the maintenance costs are high. Cracked tiles can cost upwards of $5K, requiring re-grouting and replacement.
