The kitchen is the heart of any restaurant, and choosing the right flooring for this space is crucial, considering that staff are going to be using it during every second that your space operates. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which flooring material is best for a restaurant kitchen. Availability, economic feasibility, maintenance and upkeep are all important factors to consider. In this blog, the commercial kitchen planners at HPG discuss various flooring options and the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision for your enterprise.
The following features should be present on every kitchen floor:
Simple set-up:
The finest outcomes can be achieved with a flooring solution that can be installed rapidly and painlessly, minimising disruptions to operations.
Durability:
Cooking oil, water, and other liquids can all boilover and cause serious damage to the kitchen floor. It’s also important that it can handle some dampness.
Antimicrobial/hygienic:
The most hygienic kitchens have seamless floors, which not only look nice but also protect against the spread of germs and bacteria by sealing off any potential entry points for water or liquids.
Slip resistance:
The finest flooring for a restaurant kitchen, of course, is the kind that won’t let your staff slip and fall even when wet.
Easy maintenance:
Flooring should be easy to clean and sanitise, standing up to frequent cleaning and scrubbing, with a watertight seal and non-porous surfaces.
Let’s now take a look at the five flooring options that are utilised the most frequently in commercial kitchens and see how they compare to one another.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile:
A ceramic or porcelain tile is a popular choice for restaurant kitchen flooring because it is durable and easy to clean. This material is made from natural materials and comes in a wide range of colours and styles, so you can choose the perfect tile to match your restaurant’s aesthetic. However, the grout lines in between the tiles can be difficult to clean and can harbour bacteria and other contaminants.
Quarry Tile:
Quarry is another popular option for restaurant kitchen flooring. This type of tile is made from clay and is fired at a high temperature to make it durable and water-resistant. Quarry tiles are available in a variety of colours and finishes and are easy to clean. However, quarry tiling can be difficult to install and can be more expensive than other flooring options.
Epoxy Flooring:
Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for restaurant kitchens because it is durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean. Epoxy is a two-part material that is applied to the existing flooring surface and then allowed to dry and cure. The finished surface is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills. However, the installation process can be time-consuming and expensive, and the surface can be slippery when wet.
Concrete:
Concrete is a durable and affordable option for restaurant kitchen flooring. It can be sealed to make it water-resistant and easy to clean. Concrete is also a versatile material that can be polished, stained, or stamped to create a variety of textures and designs. However, concrete can be hard on the feet and joints of kitchen staff who spend long hours standing and walking on hard surfaces.
Vinyl:
Vinyl flooring is an affordable and easy-to-install option for restaurant kitchen flooring. It is available in a variety of colours and finishes and is easy to clean. Vinyl flooring is also slip-resistant, making it a safe option for restaurant kitchens. However, vinyl can be prone to tears and scratches, and it may need to be replaced more frequently than other flooring options.
Choosing the right flooring for a restaurant kitchen is an important decision that can affect the safety, cleanliness, and overall aesthetic of the space. Consider the specific needs and requirements of your restaurant and choose a flooring option that will provide the best value and performance for your kitchen space. With the right flooring, your restaurant can create a safe, clean, and attractive kitchen environment that will enhance the dining experience for your customers. Talk to our commercial kitchen planners at HPG to help conceptualise the best kind of flooring for your restaurant!
At HPG Consulting as commercial kitchen consultants take pleasure in generating the greatest value and return on investment for every dollar spent. After working with a variety of clients, some of which had stringent financial restrictions, HPG Consulting is aware of the need to keep project costs reasonable without sacrificing the quality of materials and deliverables.
Featured Image Credits: Wikimedia
