Introduction
Spaces of high traffic entrances are those that have a higher footfall such as showrooms, hotels, flagship stores, etc. These are spaces that are frequently accessed by people and are required to be functional as well as beautiful.
Thus the flooring of such spaces should be prepared to cater to the same and be resistant to abrasion and constant friction.
Here are some of the flooring options for the same:
Hardwood flooring is a great choice for the feel. Real hardwood flooring has a timeless beauty that is still difficult to imitate and is highly unlikely to go out of fashion anytime soon. They are versatile, coming in a variety of shades and grains, ensuring that each hardwood floor will have its unique characteristics.
Tile flooring is another popular choice. Tiles are pretty much maintenance-free and do not require sealing. They are also very hard-wearing, so very suitable for areas with a lot of traffic and activity. The two main contenders in the tile flooring category are porcelain and ceramic.
They are usually considered the most hard-wearing, as it is very hard to scratch, or chip. It is also very easy to clean. Moreover, porcelain tiles are very compatible with underfloor heating and come in a wide variety of designs, shapes, and colours that can mimic other surfaces such as wood, concrete, and even leather.
Although porcelain tiles can be more expensive than ceramic tiles, they are a great investment and will provide a unique look to any living space you get them installed in.
They are also available in a wide range of designs, shapes and colours. They are also very easy to clean. However, they are less expensive than porcelain, but also not as hard-wearing. Porcelain tiles may be a better choice for low traffic areas, as the event budget does not allow for ceramic to be installed in every tiled area.
Laminate flooring is an ingenious development that has emerged as a result of intense focus on home improvement over the last five decades. It is affordable, durable, and prefinished. The hardest part is choosing the product.
There are two types of laminate flooring: engineered wood and plastic. Engineered wood is made of multiple layers of real wood, glued together in a way that ensures better stability, and topped with a thin hardwood finish layer. Plastic laminate is made of multiple layers of artificial materials (melamine, fiberboard, wood grain print, and hard clear plastic).
Vinyl flooring has stood the test of time and is often mistaken for a cheap-looking flooring solution. Thanks to technological advances, such as hard-wearing coatings, vinyl flooring is experiencing a revival and is worth looking into. The many benefits of vinyl flooring include a variety of styles, affordability, durability, and low maintenance.
Carpets come in a variety of styles, materials, and qualities. They also come in synthetic and natural fibres.
Nylon is the most durable synthetic fibre and is also very easy to maintain. If you want carpet flooring that lasts for a decade or more, and that can be installed in heavy traffic areas, nylon is a great choice.
Triexta is a new fibre manufactured in part from corn sugar. Unlike nylon, it does not require treatment with stain protectors over its lifespan. It is also quite durable, but it is still too early to tell whether its durability is comparable to that of nylon in heavy traffic areas.
Polyester is soft and is very comfortable to walk on barefoot. It is highly stain resistant, but at the same time harder to clean, and tends to shed. As it does not have the same durability properties as nylon, it is best used in lower-traffic areas.
Olefin is an affordable, attractive, and strong fibre, with proven resistance to fading. However, it is not as durable as nylon. Other qualities include good resistance to stains, mildew and static. Olefin carpet flooring is generally a good choice for heavy traffic areas that are mostly kept clean, such as family rooms.
Other design strategies that are adopted for areas of high traffic are:
Open Concept- Open concept showrooms look more spacious and are easier to navigate. Placing the mirrors at appropriate angles to reflect the showroom environment properly.
Walking Layout- The way a customer walks through the store matters a lot. Therefore, it is important to focus on showroom layouts during the design phase. There should be enough space for customers to walk through the store, while also ensuring that every product on display is easily visible to them.
Wall Accents- Accents serve as a great way to immediately grab attention.
Showrooms are spaces that aim at attracting consumers and potential buyers to a product on display. Thus it is essential to strategise movements and provide overall control over the space.
