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Hardwood Flooring in Commercial Spaces: Is It A Good Idea?

Hardwood Floors in Commercial Spaces: Is It A Good Idea?

Whenever a client asks us to recommend the best flooring option for their residential property, more often than not, we’ll advise them to consider hardwood or engineered wood flooring. At First Atlanta Flooring, we only carry products produced by NWFA/NOFMA-certified manufacturers, so you know that what you’re buying is environmentally-friendly and of the highest quality. 

But hardwood flooring isn’t only a great, high-quality option for residential spaces; it can be an excellent choice for commercial spaces, as well. Hardwood is, in fact, used in many commercial establishments, like hotels, cafes, pubs, and bars. There are many reasons why a commercial owner would choose to install hardwood flooring in their property. Hardwood adds value to any space, provides stability, durability, warmth, and an elevated aesthetic. 

Elevated aesthetics

Nowadays, design and architecture trends are geared towards sustainability, towards integrating neutral color palettes and organic, natural materials. Minimalistic, Scandinavian-inspired design trends have made their way into the commercial sector, not just the residential. Attracting workers back into the physical office is not as easy as it was pre-pandemic, so there is a strong focus on making the workplace feel more like home. Consequently, commercial owners are focusing more on lighter, softer, neutral color palettes and organic materials that give a nod to the outdoors and the natural elements. 

A durable and sustainable option

But using hardwood flooring in an office or another commercial space is not all about aesthetics or resale value. Another big advantage to installing hardwood flooring in commercial spaces relates to durability and longevity. Hardwood is incredibly sturdy and can withstand heavy daily traffic, and with proper care and maintenance, it can last for decades, thus making it cost-effective in the long run. At the end of the day, if the time comes for the hardwood floor to be replaced, it can be reclaimed and it’s 100% biodegradable, as well, so sustainability is an added advantage. 

Ease of care and maintenance

Installing hardwood floors in commercial spaces is a great idea when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance. In a high-traffic area like a hotel or an office space, floors can get easily dirtied, scratched, and warped, so choosing a durable, tough wood like oak or maple for flooring is an excellent choice. Regular dusting with a soft broom, gentle vacuuming, and refinishing with a fresh coat of protective poly every few years will keep hardwood floors in top shape for decades, even with high daily traffic. As long as the right cleaning products are used and wet mopping or water spills are avoided, hardwood floors can withstand a lot of foot traffic and provide stability and durability. 

What type of wood should clients choose for a commercial space?

Hardwood like oak, maple, or hickory are the usual options for commercial spaces, because of their high hardness rating and durable surface. These types of wood can withstand a lot of traffic and support heavy furniture in hotels, pubs and restaurants, or office spaces. They don’t dent or warp very easily, are easy to clean, and can be sanded down and refinished various times during the course of their lifespan. Darker colors can mask light scratches, dust and dirt on the surface of the wood, but the wood itself does not trap dust, so it helps keep the indoor Air Quality Index (AQI) at healthy levels. 

Acacia wood, also known as Asian Walnut or Wattle, is another high-quality option for a heavy traffic commercial space. It’s incredibly tough, resistant to dents and scratches, and can last for years without needing to be refinished; in some cases, it can last for 50 to 100 years if properly cared for. 

Another solid option for flooring in commercial spaces is engineered wood. It’s a more cost-effective alternative to hardwood, but it has a thinner surface and can only be refinished once or twice, so it’s not the best long-term option. Cork has great insulating and soundproofing properties, so it works great for recording studios, as both flooring and on the walls. However, it’s definitely not as durable as hardwood or engineered wood and should only be used in specific situations. 


 Looking for the right type of hardwood or engineered wood flooring for a commercial space? If you have any questions about our products and services, feel free to contact First Atlanta Flooring and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.