Installing the right school flooring is important for a range of reasons. It can impact the heating and cooling processes, the acoustics, the overall mood, and the facility’s atmosphere. Let’s take a look at the most commonly used floors for schools today.
Vinyl
Vinyl can be an excellent alternative for hardwood flooring. Same as laminate, it’s affordable and convenient for schools with lower budgets. Vinyl flooring for schools fits perfectly in every room of the facility. It provides smooth walking, and it’s noise-free. This way, teachers won’t distract the student while they walk around to check on their tests and homework. Flooring in schools should be waterproof and water-resistant, and vinyl provides just that. Spilled water, juice, or paint can be easily wiped off with a mop or a sponge.
Different schools have different designs, colours and styles, and vinyl can be an excellent match for all of them. It comes in many patterns, designs and colour combinations. You can choose the flooring that stimulates the students or calms them down and keeps them focused. Schools are places with a lot of people and constant movement, but vinyl can handle that. Because of its durability, it can last 10-15 years before being replaced. Regular vacuuming and occasional mopping will keep vinyl flooring for schools clean and neat. And one of the most important features this floor has is its fire resistance.
Laminate
Schools have been using laminate flooring for a long time. It’s a favourite because it’s affordable, cost-efficient and highly durable. The installation process is simple and easy. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of time, which is crucial for schools because kids need to get back in the classroom as soon as possible. In case of some kind of damage, it can be easily replaced. It comes in many layouts and designs, and schools can choose from various options to fit their interiors. Its durability makes it perfect for high-traffic places like schools and classrooms. This means that it won’t dent, get stained or get scratched.
Another great thing is the cleaning and maintenance process. Considering that kids can be very messy and spill things very often, laminate is perfect because it doesn’t absorb moisture. You can soak up the spills with a sponge or a towel, and you can sweep the dust and dirt with a vacuum or a mop.
Porcelain Tile
Although there are many types of tiles for flooring, porcelain tiles are a popular choice for schools because of their durability. The highly refined clay they’re made of makes it perfect for heavy-traffic places. It’s also non-porous which is great for places with frequent temperature changes. They will last for years and still look great because they’re wear-resistant and less prone to breaking. Maintaining them will be a piece of cake, a quick and easy task. They’re most commonly used in school bathrooms and dressing rooms. All you need is water, and a mop and all the dirt and dust will go away.
Porcelain tiles come in many styles, colours and patterns. They can mimic marble, slate, hardwood, granite, limestone, etc. Their downsides would be the instalment process and the replacement. They’re more challenging to install than other floorings, it will take more time and more precision to do it. If a tile breaks and needs to be replaced, it’s highly probable that the surrounding tiles will also be replaced. Getting them out is not a simple task.
Carpet Tile
Carpet tiles are another excellent option for school flooring. They are soft and comfortable; the kids and teachers won’t have a problem walking or sitting on them for a longer period of time. Kids could sit on the floor for some games and activities, and they won’t feel cold at any time. Teachers will be grateful for their existence because they spend many hours standing and walking. Because carpet tiles are soft, they’re great for noise reduction. This is important because a classroom should be quiet and eliminate any sound disturbance that may occur, which will make the students more focused.
Other types of floorings can keep allergens on them or leave them in the air. Carpet tiles are helpful in this because they trap the allergens and keep them out of the air. A simple vacuuming will take care of them. They come in many styles and colours and the school can mix and match depending on the age of the children. Another advantage of carpet tiles is their installation process, it’s very simple and can be replaced in no time.
Hardwood
Hardwood is the most luxurious option of them all. It’s expensive compared to other flooring types but highly durable and water-resistant. It gives a beautiful look to the space and makes it look bigger. The cleaning process is easy; it can be vacuumed, steam-cleaned, or swept to take care of the accumulated dirt and dust. Of course, it can be dented or scratched, but that’s hard to do. The kids won’t have a problem grabbing their sensory cushions and seat on the floor because hardwood doesn’t trap allergens.
In Summary
Schools can combine, mix and match the different types of flooring according to the rooms. There are porcelain tiles for the bathrooms and changing rooms, vinyl flooring for hallways, carpet tiles for classrooms, or any other combination. The most important thing is for the kids to be safe during school time.