Compared to other construction jobs, erecting a metal building tends to be a quick project. Pre-engineered material and an experienced crew make the process even more streamlined. But there are always finishing touches from lighting to décor to consider. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is the flooring. With a steel exterior, the structure is designed to be cost-effective, highly functional, and worry-free. You want the floor to offer the same benefits. Wood, carpet, and tile can all be successfully installed in a metal building, but there are many other choices that may be a better fit depending on how you plan to use the space. Here are several modern options to consider.
#1 Finished Concrete
This is a phenomenal all-purpose surface that can be used for almost any application. Because it can be stained, glazed, dyed, and etched for artistic effects and made to mimic many other materials, it can look just as great in a church as it does in an airplane hangar. Material quality and installation methods do matter with this product. Your contractor should use high quality concrete that is carefully leveled and, above all, properly finished. A poor dye job will appear uneven and unsightly. You should understand whether the proposal you receive is for pigmented concrete rather than just a colored topcoat that may develop worn spots. Regular cleaning and occasional waxing is all it should take to keep these floors looking great for many years. Specialty coatings can be added to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents as well.
#2 Waterproof Vinyl
This is a low-cost option that offers an alternative to wood and tile if the floor of your building will often be wet. Unlike wood, it will not expand or contract with humidity. And there’s no grout to keep clean—a constant struggle with tile. Today’s vinyl has a more realistic wood or tile appearance than the linoleum floors of a few decades ago. With a loose lay vinyl flooring, the planks can be laid directly over subflooring and flush with the walls. The planks require no nails or staples and don’t even interlock. If water gets down below the planks, they can be easily lifted and the subflooring dried out before reinstallation. It’s definitely an attractive option for the DIY building owner.
#3 Poured Resin
This type of flooring system is perfectly seamless. It is a favorite for industrial, manufacturing, commercial, and retail applications due to the low cost of upkeep. Highly durable, this is a flooring option that saves you more the more you pour. If you have multiple, large steel buildings that will see high traffic it’s certainly a worthwhile material to explore. The resin is hygienic and waterproof. It should not yellow—even with frequent UV exposure. It can be dyed and designed with patterns, artwork, or logos added to match your tastes or your business brand. Resin can also be poured over a flexible rubber base or have skid-resistant toppings included for added comfort.
Let Us Walk You Through Designing Your Ideal Metal Building
As you can see, the range of flooring products on the market today make a great match for metal buildings. Our team has worked with countless customers on developing structures for a huge range of uses, and we’re happy to draw on this expertise to offer suggestions on how to finish out your steel structure. Contact us today to start the design process or order a prefab kit.
