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 that you must 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. You can install wood, carpet, and tile successfully in a metal building. However, there are many other choices that may be a better fit depending on how you plan to use the space. Here are several modern durable flooring ideas to consider.
#1 Finished Concrete
This is a phenomenal all-purpose surface that you can use for almost any application. The installer can stain it, glaze it, dye it, and etch it for artistic effects and make it 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 installer can lay planks 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. The installer can dye it and design it with patterns, artwork, or logos to match your tastes or your business brand. The installer can also pour the resin 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 even more durable flooring ideas. Contact us today to start the design process or order a steel building kit.