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Avoid these 5 kitchen flooring mistakes

Restaurant and bar owners often face the overwhelming challenge of choosing the right flooring for their kitchens.

To ensure a durable and long-lasting flooring solution for your facility, here are five things to avoid:

  1. Choosing a permeable flooring material – Concrete and ceramic titles with grout can lead to liquid and grease absorption, resulting in slippery surfaces and bacterial growth. Instead, consider a seamless, non-permeable option that eliminates cracks and crevices, creating a more sanitary environment.
Chefs cooking in commercial kitchen
  1. Selecting the wrong type of flooring – Kitchen floors are exposed to grease, oil, and heavy-duty cleaning products, which can take a toll on the flooring. It's crucial to choose a floor that adheres effectively to the base material and can withstand spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic. The material should be thick enough and have the correct chemistry to endure the thermal shock from fry lines and hot water. Avoid lower-quality materials that can deteriorate or chip quickly, leading to costly repairs or replacement.
  2. Ignoring slip-resistance – Make sure the level of slip-resistance is suitable for the specific area. In a bustling kitchen you should prioritize employee safety while also facilitating easy cleaning. Explore all available options and inquire about their slip and fall risk reduction capabilities. It is always a safe bet to opt for more aggressive solutions to reduce slip and fall risks. Topically applied slip-resistant particles, such as an epoxy paint or resin, can wear away through everyday use. When looking for slip-resistant flooring make sure the products will maintain good slip resistance even as they age and wear. High quality PVC flooring which has aggregates throughout the wear layer of the floor ensures your floor’s slip resistance will remain for the entirety of the product’s life.
  3. Overlooking the longevity of the floor – Consider kitchen flooring as a long-term investment that ensures the safety of guests, employees and satisfies health inspectors. Choose a flooring option that allows for hassle-free repairs, which can be conducted at night without disrupting operations. You should evaluate the long-term cost savings before making a decision.
  4. Not working with a professional – Collaborating with a flooring specialist is essential. They can assess the unique needs of your establishment, recommend suitable flooring materials and installation techniques, and ensure compliance with safety and health code requirements. Working with professionals will provide peace of mind and help you make the most informed decision.

When embarking on a kitchen flooring project, keep these five mistakes in mind to achieve the best outcome for your facility.

Altro has over 60 years’ experience in delivering floors and walls for commercial kitchens. We have specifically designed our safety flooring and wall protection to address the issues commonly found in kitchens –slips, contamination, cleaning and maintenance.

Altro safety flooring consistently outperforms quarry tile and epoxy floors. It has become the industry standard to help create durable and safe commercial kitchens that last.

 
Published 12/06/2023