Selecting the right kind of hardwood flooring for your commercial space is a vital decision that impacts the overall aesthetics, durability, and functionality of your business environment. The right choice will enhance the visual appeal of your space and play a crucial role in withstanding the unique demands of commercial settings. From high foot traffic areas to spaces requiring moisture resistance, each environment presents challenges that must be carefully considered.
Why Choose Hardwood for Commercial Flooring?
Hardwood flooring brings a timeless elegance and warmth to any commercial space, creating a welcoming atmosphere for you, your customers, and your employees. Its natural beauty and versatility make it an excellent choice for various commercial settings, from upscale restaurants to corporate offices.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Hardwood Flooring
When selecting hardwood flooring for your commercial space, it’s essential to weigh all these important factors before making a decision:
- Traffic Level: Consider the amount of foot traffic your space will experience. For commercial buildings with heavy traffic, choosing a harder wood like oak, hickory, or ash is crucial. These species are more durable and can withstand the wear and tear of countless footsteps, unlike softer woods such as walnut, pine, or chestnut, which may show signs of damage more quickly.
- Maintenance Requirements: Some hardwoods require more upkeep than others. Consider your maintenance capabilities when making your selection. A finish that complements the durability of the wood is also vital. At Cochran’s Lumber, every finish we offer is multi-coated (typically 5-7 coats), ensuring your floors are ready for the demands of a commercial environment.
- Style and Aesthetics: Choose a hardwood that complements your overall interior design and brand image. The right finish can enhance the wood’s natural beauty while providing the necessary protection against commercial use.
- Budget: While hardwood is a great investment, there are alternative options to suit various budgets without compromising on quality. Our team can guide you through the best choices for your specific needs.
- Environmental Conditions: Think through factors like humidity levels and exposure to sunlight in your space. Proper acclimation of the wood before installation is essential to prevent issues such as warping or buckling. Be sure to store your hardwood in a dry, temperature/relative humidity-regulated area until the install date, and allow up to 4-5 days for acclimation before installation.
Why We Recommend Engineered Hardwood for Commercial Spaces
When it comes to commercial hardwood flooring, engineered options often stand out as the preferred choice. Here’s why:
- Durability: Engineered hardwood is built to withstand the high traffic and wear common in commercial environments. Its multi-layer construction enhances its strength and resilience, ensuring your floors can handle the demands of busy spaces.
- Moisture Resistance: Commercial areas often face varying humidity levels and potential spills. Engineered hardwood performs exceptionally well under these conditions, offering outstanding moisture resistance compared to solid hardwood.
- Stability: The engineered construction provides greater stability, reducing the risk of warping or buckling that can happen with solid hardwood in changing environments.
- Easy Installation: Many engineered hardwood options come with click-lock systems, making installation quick and hassle-free—a crucial feature for businesses looking to minimize downtime.
- Sustainable Choice: Engineered hardwood is a more sustainable option, using about a third of the wood required for solid planks. This makes it an excellent choice for large commercial installations and those looking to make environmentally conscious decisions.
Cochran’s TrueWood™: The Ultimate Commercial Flooring Solution
We are proud to offer our TrueWood™ engineered flooring, specifically designed to meet the demands of commercial spaces. Here’s what makes TrueWood™ stand out:
- Versatility: TrueWood™ can be applied on concrete slabs, making it suitable for various commercial settings.
- Authentic Look: It offers the beauty and warmth of traditional hardwood without compromising on performance.
- Long-lasting: TrueWood™ can be sanded and refinished over time, securing your investment for years to come.
- Multiple Options: Available in wear layers of 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″—you choose the best fit for your specific needs.
What Are Other Options for Commercial Flooring?
While engineered hardwood is often the go-to choice for commercial flooring, Cochran’s Lumber also offers a range of options to suit different preferences and requirements:
- Solid Hardwood: For areas with controlled environments and where a traditional look is desired, solid hardwood remains a classic choice.
- Reclaimed Hardwood: Our reclaimed hardwood flooring offers superior stability and a unique story, perfect for businesses looking to make a statement with their flooring.
- Natural Oil Hardwood: Available in species like Live Sawn White Oak and European Oak, our natural oil hardwood flooring provides a beautiful, low-sheen finish that’s easy to maintain.
Why Choose Cochran’s Lumber for Your Commercial Flooring?
At Cochran’s Lumber, we pride ourselves on offering 100% American-made flooring, crafted with care and expertise. Our team of flooring and design professionals is dedicated to understanding your specific needs and showcasing our capabilities in the commercial division.
Cochran’s Lumber Commercial Project Highlights
Kuhn Aviation – See more about this project here
American Woodmark Corporate Office – See more about this project here
Your commercial space is ready for all of the traffic, courtesy of Cochran’s Lumber. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of options and receive expert guidance tailored to your specific needs. Let’s create a stunning, long-lasting foundation for your business together!
