The Best Flooring for a Restaurant

Whether you own a bustling fast food joint, a roadside diner, or an upmarket eatery, finding the right flooring for your restaurant is important. You want to provide the perfect ambience and overall experience for your patrons, and your flooring choice can play a big role in achieving this. However, you also have to consider the safety and suitability for your employees, while likely adhering to local standards and regulations.

The most important features of restaurant flooring

While aesthetic appeal should be considered, especially if you want your restaurant to meet a certain theme or branding, there are plenty of other factors that may take precedence when selecting the most appropriate flooring material.

Durability and wear resistance – the flooring should be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, frequent spills, and regular cleaning without wearing out too quickly.
Slip resistance and safety – non-slip restaurant flooring is crucial to prevent accidents, especially in kitchens where spills and grease splatters may be common, and in customer areas like dining spaces.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance – opt for flooring that resists stains and is easy to clean and sanitize. Your restaurant will be required to meet certain standards of cleanliness, and choosing a flooring material that is difficult to sufficiently clean will make achieving these standards much more difficult.
Water and stain resistance – restaurant flooring should be resistant to spills, grease, and other moisture sources to maintain hygiene and boost longevity.
Comfort and noise reduction – bustling restaurants can generate a lot of noise, both from the kitchen and within dining areas. Consider a material that absorbs sound well to reduce noise levels. A floor that is also somewhat comfortable underfoot will be very beneficial for staff who are on their feet for long periods.
Cost and longevity – balance the upfront costs of a flooring material with any long-term maintenance expenses to get the best value.
Compliance with health and safety regulations – understand the local health codes and fire safety standards imposed by your state, and ensure your chosen material meets these regulations.

Commercial restaurant flooring options

Let’s start by looking at the best flooring options for a restaurant dining area. This is the main area that customers experience, and staff are regularly crossing the space between tables and the kitchen.

Luxury vinyl flooring

Luxury vinyl products come in two main formats: tile (LVT) and plank (LVP). Aesthetically, luxury vinyl products can mimic natural wood (LVP), stone, and tile (LVT), but are available at a much lower price point than the alternatives. With various textures and designs available, luxury vinyl products can suit a wide range of decor styles.

Luxury vinyl is a great option for non-slip restaurant flooring and is water-resistant, easy to clean, and slightly cushioned underfoot. While regarded as a durable flooring option, it’s important to note that LVP and LVT can be susceptible to scratches in high-traffic areas. However, single planks or tiles can be easily removed and replaced over time at a low cost, restoring the original appearance of the floor without needing a full replacement.

2. Porcelain or ceramic tiles

Both porcelain and ceramic are extremely durable tile options, with resistance to stains, heat, and water. On top of this, they are very easy to clean and maintain. With plenty of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, you’re sure to find a design option that complements your restaurant interiors.

The main downsides to porcelain and ceramic tiles in a restaurant setting are that they can be cold and hard underfoot, offering much less comfort than luxury vinyl floors. They also are not inherently slip-resistant and may require non-slip treatments to ensure the safety of employees and customers.

3. Hardwood and engineered wood

Natural wooden flooring offers a luxurious and comfortable feel that is sure to make patrons feel at home in your establishment. Both hardwood and engineered wood flooring are durable options (although engineered wood doesn’t offer quite as much durability as tile or luxury vinyl), and can be refinished throughout their lifespan to maintain their original appearance (hardwood can be refinished more frequently than engineered wood due to a difference in the depth of natural wood).

Engineered wood is somewhat resistant to moisture and temperature changes, whereas hardwood cannot offer these benefits. Hardwood is also more prone to scratches and stains than engineered wood but boasts a much longer average lifespan, (note that this comes with a higher price point). Both natural wood flooring types require regular maintenance like staining and sealing, but routine cleaning of the materials is very simple.

The best flooring for a restaurant kitchen

Moving on to the back end of the restaurant: the kitchen. While no customers enter this space, it’s often the busiest area of the restaurant, with chefs preparing food and waiting staff popping in and out to deliver the food to customers.

Luxury vinyl sits in the top spot once again, with its durability and water resistance making it the most suitable choice for a restaurant kitchen. Many luxury vinyl products are non-slip, ensuring your employees are safe while they move around the space, and the noise-reduction properties of vinyl products can reduce the amount of sound that travels from the kitchen to the main dining areas.

LVP and LVT are very easy to clean and maintain, allowing the restaurant staff and cleaning crew to simply sweep and mop with standardized cleaning solutions. This means it’s easy to keep the kitchen floors sanitized and looking fresh, even after a heavy service period.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are another great contender for restaurant kitchen flooring, however, it’s recommended to apply anti-slip treatment to ensure the safety of your staff. Once a non-slip surface is achieved, the rest of the tiles’ features can be enjoyed: easy cleaning and maintenance, strong durability, and resistance to water, heat, and stains.

Whatever flooring you choose for your commercial restaurant, always have it installed by a professional. This will ensure maximum safety and longevity, allowing you to enjoy your floors for longer.