LVT TRENDS FOR COMMERCIAL FLOORING

The introduction of natural raw elements within interiors is a growing trend, heavily influenced by surging environmental awareness and the encouragement of individuals to become more eco-friendly.

In addition to reducing our carbon footprint, incorporating natural raw materials in interiors is an effective way of transforming large architectural spaces into spectacular interiors by giving them a natural feel and unique character. Elements such as concrete, reclaimed timbers, raw plywood, brickwork and steel are all materials commonly used in modern interiors, and their unfinished appearance added texture to an installation.

SAMPLES OF SOME OF POLYFLOR COLLECTION EXPONA

Polyflor’s LVT collections offer a wide range natural and man-made designs which beautifully complement a plethora of raw building materials.

Furthermore, the format mixes successfully enhance each design’s authenticity, as they are based on natural materials such as timber, marble and slate in their raw state and often are supplied in varying sizes. By offering a variety of plank and tile sizes, this reduces the time and cost of additional cutting on site, again making these flooring designs a simple yet effective method to further enhance an interior scheme.

For larger spaces, the surge in demand for clean, architectural and contemporary interiors lends itself to the popularity of larger floor tiles. Materials such as stone and concrete are fashionable choices for large scale flooring tiles, in line with the rise in popularity for natural elements in interiors.

Whilst genuine concrete looks fabulous, it can be susceptible to staining. LVT is a great alternative to achieve a similar effect and can be used to create a seamless open plan interior when combined with complementary large format tiles on the walls. Try the larger size Mono tiles from the Expona Simplay collection, or these large format cement effects from the Expona Commercial range for a contemporary look.

A commercial interior trend we’ve witnessed over recent years is Biophilic Design – the idea of bringing the outdoors into your interior space, incorporating natural elements in a rooms layout.

This trend has proven particularly popular in offices, retail environments, leisure and healthcare interiors. The concept of integrating direct or indirect elements of nature within an environment has proven to reduce stress levels and blood pressure, whilst boosting productivity and self-reported rates of wellbeing.

Why choose large format floor tiles?

Large floor tiles are a popular choice for commercial interiors as they easily transform a space, with very little effort required. For smaller spaces, large format tiles conjure the impression of spaciousness, they amplify the sense of space and create an open and uncluttered look. Additionally, the result of fewer seams and grout lines eliminates any feeling of restrictiveness in cramped and confined interiors. Larger floor tiles also permit a quick and easy installation process; they take up a greater surface area in which installations can be completed with overall fewer planks or tiles.

Zoning within commercial interiors is a trend which we’ve seen repeatedly over recent years. It can be effectively used in large open plan spaces to encourage certain behaviour, as well as heightening the overall experience for its users. Zoning can be easily achieved with LVT with very little effort to create eye-catching and stimulating designs, including corridors, walk paths as well as highlighting feature areas.

Not only can zoning be used for decorative purposes, it proves extremely effective for practical use too. Our Affinity255 LVT has been developed to work alongside 2mm vinyl sheet flooring, creating flooring solutions for dual purpose areas which require different flooring specifications. For instance, entrances and exits, self service restaurants and washrooms, are areas that are prone to spillages and therefore require a safety floor, but a different product can be used in the areas leading away from here as decoration may be more important than slip resistance.

Expona Control – Slip Resistant LVT

Expona Control collection of high design sustainable wet slip resistant LVTs has proven popular in the heavy commercial market, with a number of installations across the UK in interiors such as retirement homes, retail stores and education facilities.

By marrying two key areas; luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) & safety flooring, into one exceptional product, Expona Control is the world’s first sustainable wet slip resistant LVT, and features unobtrusive aluminium oxide particles throughout the wear layer to create a uniquely honest decoration that ensures sustainable wet slip resistance in heavy commercial areas, in full compliance with HSE Guidelines.

How does Expona Control decrease the risk of slippages?
Put simply, Expona Control is a slip resistance flooring solution that increases the friction between the foot and the floor through the inclusion of aggregate within the composition of the floor. These aggregate particles are not simply sprinkled onto the top as a coating that will wear off after a short time in use. Instead, aggregates are incorporated within the wear layer of each tile and plank to ensure sustainable slip performance. This enhanced wear layer creates a rougher, harder friction surface to ‘bite’ into the sole of the footwear, to create the necessary durability and underfoot safety.Why choose Expona Control?

Safety flooring is increasingly specified to provide underfoot security for its users; be it customers, employees, students, patients, the general public and homeowners.  The slip resistant properties of a floor covering like Expona Control become more critical in areas where moisture is trafficked from outside, such as retail stores which lead directly onto the high street, or particular areas that have an increased risk of spillage such as drink serveries, food halls and public bathrooms where liquid is present.