Common commercial flooring
Commercial floors include carpet tile and broadloom, luxury vinyl tile and plank, sheet vinyl, rubber, linoleum and resilient athletic or healthcare flooring. Each has strengths. Carpet tile is quiet and easy to replace in sections. LVT is durable and looks like wood or stone. Sheet vinyl suits clinics and labs because welded seams resist moisture.
Selection depends on traffic, cleaning, comfort, sound and budget. Our team gives practical advice on what holds up where.
Slab condition and preparation
Flooring failures usually start in the concrete. Slabs that are uneven, dusty or damp cause curling, bubbling and adhesive failure. Preparation can include grinding, patching, levelling compounds and moisture testing before anything is glued down.
New concrete holds moisture for a long time, and Alberta's heating season dries buildings quickly, so moisture readings and cure time need attention. Following the flooring manufacturer's requirements protects both the product and any warranty it offers.
Sequencing is also critical. Flooring goes in after dusty and wet trades finish and usually after painting, with base trim and furniture following. Because HSM's drywall, painting and carpentry crews are on the same schedule, the floor is installed into a clean, finished room.
- Carpet tile and broadloom
- LVT, sheet vinyl and rubber flooring
- Slab grinding, patching and levelling
- Moisture testing before installation
- Transitions, thresholds and base
What to plan for
Order extra material, and keep it. Dye lots and patterns change, so a small stock of spare tile helps with later repairs.
Plan transitions where floors of different heights meet. Thresholds, ramps and reducers must work for accessibility, so we review them against barrier-free requirements.
Lead times are worth watching. Specified products can take weeks to ship, especially custom colours. We confirm availability early.
Finally, protect the finished floor. Heavy equipment, furniture deliveries and tradespeople can mark a new floor, so we use protection until handover.