Choosing the Right Restaurant Kitchen Floor

When it comes to restaurant kitchen flooring, selecting the right material is crucial. The kitchen floor in a restaurant is subject to heavy traffic, spills, grease, and constant wear and tear. Therefore, it's essential to choose a flooring option that not only meets safety and hygiene standards but also suits your restaurant's aesthetic and budget. We'll explore various restaurant kitchen flooring options, including quarry tile, epoxy, sheet products, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

Quarry Tile

Quarry tile installed with epoxy grout is a traditional and durable flooring choice for restaurant kitchens. Made from natural clay, these tiles are fired at high temperatures, making them resistant to moisture, stains, and heavy kitchen equipment. Some advantages to using quarry tile include a slip-resistant surface, high durability and resistance to wear and tear. Using an epoxy grout over a traditional tile grout will further enhance the durability and extend the life of your kitchen floor.  Quarry tile is only available in a very limited colour palette (typically grey & terracotta) so consider how visible the kitchen is to your guests when making your selection. 

Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring has gained popularity in restaurant kitchens due to its durability, seamless finish, and customizable designs. Epoxy is a resin-based material that is poured and cured on the existing floor surface. Epoxy flooring is highly resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture and with a seamless installation is extremely easy to clean, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.  The down-side of epoxy flooring is the initial installation costs can be higher than other options. Additionally the seamless finish can become slippery when wet if not properly textured. There are several specialty high-performance epoxy products on the market such as Stonhard Flooring that is specifically design for high traffic and wet areas where I would recommend for a specialty function of a restaurant such as a brewing area.   

Sheet Products (Vinyl, Rubber, or Linoleum)

Sheet products such as vinyl, rubber, and linoleum are cost-effective and versatile options for flooring, however we tend to steer away from them for a commercial kitchen and keep them limited to a service bar or back of house with very minimal traffic. These materials come in rolls or sheets and can be easily installed. They come in a wide range of colors and designs and are often budget-friendly.  Reasons we tend to avoid these sheet products within the kitchen are that they are prone to damage from sharp objects or heavy equipment and the seams in the flooring can create areas where moisture will penetrate.

Concrete

Concrete flooring is an industrial and minimalist choice for restaurant kitchens.  We have been seeing more concrete floors used in the back of house lately, particularly as the polished concrete floors within the front of house are trending. Concrete is extremely durable and long-lasting, and can be stained or polished for a unique appearance; however it can cause staff-fatigue and is therefore often covered by rubber mats in high traffic areas.   Concrete floors must be properly sealed or they will be porous and susceptible to stains. 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a versatile option for restaurant kitchen flooring, offering a wide range of designs and styles. It's made from clay and fired at lower temperatures than quarry tile. Porcelain tile is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It can withstand medium foot traffic, but is susceptible to chipping or cracking under heavy impact. It’s non-porous, making it highly resistant to moisture and spills. The tile itself is relatively easy to clean and maintain however grout lines can trap dirt, and allow moisture to seep underneath the tiles causing lifting.

Selecting the right restaurant kitchen flooring is a crucial decision that impacts both the safety and aesthetics of your establishment. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider your restaurant's specific needs, budget, and design preferences when making your selection. Regardless of the option you choose, proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring your kitchen flooring remains in excellent condition for years to come.

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