For decades, consumers have purchased goods and services at shopping malls and retail centers.
In recent years, developers have been focused on offering a more comprehensive consumer experience, a place where people can live, work, and play, in addition to shopping.
The most successful developments offer high-end retail options in an elevated setting. Therefore, there has been an increase in demand for high-end flooring. There are countless shopping mall flooring options. So, which is right for you?
Modern retail centers vairy widely in terms of architecture. This will depend greatly on the price of real estate and climate in the region. For example, dense urban area retail centers typically have a compact and vertical design. While open-air centers thrive in temperate climates like California, enclosed malls are more suited for areas with heavy snowfall.
Even if you had the exact same layout, you would design the properties differently. You would personalize the fit and finish so that the architecture, color palette, materials, and everything else reflects the local vernacular. It should feel familiar to the location.
In the past, developers have gone with an over-the-top themed approach but now, the consumers want a more authentic environment. This has led to a new design trend in the architecture, both modern and traditional.
Flooring is one of the most expensive components of a mall. Many developers prefer a classic look over a design trend that may fade in a few years. If you are going to invest money in a property, you want it to last. Choose a classic, timeless look and a durable finish that will last for a long time.
There is a wide variety of porcelain tiles and carpet that fit nearly any ambiance. You can create a fit and finish that speaks to the regional architecture and climate needs with just those two options. Porcelain tile is one of the most durable flooring products available. When properly installed, it can last for decades. Plus, it is easy to clean.
Formerly, 12”x12” tile squares and 1/8” grout lines were standard. Today, designers prefer larger formats of rectified tile for a more contemporary monolithic look. You can also utilize epoxy grout for the floors and six inches up the walls to prevent staining.
Furthermore, large-scale patterns can be created by mixing colors and formats or by mixing polish levels. Many manufactures offer coordinating mosaics with their tile collections, providing another option for design interest.
Another popular trend in mall design flooring options is mixed materials. Using a variety of materials or visuals creates interest and helps delineate specific areas. Designers value the multitude of high-end looks that porcelain can provide. It can realistically mimic stone, metal, wood, or concrete to suit your desired look.
Typically, tiles in the common areas are lighter, to reflect light and make the space feel brighter and larger. Additionally, flooring colors are usually neutral, with furniture or other items offering bold pops of color.
Since it absorbs sound, carpet is often used for seating areas and other places where designers want to create a calm, quieter environment. Carpet also lends a warmth and softness to surrounding hard surfaces.
Instead of broadloom, carpet tile is more often used for common areas. It makes for easy maintenance and quick replacement of stained or damaged tiles. However, area rugs from broadloom are sometimes used for seating areas.
For carpet, you want to choose a high density, level loop that won’t be crushed by heavy traffic. While most designers prefer darker colors to help hide dirt and stains, you can use accent colors to create patterns or highlight a certain area.
Profast Commercial Flooring, LLC has been in business since 1998. It has a dedicated, knowledgeable and professional staff both in the office and field to provide the best-installed product in the commercial flooring business. Profast is a Five Star Contractor with National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). Contact us today for a quote on your next shopping mall flooring update.
Shopping malls are visited by many people on a daily basis which puts the most pressure on flooring material. That is why a strong and durable product is necessary. There is also the seating area that needs a luxury soft and cushion rug to comfort the feet of tired shoppers. Entrances need mats that are both functional and customized with the logo of your brand. The back of the house and parking areas also have specific needs that flooring material should be able to accommodate.
To effectively address the specific flooring needs of your shopping complex, different materials are needed:
1) Luxury Vinyl Tile
This is an innovative product that has an aesthetic of natural materials like hardwood while delivering higher performance at lower prices. It is most applicable in public areas, main entrances, and offices.
2) Rubber Mat
It is an eco-friendly option that can be made from recycled tires to rescue your budget and the environment. It is perfectly elastic to provide cushion under the feet while not breaking under high foot traffic. It is ideal for main entrances, elevators, and parkades.
3) Epoxy Coating
This is a liquid coating that is applied on the site just to solidify to a strong and seamless surface that is highly hygienic and safe. It is customizable to match your brand colors and logo. It is best suited for public areas and parkades.
4) Commercial Carpet
This is the softest fabric flooring you can put under the feet of your customers to comfort their ankles. It has a variety of colors and textures to accommodate the overall style of your shopping mall while having a reasonable price range. It is most appropriate for public areas and offices.
5) Area Rug
This is the most luxurious fabric flooring that is made to look rich and feel warm for the tired feet of shopping mall visitors. It comes in many textures and styles to make a bold statement in your shopping mall. It is perfect for public areas.
6) Polished Concrete
This one is known for its strength and durability but the look is also appealing with different finishes and patterns. The price range is affordable and the application is better for public areas.
Shopping malls can benefit from applying different kinds of flooring materials to provide performance needs and match characteristics of each area while saving budget as well.