How To Choose The Right Covering Materials for OA60 Raised Floor System

If you plan to use raised flooring, but want more colors and patterns, you can purchase additional paving materials and install them on the elevated floor yourself to get a better appearance.

Here we give some suggestion for the materials can be put on raised floors.

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How to Choose the Right Covering Materials for OA60 Raised Floor System

When building an office space, choosing the right flooring material is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. The OA60 raised floor system is designed to provide flexible access to the network, power cables, and other utilities beneath the floor. Given that the base surface is steel, selecting a suitable material to overlay on it requires a balance between comfort, durability, acoustic properties, and ease of maintenance.

This article compares six popular flooring materials: Carpet, Ceramic Tiles (Porcelain), PVC Flooring, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), and Laminate Flooring. Each material has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. This guide will provide you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision based on the specific needs of your office environment.

1. Carpet

Carpet is a common choice for office spaces due to its warmth, comfort, and acoustic benefits. It comes in various forms, including tiles and rolls. When laid over a raised floor system like OA60, it can provide a soft, inviting surface for employees and clients alike.

Pros of Carpet Flooring:

· Comfort: Carpet offers a soft surface that reduces fatigue for employees who are on their feet for long hours.

· Acoustic Insulation: It provides excellent sound absorption, reducing noise levels in the office. This is especially important in open-plan spaces where noise can be distracting.

· Variety of Designs: Carpets are available in numerous colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for customization to match the office aesthetic.

· Slip Resistance: Carpet provides better slip resistance than hard surfaces like tile or vinyl, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Cons of Carpet Flooring:

· Maintenance: Carpets require regular cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas. Stains, dirt, and dust can accumulate, requiring professional cleaning services periodically.

· Durability: While carpets can be durable, they tend to wear out more quickly than hard surfaces. The fibers may flatten over time, particularly in high-traffic zones.

· Allergies: Carpet can trap allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, which may be a concern for people with allergies.

· Moisture Sensitivity: Carpets can absorb moisture, leading to mold or mildew growth in humid environments.

Ideal Usage:

Carpet is best suited for office environments where comfort, warmth, and noise reduction are prioritized. It’s ideal for meeting rooms, lounges, or areas where employees sit for extended periods.

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2. Ceramic Tiles (Porcelain)

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for high-traffic commercial spaces due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. When combined with a raised floor system, they can create a sleek, professional look while offering practical benefits.

Pros of Ceramic Tiles:

· Durability: Porcelain tiles are highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and other types of wear and tear.

· Easy to Clean: Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Spills, stains, and dirt can be wiped away without much effort, making them ideal for spaces with frequent foot traffic.

· Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic tiles come in a variety of designs, including glossy, matte, and textured finishes, giving you a wide range of options for the look of your office.

· Heat Resistance: Ceramic tiles do not burn easily and are resistant to heat, making them a safe option in environments with high temperatures.

· Moisture Resistance: Porcelain tiles are particularly resistant to moisture, making them suitable for areas with high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Cons of Ceramic Tiles:

· Hardness: While durable, ceramic tiles can be uncomfortable to stand or walk on for extended periods, especially compared to softer surfaces like carpet.

· Cold Surface: Ceramic tiles can feel cold to the touch, which may not be ideal for areas where employees spend a lot of time standing.

· Installation Complexity: Installing ceramic tiles requires skilled labor, especially when dealing with the raised floor system. Precision is key to achieving a clean and functional result.

· Slip Hazard: Certain types of tiles, especially glossy ones, can be slippery, creating a potential safety hazard.

Ideal Usage:

Ceramic tiles are best for office areas that experience high traffic or where cleanliness and maintenance are paramount. They work well in hallways, kitchens, or reception areas.

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3. PVC Flooring

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) flooring, also known as vinyl flooring, is a synthetic material that is popular in commercial spaces for its affordability, durability, and ease of installation. It can be used in both sheet and tile forms and is highly versatile.

Pros of PVC Flooring:

· Affordable: PVC flooring is one of the most cost-effective flooring options, making it an attractive choice for businesses with tight budgets.

· Durability: PVC is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and wear, making it a great choice for areas that experience a lot of foot traffic.

· Easy Installation: PVC flooring can be installed relatively quickly and does not require specialized skills, making it a budget-friendly option for many office environments.

· Easy Maintenance: Vinyl floors are easy to clean with regular sweeping and occasional mopping. They resist staining and are impervious to water damage.

· Sound Insulation: PVC flooring offers some sound insulation properties, although not as effective as carpet or rubber materials.

Cons of PVC Flooring:

· Less Aesthetic Appeal: While available in a wide range of designs, PVC flooring does not offer the same luxurious feel or look as natural materials like wood or stone.

· Wear Over Time: Over time, PVC can show signs of wear, such as fading, cracking, or curling, particularly in high-traffic areas.

· Environmental Impact: PVC flooring is made from plastic, which is not the most environmentally friendly option. It can be difficult to recycle, and the manufacturing process can contribute to pollution.

Ideal Usage:

PVC flooring is ideal for areas where cost is a significant concern, such as in break rooms, storage rooms, or warehouses. It’s also suitable for spaces that need quick installation and easy maintenance.

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4. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an upgraded version of traditional vinyl flooring, offering a higher level of design and performance. LVT mimics the look of wood, stone, or other materials while offering the benefits of vinyl.

Pros of LVT Flooring:

· Aesthetic Flexibility: LVT offers a variety of finishes and can replicate the look of expensive materials like hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost.

· Durability: LVT is resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Its surface is tough and can withstand high foot traffic.

· Comfort: LVT has a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot compared to ceramic tiles or hardwood, which can be hard and cold.

· Easy Maintenance: LVT is easy to clean with just a sweep and mop. It’s also resistant to water and stains, making it ideal for a busy office setting.

· Acoustic Properties: LVT can provide some sound insulation, making it a good option for offices with open spaces.

Cons of LVT Flooring:

· Cost: While LVT is cheaper than hardwood or stone, it can be more expensive than standard vinyl or carpet, making it less budget-friendly.

· Indentation: LVT can sometimes show indentations from heavy furniture or equipment, which may affect its appearance over time.

· Environmental Concerns: Like PVC, LVT is made from synthetic materials and may not be the most eco-friendly choice.

Ideal Usage:

LVT is suitable for areas where both aesthetics and performance are important, such as open office spaces, executive offices, and meeting rooms. It offers a modern, polished look while providing the comfort and practicality needed for everyday office use.

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5. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)

SPC is an advanced type of vinyl flooring, with a core composed of limestone and polyvinyl chloride. It is designed to offer greater durability and rigidity compared to traditional vinyl.

Pros of SPC Flooring:

· Durability: SPC flooring is highly durable, resistant to impacts, moisture, and heavy foot traffic. It’s ideal for commercial environments.

· Waterproof: SPC is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for areas where spills and moisture are common.

· Stability: The rigid core of SPC flooring ensures that it won’t expand or contract with temperature and humidity fluctuations.

· Easy Maintenance: SPC flooring is easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping.

Cons of SPC Flooring:

· Hardness: While durable, SPC flooring can feel rigid underfoot, which might be uncomfortable for people standing for long periods.

· Installation Complexity: SPC installation requires precision and can be more complex than standard vinyl flooring, although it’s still relatively easy to install compared to tile.

Ideal Usage:

SPC flooring is great for areas where moisture and heavy traffic are factors, such as kitchens, hallways, and large open office areas.

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