Chicago’s Willis Tower, Moscow’s Mayakovskaya Metro Station, Pompeii’s House of the Faun and New York’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza all have one thing in common: award-winning flooring.
Even though your condominium may not be a building of the same calibre, it can still have great flooring! Here’s what you should keep in mind when picking out flooring for your condominium’s lobby or common area.
Remember What the Area’s Used For
As high traffic areas, your condo’s common areas take a beating from both inside and outside elements.
Since you don’t want to be replacing your condo’s common areas’ flooring sooner than expected, pick a type of flooring that will be durable for many years. Here are some of the best options for flooring in your condo’s high traffic areas:
- Stone: Indestructible, durable and easy to maintain
- Marble and Granite: Available in a variety of colours and patterns, marble and granite exude beauty will being durable, too
- Hardwood: Appealing and long-lasting, with laminate and veneers offering more practical options
- Cork: A more trendy flooring option, cork acts as a natural sound insulator and is also popular for its durability and warmth
Consider the Maintenance
Your condo’s common areas are frequently used rooms, so choose a type of flooring that will be easy to clean and maintain. Select a colour (not white!) that will look great – even in your cleaner’s absence.
Although all flooring requires maintenance to look their best, some types need more than others. To remain classy and beautiful, marble requires regular polishing, terrazzo needs regular buffing and hardwood flooring may need to be re-stripped.
How much time and energy do you want your condo’s maintenance team to put into maintaining your condo’s common areas? Over time, the cost for maintaining your floors can add up, so consider this factor when choosing your flooring type.
Don’t Skimp on the Installation
In particular, flooring types such as ceramic tile, stone and cement can have a shorter life span if not properly installed – potentially causing you to replace it much earlier than anticipated.
Along with your condo Board, choose a reputable flooring installer that will stand behind their work. Inquire about the warranty included on their workmanship.
Only One Chance to Make a Great First Impression!
When potential new residents enter your condo building, your lobby is the first area that they will see. First impressions are important, so make sure your choice of flooring stands out!
CDC is your community partner when it comes to lobby and common elements refurbishment projects! Let us show you some options for renovating your building’s common spaces. Contact us today for more details.