Laminate Flooring -- Dentist office

I manage a commercial building with a Dentist as one of the tenants. In the past, we've tried the 12" VCT tiles as well as Commercial grade vinyl flooring. The dentist creates alot of traffic around "the chair" including foot traffic and a stool that rolls alot in the same spot. Each of these attempts has resulted in floors that looked bad after 2-3 years.

I'm considering putting down a laminate floating floor because my thoughts are that it will hold up longer than the previous two materials. It will get alot of wear and probably will be exposed to some moisture (not alot, but some -- probably no more than a kitchen floor would).

Opinions from those that have used laminate in commercial apps in the past are welcome as well as those with experience/expertise with the product. Thanks alot !!

 

I feel you will run into the problem again down the road with a laminate for this application. An option to consider would be to lay the laminate and then put down a rectangular piece of formica used for countertops in the wear area. Reason being its thin and if it wears you can just replace the sheet and not the floor. Suggested it to my dds and he thought it was great. The hardwood he has is in great shape now and he just replaced his 1st sheet of laminate from under the work area in 5 yrs. Just some food for thought.

Philly

 

So that I understand -- the formica simply lays on top of the laminate floor without having to glue it down ? Maybe the weight of the dentist chair holds it into place but does it curl or anything else?

Is the design on the formica that you recommended to your dds similar to the laminate floor or something else ?

Thanks.

 

If you pursue the HPL surface you might look at the Nevamar laminate as it has a surface called ARP. Nevamar has long been the laminate of choice at race tracks etc. where abrasion causes wear to counter tops at the cashiers windows. A Nevamar specification rep can offer more about the ARP or aluminum oxide surface to resist abrasion. You might also research Wilsonart glue down laminate flooring in this particular commercial application.

 

Nice call Fred
Thomas
www.Arizonahardwoodfloors.com