Commercial & Residential Flooring

Carpet tile is usually the practical pick for busy offices. Damaged or stained tiles can be swapped one at a time, and tile patterns tend to be simpler and more uniform. Broadloom gives a seamless, softer look and can carry much bigger, more detailed custom patterns and designs, so it's great for lobbies, executive offices, conference rooms and statement spaces.

The same carpet tile can look completely different depending on how it's laid. Monolithic: every tile faces the same direction for a smooth, broadloom-like look. Quarter-turn: each tile is rotated 90 degrees from the one next to it, creating a checkerboard effect that hides seams and wear. Ashlar or brick: rows are offset like brickwork, which adds movement and works well in corridors. Many products also allow random install, which hides wear and makes replacing tiles easy. The manufacturer specifies which methods each style allows.

VCT (vinyl composition tile) is a budget-friendly, very durable choice for schools, stores, back-of-house and utility areas, but it needs regular stripping and waxing. LVT (luxury vinyl tile/plank) looks like wood or stone, is quieter and more comfortable underfoot, and needs no waxing, so it's the go-to for offices, lobbies and apartments.

Click (floating) LVT locks together and floats over the subfloor. It installs fast, can go over many existing hard floors, and works well in homes and apartments. Glue-down LVT is bonded to the floor, so it's more stable under heavy rolling loads, big temperature swings and large open areas, and individual planks are easier to replace. For most commercial spaces we recommend glue-down.

The wear layer is the clear top layer on luxury vinyl that protects the printed design from scratches and scuffs. It's measured in mils (thousandths of an inch): around 12 mil is typical for homes, 20 mil or more for commercial spaces and busy areas. But thickness isn't the whole story. The coating on top of the wear layer, like standard urethane, enhanced urethane, or urethane with ceramic bead or aluminum oxide, makes a big difference in scratch and scuff resistance. A 12 mil product with a strong ceramic or aluminum oxide coating can hold up as well as a 20 mil product with a basic coating, so compare the coating, not just the number. Working with a professional flooring contractor helps you pick the right product for your space, traffic and budget.

Every floor is only as good as what's under it. Dips, humps, cracks and old adhesive show through vinyl and can make floating floors flex, gap or make noise when you walk. Before installing we check the subfloor and, when needed, patch, grind or self-level it so the new floor lies flat and lasts.

Sometimes. Click LVT can often float over existing tile or VCT if the old floor is flat and well bonded. Carpet, cushioned or loose floors usually have to come up, and glue-down vinyl can't be installed on top of hardwood. Going over an old floor also raises the height, which can affect doors and transitions, so we check before deciding.

Yes. Pad (cushion) is what makes carpet feel good and last. A dense, quality pad protects the carpet backing, reduces wear and adds comfort and sound control. Many carpet warranties require a specific pad. Carpet tile and most commercial glue-down carpet have the backing built in, so they don't need a separate pad.

Rubber treads are softer, quieter and more slip-resistant, so they're the top choice for busy commercial stairs, schools and gyms. Vinyl treads come in more colors and suit lighter traffic. Both are usually paired with matching risers and cove base for a clean finished look. Some manufacturers also make stair treads that match their LVT, but they're better suited for residential stairs.