Flooring: It’s Not Just a Matter of Color Anymore

Gone are the days when your hotel flooring decision was simply a choice of carpet color. Today, brand standards are varied and change frequently. Flooring manufacturers provide a wide selection of new products and design choices.

Current product offerings include luxury vinyl tile (LVT), carpet tile, wood-look ceramic and oversized tiles. These materials are offered in a large variety of sizes and shapes, though long, narrow planks and oversized rectangles are two of today’s most popular.

luxury vinyl tilecarpet tileporcelain tile
Luxury Vinyl TileCarpet TileWood-look Ceramic Tile

Typical applications include:

  • LVT: vestibules, lobbies, elevator cabs, public restrooms, guestrooms. When LVT is used in these spaces, area rugs are commonly used to make the design statement. We generally recommend custom-made area rugs to accommodate both the overall design intent and the size needed for a particular space.
  • Carpet tile: guestrooms and corridors, in place of broadloom carpet, with hotel brand approval. When carpet tiles are installed with double-backed sticky tabs, a stained tile section can be easily removed and replaced with a new carpet tile for a clean, fresh look. Brand standards may dictate an underlayment in certain cases.
  • Wood-look ceramic and oversized tiles: vestibules/lobbies/elevator cabs /guestroom entries/ guestrooms. These products are easily cleaned and have none of the most common problems with carpet: stains and wear patterns. Their endurance makes them a better alternative choice to carpet in heavy traffic areas like public spaces and guestrooms. Area rugs are also recommended here to enhance the design statement.

Aside from the finished look of your hotel, considerations before choosing a flooring product include local building and fire codes and installation. You’ll need an experienced installer who understands the scope and timing of your project and the required materials and preparation, and follows the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) installation specifications and the product manufacturer’s guidelines.

So, which flooring does your hotel require? This is where PPI can help. Our design team stays current on standards for your brand and can address specific requirements for your property. We first determine what is allowed, then focus on creating a market-driven design with consideration given to the overall color scheme and materials budget. Then, after all submittals are approved, we put our purchasing expertise to work for your project.

From single replacement items to full property improvement plan renovations or new property construction, PPI has the most reliable source for hospitality FF&E since 1992.