You might think that restaurants do not need hardwood flooring. After all, they are sometimes short-lived businesses, and the floors could get dirty or scratched up quite easily. However, if you have ever visited an upscale restaurant in your area, chances are you noticed its beautiful hardwood floors.
This is because wood is an excellent choice for a restaurant environment. It warms up the room and is durable enough to handle lots of foot traffic over time. Wood is easy to clean, which is why some studies have shown that diners feel more comfortable with hardwood floors rather than carpets. Since the last thing you want is for your customers to feel uneasy in your restaurant, carefully considering your floor treatment options is a smart idea.
If you own a restaurant or plan on starting one soon, choosing the right kind of flooring can save you money in the long run, too. Here are some reasons why hardwood floors may be right for your restaurant, and a few pieces of advice you may need if you decide to take this route.
Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels
1. Easy to Maintain
The great perk of hardwood floors is that they are low-maintenance. You do not have to worry about hiring a professional to come in and clean them every week, like you would with carpet. All you need to make them look as good as new is a mop and some hot water.
You can maintain hardwood floors by making sure you seal the hardwood. Some restaurants use polyurethane or wax, but this can attract dirt and needs to be reapplied regularly. Instead, choose an oil-based clear finish that provides a durable matte sheen. It is important not to apply too much product, to avoid making your floors slippery when wet.
Another option is to use a water-based clear coat with ultra-high performance (UHP) finish for extra durability and protection against stains, wear and impact damage, which makes the floors easy to clean.
2. Durability
Hardwood is very durable, especially when it has an oil-based finish. If you want your hardwood flooring to last as long as possible, a coating such as the Rubio Monocoat hardwax oil is the best choice for you. (To see how the installation is done for durability results, see these Rubio Monocoat hardwax oil photos.) It can withstand the wear and tear of high traffic areas and is suitable for commercial establishments like restaurants or bars, where there are a lot of spills that need to be cleaned up.
Hardwood flooring can also add value to your restaurant when it’s time to sell. Many potential buyers look at the flooring to see how well the restaurant has been maintained. If your hardwood floors are in good condition, this can be a great selling point for your business.
Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels
3. Boosting Customers’ Mood
In order to achieve success as a restaurant owner, you must remember that your customers’ mood is important. You want them to feel comfortable and relaxed when eating. Carpet flooring may be cozy and soft, but it can also be seen as dirty and dated. On the other hand, hardwood floors make your customers feel like they are dining in a well-managed restaurant, where all details have been considered.
It is not only that hardwood floors can set the mood for a restaurant and give off a more professional vibe. With this type of flooring, it is also easier to clean any messes as they occur and address any spill accidents in a timely manner. This puts customers at ease with the cleanliness of your restaurant and ensures that your interior is looking its best at all times.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
4. How to Prevent Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Restaurants can be hazardous places, especially if the floors get wet. Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in restaurants, so it is essential to take steps to prevent them from happening. One way to do this is by using a slip-resistant finish on your hardwood flooring. This helps keep customers safe by providing extra traction when the floor is wet.
There are a few different types of slip-resistant finishes available. Some good options include acrylic urethane, polyurethane, or silicone coatings. Remember, however, that some products can leave a residue if not correctly applied or maintained, becoming hazardous when wet. It is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and learn how to use and maintain your flooring finish correctly.
To create an accident-free environment, keep your floors clean and free of dirt and debris at all times, especially after it rains. When you are ready to clean your floors, use the proper cleaning solution, so that your floors are safe to walk on.
5. How to Choose the Right Wood
When it comes to hardwood flooring, not all types are created equal. Make sure to choose a type of wood that is durable and easy to clean. Some good options include oak, maple, or cherry. Avoid softer woods like pine or cedar, as they may not be able to stand up to the wear and tear of a busy restaurant.
Another thing to consider is that some types of hardwood are better for certain areas of your restaurant. For example, for areas where easy cleaning is imperative, look for hardwood with straight grains like oak or maple. If you have high-traffic zones, make sure there is not too much sap in the wood, which would make it more slippery when wet.
In summary, hardwood floors can be an excellent option for your restaurant if you choose the right type of wood, apply a durable oil finish that is low-maintenance and slip-resistant, and keep up with cleaning and maintenance. They boost the selling value of your business, increase customer comfort and set the mood for your restaurant, which makes them a worthy investment for your short-term and long-term business goals.
If you are thinking to open a new business or are in the process of rebranding and remodeling your existing business, contact us to get a free consultation from Mindful Design Consulting. Click HERE to price your project design.
Also, take a look at the “Branding By Interior” e-book, the only book written on this subject at this time. It brings insight into how you can turn your business into a market-dominating competitor by using human cognitive responses.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!