E&I Article, April 2024

With today’s budget limitations and high-traffic spaces, finding indoor and outdoor flooring that withstands daily wear and tear without breaking the bank can be challenging, especially when you consider that flooring prices have risen about 30% over the past five years. So, getting what you need at a reasonable price is crucial. As students walk across campus, go in and out of classrooms, or grab a meal in the cafeteria, the last thing they think about is school flooring. Yet constant traffic, scraping furniture, and spills take a toll. University floors endure more intensive traffic in just a few years than residential flooring gets in decades.

With flooring options available, you will want to consider controlling costs without sacrificing quality. Aesthetics matter, but function trumps form for education flooring. Up front purchase price is important, but total cost of ownership is also a factor. Investing in durable, long-lasting education flooring will save money over time, with fewer repairs or replacements needed. 

For classroom flooring, you can manage costs. For example: 

• Use interchangeable carpet tiles: Rather than selecting a single uniform carpet tile, choose complements in varied colors or patterns. Rotating tile placement spreads wear evenly across the floor over time, eliminating noticeable traffic lanes. Stock extra inventory of each variation to enable quick hot swaps for damaged sections.
• Employ proactive cleaning: Preventative cleaning reduces costs long term by avoiding stains, damage, and premature replacement. Establish consistent floor care regimens using environmentally friendly solutions compatible with flooring materials. Train custodians to immediately spot-clean spills before they set.
• Educate users and facility managers on best practices: Engage faculty, staff, and students to protect your flooring investment by reporting spills or moisture issues rapidly. Discourage transporting food or beverages through carpeted areas and promote a culture of shared stewardship.
• Consider DIY repairs: Equipping facilities teams with tools for basic carpet, vinyl, or tile repairs bridges the gap until professionals can permanently fix bigger issues. Even damaged sections of hard flooring like concrete, stone, or tile may be amenable to DIY grinding, filling, and refinishing.