Choosing the right flooring for schools is an important decision as it directly impacts the safety of students, staff and visitors.
Schools are a busy environment so they require flooring solutions that can withstand heavy foot traffic whilst also providing a comfortable and safe space. From canteen queues and playtime to assemblies and exams, flooring is a key element in a school’s environment.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best flooring options for schools so that you can make an informed decision and keep your school’s environment safe.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is an excellent choice for schools because it is extremely durable and is easy to clean which provides a hygienic environment for both students and staff.
This flooring would work best in areas such as the canteen, kitchen and toilets, because it is waterproof and is not affected by moisture.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
LVT is another form of vinyl flooring except it appears in planks/tiles to give the effect of real wood or stone flooring. It is highly resistant to scratches, stains and moisture, and it is very durable which makes it ideal for places like hallways and communal areas.
LVT comes in a huge range of patterns and colours which means you will easily be able to find a style that matches your schools aesthetic and continue to create an inspirational learning environment.
Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles are perfect for areas where concentration is essential, such as classrooms and libraries. This is because carpet absorbs some of the sound and reduces the noise level, which creates a quieter atmosphere for focused learning.
In areas where students would be required to sit on the floor or walk around lots, like classrooms or corridors, carpet tiles would provide that element of comfort that is needed.
The tiles are available in a wide range of colours and patterns which allows schools to create an engaging and inspiring learning environment.
Stair Nosings
Stair nosings are solid pieces of material installed on the edge of a step, because this is where most foot traffic occurs.
They are essential for improving the safety of staircases, which is very important for students and staff if your school has multiple levels.
Stair nosings are typically fitted with non-slip surfaces such as rubber or metal, to prevent injury like slips or falls.
The nosings provide an additional layer of protection on the edge of each step which provides extra grip and protects the steps from damage and long-term wear.
Our Professional Opinion
As a professional flooring company, if we were to recommend specific flooring options for areas in a school, we would choose the following options.
In each classroom, we would install carpet tiles to provide a level of comfort that is necessary in spaces students and staff spend many hours per day.
Down the corridors and in large communal spaces we would install luxury vinyl tiles, as it is the most durable option, which is essential for these areas as they have the most foot traffic.
In the toilets and canteen/kitchen we would install vinyl, as it is the most water-resistant option which is crucial for these areas as they are most likely to come in contact with water or spills. They are also areas that require the most amount of cleaning, so by choosing a flooring option that is easiest to maintain, it saves staff a lot of time.
Finally, on any steps or staircases we would fit stair nosings, as safety is a number one priority so we would make sure to do whatever we could to make the school safest.
So, when it comes to selecting the best flooring for schools, factors such as durability, maintenance, safety and suitability need to be carefully considered.
In our opinion, vinyl, LVT, carpet and stair nosings are the best flooring options for schools as each option offers unique benefits that all contribute to creating an engaging and safe learning environment.
Before making your decision, it is crucial to assess your specific needs, consult with a professional flooring company and consider the requirements of different areas within the school.
By investing in the right flooring, you can provide a durable, safe and visually appealing environment that enhances the learning experience for students and well-being of the school community.