Hotels are often a home away from home for guests. However, creating a space that is efficient and comfortable for guests that is also easy to maintain can be difficult.
As hotels are high-traffic areas, their floors can really take a beating. Engineered wood floors are a solution for hoteliers looking to provide stylish accommodations for their guests without compromising longevity or durability.
1. Durability
Hotels see a lot of foot traffic each day. Any flooring that you install needs to withstand commercial-level wear while maintaining its good looks. Engineered and prefinished wood floors are highly durable and scratch-resistant. This property comes from the acrylic infusion process during manufacturing that creates a long-lasting finish on the floor’s surface. Since engineered wood floors are made of multiple wood layers pressed together, they are also strong enough to withstand indentations from heavy furniture or dropped objects.
Engineered wood floors have an easy installation process. Unlike unfinished solid wood floors, engineered wood floors do not require time-consuming sanding. Engineered wood floors also come pre-finished, which reduces installation time.
2. Stable Hotel Flooring
Solid wood floors can be beautiful but have drawbacks, making them unsuitable for hotels. Another option, hardwood floors, can be affected by water and humidity and may swell and contract over time.
When compared to solid hardwood, engineered wood floors are made of layers of wood, each running in a different direction and topped with hardwood veneer. This layered base means the floors stay stable enough for below-grade or high-humidity installation without swelling or warping.
This property makes engineered wood floors ideal for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or anywhere prone to high moisture. But it can also be useful in a hotel setting. For example, if a guest spills water, the housekeeping team does not know for hours. Fortunately, permanent water damage is not a concern, as it would be with a solid hardwood floor. Certain wood finishes can even increase an engineered hardwood’s resistance to spills even more.
3. Low Maintenance
Due to the high amounts of traffic in a hotel environment, having easy-to-maintain flooring is essential to keeping your establishment looking its best. Engineered hardwood floors only need sweeping and damp mopping to be maintained. This quality can save your hotel both time and money, as this type of flooring does not require time-consuming waxing or buffing.
Spills and stains also wash off easily as compared to carpeting or tile grout. Many engineered wood floors last years with minimal upkeep. In some cases, depending on the thickness of the planks used, engineered wood can be resanded, which means that you don’t need to replace the flooring as quickly as other types.
4. Style and Appearance
You want to provide your guests with stylish accommodations. Engineered wood flooring complements nearly any architectural or interior design style in my experience. In addition, engineered hardwood is more cost-effective than hardwood while replicating the colors, styles, and finishes.
With the variety of colors, textures, plank sizes, and finishes available, it’s easy to match the engineered wood aesthetic to your vision. You can choose from a variety of wood species and stains.
Other options include additional customizations such as distressing, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed textures. Consider selecting different plank sizes for different rooms in order to create an illusion of greater space.Â
So, Is Engineered Wood the Best Hotel Flooring Option?
Considering the most important factors for hotel flooring, engineered hardwood is an excellent choice. It balances aesthetic appeal, durability, stability, and easy maintenance when compared to carpeting, tile, laminate or solid hardwood. This winning combination makes engineered wood an effective yet cost-friendly option for many hoteliers. For the perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality, engineered wood may be the best option for your establishment.
FAQs About Engineered Wood Flooring in Hotels
Is engineered wood more expensive than carpet or vinyl flooring?
On a per-square-foot basis, engineered wood floors cost more initially than basic carpet, vinyl, or laminate. However, engineered wood’s longevity provides better long-term value, as it can last decades without replacement.
Can you install engineered wood in a hotel over a concrete subfloor?
Yes, you can install engineered wood over concrete if you properly prepare the concrete subfloor. Your installer might need to add appropriate underlayment depending on the product.
Do hotel rooms with engineered floors need area rugs?
Area rugs are optional over engineered wood to add visual interest, define spaces, and reduce noise. Always ensure rugs have non-slip backing.
Can engineered wood flooring be refinished and repaired?
You can lightly sand and refinish engineered wood floors one or two times if the finish becomes worn or damaged. Repairs are also possible for damaged planks.
