Selecting Flooring and Paint

Flooring and paint selection are two elements of retail design that when chosen correctly can save you a lot of headache down the road. It is important to specify finishes that are commercial grade and will hold up well in a retail setting. While the initial investment for commercial materials may be higher, the cost will eventually even out--and in some cases even be lower--in comparison to purchasing non-commercial grade products, as they will often need replaced sooner. This is a key component in making sure the money you spend upfront implementing your design is not wasted on fixtures and finishes that are not meant to withstand retail traffic. The materials you choose should not only look and function well, but have minimal maintenance requirements.

Flooring

There are several things to consider when choosing flooring for your store...

1. What kind of mood are you trying to set? Commercial flooring companies now offer their products in a wide range of colors and materials. Gone are the days of traditional floors in neutral colors, as designers are making flooring an important part of the design concept with bold colors and patterns.
   
   
   
2. How much foot traffic will the flooring get? Durability is vital in choosing a commercial grade floor covering as the product will often need to withstand a large number of customers each day. If possible, choose a flooring that is easy to clean and hides dirt and scuffs well. Consider investing in carpet tiles--as individual squares can quickly be replaced should the need arise--but make sure to purchase enough replacements from your original dye-lot as colors can often vary from one lot to the next.
   
   
   
3. How much standing will my employees and customers do? If the answer is a lot, it is important to choose a material that will help to reduce fatigue and potential leg and back pain. As a general rule, the less amount of give that a surface has, the harder it will be on your joints. Choosing a softer flooring with a little bit of give to it will greatly benefit employees that need to stand all day. If you are dead set on having, say, exposed concrete floors, do your employees and customers a favor by adding anti-fatigue mats in areas that they will be standing at most throughout the day. Trust me, they will thank you!
   
   
   
4. Is noise an issue? If so, stick with softer finishes that will absorb the sound of footsteps or invest in a good underlay that will help quiet walking noise on laminate or hardwood floors.
   
   

Paint

Paint comes in a wide variety of finishes that can either work for you or against you. Choosing the correct finish for your walls and fixtures will ensure that they are easy to clean and will not need repeated touch ups or repaints that are both time consuming and costly.

1. Matte/Flat: This is the least glossy finish which makes it a great choice for covering existing wall colors or hiding imperfections. It is very susceptible to stains and scuff marks and does not hold up well against scrubbing, therefore it is best applied to ceilings and low traffic areas. 
2. Eggshell and Satin: These finishes have a hint of glossiness compared to flat, with satin being the glossier of the two. They are durable and easy to clean making them a good choice for walls in nearly every type of setting. 
3. Semi-Gloss: Even glossier than eggshell and satin, this finish offers great durability in high-traffic areas that will receive heavy cleaning regularly. Semi-gloss is a great choice for cabinets and trim, as well as high moisture areas such as restrooms and kitchens. 
4. Gloss: Drying to create an almost laminate-like surface that is extremely durable, this finish is not typically used in interiors. 

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