The floors in offices They are one of the most important problems to solve when proposing a reform. In fact, it is convenient that it be one of the first decisions that are taken before the execution of the work or the office furnishing. It not only affects the aesthetic result of the interior design project, but it has to do, and a lot, with the well-being of the workers. Many materials are conductors of static electricity, which causes annoying discharges and affects different factors, such as sleep. That is why it is vital to take into account the following characteristics:

Easy cleaning: It is important that any office floor is hygienic as it will be exposed to a large number of people.
Easy maintenance: This is a particularly relevant issue for the logistics of office maintenance and cleaning. Avoid delicate floors that require hours of labor or expensive products.
good resistance: This characteristic must be considered especially in offices where there is a large traffic of people.
antideslizante: vital to avoid accidents due to falls or slips. 
Isolation acoustic: It is important that the floor attenuates the annoying noise of footsteps, as it could be a major acoustic problem.
Antistatic: The chosen pavement must be able to absorb to a large extent the electrostatic tensions of the electrical installations.
Ecological: Finally, it is important to know the composition of the material so that it does not contain toxic volatile components, which on large surfaces can affect the health of workers.

Taking these characteristics into account, we review the most used materials in office floors.

Carpets for the office: advantages and disadvantages

One of the most used materials since the mid-50s has been carpets, either continuous or modular. Due to its acrylic composition, and its high conductivity of aesthetic electricity, in recent years its manufacture has given a 180 degree turn, using materials more organic and sustainable raw materials. Currently, preferred modular carpets, that do not require an installation with permanent glueing. Its installation process is "clean work", so it can be installed in one day without having to stop work. Not long ago it was believed that carpets were the cause of happiness and asthma; now, the new models of textile fibers that are used keep allergens out of the air. In addition, certain models have been shown to improve the indoor air quality and act as a dust catcher. With only a brush vacuum cleaner, 80% of the dust accumulated on the carpet can be removed.

Another of its advantages is the thermal and acoustic insulation, since rigid pavements have a "drum" effect that makes the floor rumble and sound with each step. This does not happen with the carpet, which in addition to being non-slip, absorbs the sound of footsteps. Of course, all these benefits depend on the model and signature that is chosen, since not all of them meet these characteristics. 

Continuous and microcement floors

El microcement, polished cement and other continuous floors They have become very fashionable, especially in offices with an industrial and minimalist air. There is no mistaking the beauty of her appearance and the feeling of spaciousness that they create as there are no joints that divide the pavement. In addition, since there are no joints, it is more difficult for water and other impurities to infiltrate, which gives the feeling of always being clean and shiny. It is a very decorative, which allows you to create tailored and personalized compositions, and have an infinite range of colors. More advantages: Microcement is applied directly to any surface without the need to carry out works and, therefore, no debris is generated. has an excellent adherence, It is used for both interior and exterior use and does not affect the structural load. Is waterproof and non-slip and has excellent thermal conductivity, so underfloor heating can be successfully installed.

Now, not everything was going to be advantages, because continuous pavements have a weak point: the bad application. The appearance of fissures, cracks, marks and stains is frequent, and this is due to failures that are made during the application or the poor condition of the base support of the new coating. The cause of this may be the application of the pavement at low or high temperatures, since it must be applied between 15º and 25º. Mismixing the pigments it can also be the cause of the appearance of spots on the surface. Not all microcements have the same quality. For this reason, it is important to have good installers, generally provided by the brand, and to choose a firm that gives us a full guarantee and has experience.

The era of porcelain and sintered

The great novelty in recent years is the use of porcelain and sintered flooring in the offices. Many of them have stony look (marble, granite, slate, etc.), but there are also excellent imitations of wood and cement. The sintered materials can also adopt different textures to make them more suitable for use in work environments. Many of them are non-slip, easy maintenance, cleaning and great durability. In addition, they serve both indoors and outdoors. Most come in large format, although there are infinite decorative possibilities: slats, borders, 10 x 10 formats, etc., to create geometric compositions of great beauty. Compared to other pavements, the porcelain and sintered They have innumerable advantages, although, yes, they require work. In addition, if the appropriate material is not found, the result can be cold and soulless. The good news is that there are so many manufacturers and models at all price points that it's hard to go wrong.

Wood and laminate floors

Although we put them under the same heading, there is a big difference between wood and laminates. The natural wood flooring should be reserved for those public areas, management offices or entrances at most. Using it as flooring throughout the office can take a large part of the budget. However, the beauty and warmth of this noble material are unquestionable, although it must be considered that it is a organic material susceptible to changes in temperature, humidity and other environmental alterations.

The wood laminates, Much cheaper, they are also an option for offices, although not always the most suitable. It is generally installed by zones, and coexists with other materials. Laminate in high traffic areas can suffer from premature wear, with the consequent whitish marks, notches or bulging of the boards. Also, if it is not installed correctly, the most common defects will soon come to light. For these reasons, the recommendation is to allocate wood and laminates only to more reserved areas without much movement of people.

The rug: the perfect complement

are always a decorative plus which we should not and do not have to give up. The rugs provide warmth and enhance the spaces where they are. They are more a decorative element than a practical one, since they require a special care. They can be placed at the entrance, meeting areas or executive offices, but they are not recommended for busy work spaces. They are also used to give warmth to cold pavements, like cement. It is not convenient to choose model of pure wool, since they release lint with the footsteps and are easily stained by the rubbing of the shoe. Its cleaning is also more complex and requires equipment and specific cleaning products. There are models that work very well because they include a percentage of acrylic in their spinning, which makes the rug more resistant and does not shed hair. As said, the carpets yes, but strategically placed to frame a certain space.  

Play with mixed pavements

The use of various pavements in the same work environment. It must be taken into account that the soils have a signaling function important, since they determine each zone and help the visitor and worker to locate and guide themselves in large areas. The image on these lines is a good example of the use of three types of pavement (wood, adjoining floor and carpet) to delimit the different areas. A different pavement has been chosen for each use, not only to differentiate them but also depending on the traffic and use it has.

This other image gives us a very accurate idea of ​​how important it is choose the right coating for each area and use, and how different materials can coexist without problem. On the contrary, the changes of soil give dynamism and break the monotony, creating a more modern and functional image of the work environment.

Photos:  Office Snapshots.