Table of Contents
The floor of a commercial kitchen is the foundation for the enterprise – literally and figuratively. It is the base of all daily operational activity in the kitchen and it underpins how the kitchen operates from a quality, hygiene and safety perspective.
In other words, making a decision about which material to choose for your commercial kitchen floor isn’t a simple one and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
There are many factors to consider including performance requirements, regulatory compliance, cost, maintenance and cleaning, longevity and aesthetics.
The best way to approach your decision-making is to follow a step-by-step process. This should involve:
- Establishing your priorities
- Clarifying what qualities the flooring has to have
- Evaluating the various flooring choices vs the needs and requirements of your operation
- Working out a budget
As a rule, commercial kitchen floors have to meet certain performance and operational standards. The floors have to be:
- durable
- hard-wearing
- hygienic
- safe and comfortable for personnel to work on
- easy to clean and maintain
In light of the above and to answer the question asked in the title of this article, ‘Is epoxy flooring good for commercial kitchens?’, here are some key points to consider in terms of this innovative and versatile material.
For starters, it is important to note that epoxy flooring is already widely used around the world in commercial kitchens – both newly built and renovated ones. It is a preferred material for these demanding environments for many different reasons, including its impressive performance over the long-term.
Here are eight reasons why epoxy flooring is a top choice for a commercial kitchen:
Epoxy flooring is durable
Epoxy flooring is seven times stronger than concrete flooring and offers superior durability against the tough operating conditions in a busy commercial kitchen. It can stand up to the heaviest loads and continuous foot traffic and will maintain the highest standards of performance. Whilst concrete is naturally porous, an epoxy floor is impermeable and resists corrosion from food acids and harsh cleaning chemicals.
Epoxy flooring is seamless
An epoxy floor has a smooth, seamless surface and because it is such a tough coating, it won’t crack or chip.
Epoxy is stain-resistant
Spills and drips are inevitable in a commercial kitchen. The seamless, impenetrable surface of epoxy flooring means these can simply be wiped up without any concerns about absorption, staining or accumulation of contaminants into grout lines, cracks etc.
Epoxy flooring is hygienic
Stringent health and safety standards apply to commercial kitchen floors. Epoxy flooring ticks all of the boxes in terms of hygiene, sanitation and quality and meets all requirements set by the regulatory bodies. Its strong and seamless surface means there are no grout lines or cracks where harmful bacteria and contaminants can accumulate and nothing can penetrate its tough, impermeable exterior.
Epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain
The highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness have to apply to a commercial kitchen floor, and because epoxy is so easy to clean and maintain, it is a first-choice material for these environments. It can withstand the most robust of cleaning regimes and won’t be impacted when harsh chemicals, hot water or high-pressure hoses are used for cleaning. Any spills (which are commonplace in a commercial kitchen) can simply be wiped away, leaving the surface as good as new. Ongoing maintenance costs are kept to a minimum – an important bottom-line factor.
Epoxy flooring offers a safe, comfortable working environment
The safety of personnel is a top priority in a commercial kitchen. It’s generally a fast-paced environment where people are working with hot ovens, boiling liquids, sharp utensils etc. Epoxy flooring is slip and skid resistant, so it is safe choice for personnel plus it is soft and comfortable underfoot. Epoxy flooring is also fire and heat-resistant, so it is a perfect option for a commercial kitchen.
Epoxy flooring offers versatile and attractive design options
Epoxy flooring comes in an infinite variety of attractive colors and patterns, allowing you to customize your floor to suit your workplace’s design aesthetic. It’s also possible to include special demarcations to highlight various work zones, pedestrian pathways, and safety areas, which can be crucial in a busy commercial kitchen. Epoxy flooring is an extremely versatile choice in terms of aesthetics and will maintain its vibrant good looks over time. You should consider hiring Panther Protective, which specializes in epoxy coatings for commercial settings, including commercial kitchens, factories, workshops, mining spaces, and more.
Epoxy floors are easy to install
Minimising downtime is a crucial consideration when putting in a new floor in a commercial kitchen. Time is money, so installation needs to be as quick and easy as possible. An epoxy floor is generally quick and easy to install – assuming it is done by professionals! The job needs to be done properly to ensure the surface is smooth and seamless, so is very important to have your floor installed by experts.
To conclude
Epoxy flooring is a first-choice option for commercial kitchens because of its superior performance, durability and longevity, its optimum health, safety and sanitation standards, its ease of cleaning and maintenance, its attractive looks and elevated comfort levels and its low impact on an operation’s bottom-line.
