Common Floor Surfaces

There are many different floor surfaces that are being used in today's commercial buildings. The following is only a partial list

In addition, many products are being developed at low costs to mimic more expensive floor surfaces such as wood and various stone surfaces. While floor machines are one of the most common tools for maintaining and restoring these surfaces, the chemicals, equipment, pads, and brushes used will vary based on the surface being cleaned and the desired result. It's always recommended to identify the floor type and consult the manufacturer on surface maintenance.

Floor Polishers - How to Care for Various Floor Surfaces

Resilient Flooring

Includes vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, laminated vinyl strips and tile, asphalt tile, linoleum, and in older buildings, vinyl asbestos tile.

Proper care of resilient flooring depends on which type of flooring is being cleaned. Due to the many different types of resilient floors, the manufacturer should be contacted for cleaning techniques. Asbestos tiles require that EPA cleaning regulations are utilized. Floor machines and pads are utilized for various maintenance and restoration processes such as stripping, scrubbing, polishing, and more.

Stone & Masonry

One of the most expensive and durable floor coverings. Includes granite, marble, slate, flagstone, terrazzo, and concrete. The use of stone and masonry surfaces is growing rapidly in commercial businesses.

Before cleaning, the type of surface must be identified. Neutral cleaners should be used as they are the safest. Water-based penetrating sealers should be used. The care of stone and masonry floors depends on the surface being cleaned and the desired effect. Floor machines are utilized for various maintenance and restoration processes such as stripping, scrubbing, polishing, and more. Brushes are more commonly used on stone due to the uneven nature of the surface.

Ceramic & Clay Tile

Often made to look like stone. One of the oldest surfaces known. Highly resistant to soil and moisture, making it one of the easiest floors to maintain.

Generally, topical finishes are not applied to ceramic or clay tile floors. Sealer should be applied to grout lines. Floor machines are utilized for various maintenance and restoration processes such as stripping, scrubbing, polishing, and more. Most janitors prefer to use soft to medium nylon or nylon grit brushes. Synthetic pads are not typically used since they are not effective in cleaning grout lines.

Laminate Flooring

Constructed of planks of blocks that are compressed into several layers under high heat and pressure. A top layer of clean resin laminate is applied as the wear layer. Laminates are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Many laminates are designed to mimic the look of wood or stone. More commonly used in residential buildings.

It requires little maintenance other than sweeping and vacuuming. Laminates are extremely sensitive to moisture. Moisture control is critical to avoid damage to laminate floors. Any cleaning process should limit the use of moisture. Scrubbing pads are not recommended as they will scratch the surface.

Wood & Laminate

One of the most basic floor coverings. Includes solid wood, wood laminates, parquet, bamboo, hardwoods, softwoods, and more.

General care is complex and varies based on the type of wood. Moisture control is critical to avoid damage to the floor. Periodic maintenance may include recoating and refinishing. This may involve light sanding with a 120 grit, or less, sanding screen mesh disk. Floor machines are utilized for various maintenance and restoration processes such as stripping, scrubbing, sanding, buffing, and more.

Floor Buffers are most Commonly used by: 

• Restaurants & Food Service
• Car Dealerships
• Hotels/Motels
• Golf Clubhouses
• Hospitals/Medical Clinics 
• Veterinary Clinics
• Marinas
• Warehouses
• Car & Truck Rental Shops
• Schools
• Retail Stores
• Theaters