Warehouse Flooring have to be functional for the products and equipment stored in them, safe and secure for people moving about, and aesthetically appealing to visitors. They must also be able to stand up to heavy, repetitive loads. No part of a warehouse construction is more critical than the floor. It has to be strong enough to withstand and transfer the static loads generated by the racking unit pillars and the dynamic loads produced by devices in motion such as lift trucks stacking pallets. In addition, the flooring has to comply with certain specifications and tolerances to ensure that the equipment functions properly.

Traditionally, concrete floors have been coated with epoxy coatings in order to make them cleanable and attractive. However, these coatings often delaminate due to water evaporating off the surface. This delamination exposes the bare porous concrete, which is dusty and breaks down forklift tires.

Sustainability in Warehouse Flooring: Eco-Friendly Choices

Ideally, a warehouse should be constructed with polished concrete floors. These are tightly compacted, eliminating the pores that trap oils and contaminants. The high sheen of polished concrete also increases light reflectivity, which reduces energy usage. It is possible to combine this with colored stains and decorative flakes, which offer the best of both worlds: beautiful floor design with durability. These systems are also low maintenance, cost-efficient, and do not require scrubbing or waxing. This makes them a great alternative to tile and vinyl. They are also LEED-friendly, as they do not add additional materials and do not contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). For a more cost-effective option, concrete floor polishing is the best way to get the most out of your existing concrete floors.