A resinous floor, such as an epoxy, urethane cement or polyaspartic flooring system can be considered better than tile for commercial kitchens due to several key advantages:
Seamless and Non-Porous Surface: Resinous flooring systems create a seamless, non-porous surface when installed correctly. This eliminates grout lines and joints where dirt, grease, and bacteria can accumulate over time. In contrast, tile floors have grout lines that can be difficult to clean thoroughly and can harbor contaminants.
Chemical Resistance: Resinous floors, are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals including oils, greases, acids, and cleaning agents used in commercial kitchens. This chemical resistance helps prevent staining, degradation, and damage to the flooring surface. Tiles, especially porous materials like ceramic, can be susceptible to staining and deterioration from chemical exposure.
Durability and Impact Resistance: Resinous floors are exceptionally durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, impact from dropped items, and the movement of heavy equipment typical in commercial kitchens. Resinous floors are known for their toughness and resistance to chipping, cracking, and abrasion. Tiles, while durable, can be prone to cracking or chipping under certain conditions.
Hygienic Properties: Resinous flooring systems promote a more hygienic environment due to their seamless nature. Without grout lines or joints, there are fewer places for bacteria, mold, and other contaminants to hide and multiply. This makes resinous floors easier to clean and maintain, which is crucial for maintaining sanitary conditions in a commercial kitchen.
Slip Resistance: Many resinous flooring options, can be formulated to provide excellent slip resistance even when wet. This is essential in commercial kitchens where floors can become slick due to spills and cleaning activities. Properly textured resinous floors can help prevent slips and falls, enhancing overall safety.
Customization and Aesthetics: Resinous flooring systems offer a wide range of customization options in terms of colors, patterns, and finishes. This allows for creative design choices to match the overall aesthetic of the kitchen space. Tiles, while available in various styles, may be more limited in terms of customization.
Quick Installation and Minimal Downtime: Resinous flooring systems can often be installed relatively quickly compared to tile installations. This can minimize disruption to kitchen operations and reduce downtime during installation, which is critical in a busy commercial kitchen environment.
Overall, resinous flooring systems offer superior durability, hygiene, chemical resistance, and customization options compared to traditional tile flooring in commercial kitchen settings. However, the choice of flooring ultimately depends on specific needs, budget considerations, and desired aesthetics of the kitchen space.