Commercial Flooring in Ottawa: Options for Offices, Retail, and Restaurants
October 15, 2026
Talk with your Ottawa laminate flooring company, and you will find that laminate flooring is equally as popular a choice for residential use as well as commercial enterprises. Layers of plastic laminate bonded to core materials and finished with a protective wear layer, laminate simulates various floorings like hardwood, ceramic, and even metal. As long as the commercial operation opts for a commercial grade or high traffic rating, it will work well in retail stores or other facilities.
While it is an excellent choice for some businesses, it is still important to understand how it is constructed and its properties for the correct decision about its applicability in some homes or businesses.
What is the structure of laminate flooring?
Laminate is made of four layers. The majority is a high-density fiberboard filler which can sometimes be constructed from recycled materials. Under that is the backing or balancing layer. This is the part that will come into direct contact with the subfloor. Atop the filler is a decorative layer that provides the appearance, which simulates hardwood flooring, ceramic, or other materials. At the very top is a heat-infused layer to prevent dirt or liquids from penetrating. It is this final layer that separates standard laminate from commercial grade.
What Is the Difference Between Laminate Flooring Grades?
Laminate flooring is rated for its abrasion criteria (AC). The scale runs from AC1 to AC5. This measures the resistance to impact, burns, and stains.
- AC1 – Bedrooms and low traffic residential. Not for commercial use.
- AC2 – Living and dining rooms. Not for commercial use.
- AC3 – All residential areas. Light commercial only.
- AC4 – Light to moderate traffic. The wear layer is not conducive to residential applications.
- AC5 – Moderate to high traffic like department stores, offices. Not applicable for residential.
What type of maintenance commercial laminate flooring needs?
Maintenance of commercial-grade Ottawa laminate flooring is much like that for residential uses. There are a few exceptions in that the surface of commercial-grade laminate is more resistant to scratching and will not react to UV light, so it can be used in public areas near windows. Warranties will be specific to commercial use and will be more detailed. Consistent floor care and maintenance routines, including regular sweeping and damp mopping, will keep commercial laminate looking professional for years.
Is laminate flooring ego-friendly?
Commercial laminate flooring qualifies as a “green” product with its production and recycling capabilities and can be claimed for tax credits. It is made with a large percentage of recycled materials. Commercial floor installation uses fewer adhesives. Overall it is considered very ecologically friendly.
Contact Continental Flooring for Ottawa laminate flooring.
If you are considering Ottawa laminate flooring installation for your business, you will need a reliable flooring company to install it for you. Continental Flooring has a long history of providing quality flooring services to businesses in the Ottawa area. We are proud to offer a wide range of eco-friendly laminate flooring options that will suit your needs and budget. Visit our flooring showroom or contact us today for a free consultation on laminate flooring for your business.
