Your Flooring Guide to Retail and Commercial Spaces

Understand Your Retail and Commercial Flooring Needs

Before diving into flooring options, it’s important to understand what your retail or commercial space needs. Here are some key considerations:

Traffic levels

Consider the type of foot traffic your space will experience. Is it a bustling flagship retail store with a constant stream of visitors, including families with prams? Or a small office setting with just a handful of employees? Understanding the wear and tear your floor will face ensures you can pick the right flooring to suit the space.

Style goals

Your flooring should enhance the overall aesthetic of your space and align with your brand identity. A sleek, professional look might suit a modern office, while a warm, inviting ambiance could be ideal for a cosy café. Flooring can play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere.

To help you achieve this, discover how the perfect timber tones can transform your space. Start by exploring the 2025 Timber Tones of the Year today, and unlock the potential to blend style with practicality seamlessly.

Safety and compliance

Safety is non-negotiable in any commercial environment. Ensuring your flooring meets non-slip and fire-safety standards can protect employees and visitors while also ensuring your business is adhering to local regulations to avoid hefty fines.

Havwoods can supply all the certificates and documentation you require to ensure your selected timber flooring or interior timber surface solution meets the required safety standards. Get in touch with one of our knowledgeable consultants or visit a showroom for more information.

Top Flooring Options for Retail and Commercial Spaces

Let’s explore some of the best options for interior materials to consider for your retail or commercial business space:

Hardwood flooring

Engineered timber flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, adds timeless elegance and warmth, making it ideal for any commercial setting whether it’s an office, cafe or retail store. Choose from light or dark finishes to match your desired aesthetic.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)

Durable and versatile, LVT mimics the look of wood or stone without the price tag. It’s a popular choice for high-traffic areas like shops and gyms.

Carpet tiles

For offices or co-working spaces, carpet tiles offer comfort and sound absorption. Plus, they’re easy to replace if damaged.

Polished concrete

If you’re going for an industrial vibe, polished concrete provides a sleek, modern look that’s easy to maintain.

Tile flooring

Tiles come in various patterns and finishes, making them a go-to for cafes, kitchens, and showrooms.

Our Pick for Retail and Commercial Spaces

Timber flooring is our top pick for retail and commercial spaces and here’s why:

1. Timeless elegance

Timber flooring and timber interior surfaces never goes out of style. Whether you’re designing a high-end office or a bustling retail store, timber exudes sophistication that leaves a lasting impression. Its natural beauty complements both modern and traditional interiors, making it an investment that stands the test of time.

2. Stunning patterns to elevate your space

Timber flooring offers endless design possibilities with stunning patterns like chevron and herringbone. These intricate layouts add a touch of luxury and create visual interest in any space.

Explore our chevron flooring for a classic, symmetrical look.

Check out herringbone designs for timeless charm and texture.

These patterns transform timber into more than just flooring—they become a statement feature.

3. Healthier indoor air quality

Did you know that timber flooring can contribute to a healthier work environment? Unlike other materials, timber doesn’t trap dust, allergens, or pollutants, which helps improve air quality.

Learn more about the impact of flooring on indoor air quality and why timber is the healthier choice for your commercial space.

4. Stability to withstand the Australian climate

Whilst solid wood flooring can warp and bow when the climate changes, our engineered timber flooring planks involve glueing layers of timber together with each of the layer's grain running in a different direction, providing more stability, making it less susceptible to cupping, bowing, and warping.

Learn more about the difference between solid timber flooring and engineered timber flooring here.

Flooring for Offices and Commercial Workspaces

Office spaces demand flooring that balances style with practicality. Employees and clients alike spend hours in this environment, so comfort and noise reduction are key. Timber flooring is a great choice offering a professional and sophisticated look while minimising distractions thanks to its sound-dampening properties.

Why timber works in offices:

• Adds warmth and sophistication to workspaces.
• Engineered timber resists wear and tear in high-traffic areas like reception desks.
• Improves wellbeing of occupants and indoor air quality by avoiding dust and allergen buildup.

Flooring for Retail Stores

Retail spaces experience heavy foot traffic and need flooring that can handle wear and tear while maintaining a polished look. Timber flooring provides the durability and style that retail owners need to create an inviting yet durable atmosphere.

What makes timber ideal for retail:

• Stunning patterns like chevron or herringbone enhance visual appeal and guide customers through the space.
• Durable finishes resist scuffs and stains from shoppers’ shoes and carts.
• Timber’s timeless charm aligns with a range of retail aesthetics, from rustic boutiques to sleek urban shops.

Create a lasting impression on your customers—explore our timber flooring options and order up to 5 free samples online.

Flooring for Hospitality Venues

From restaurants and cafes to hotels, hospitality venues require flooring that combines beauty, safety, and durability. Timber flooring delivers on all fronts, offering a warm and welcoming vibe that patrons love.

Why timber is perfect for hospitality spaces:

• Easy to clean and maintain, even in high-traffic dining areas.
• Engineered timber’s layered construction resists moisture, making it less prone to warping in environments like cafés.
• Adds a touch of luxury to create memorable guest experiences.

Want to learn more about how timber fits into hospitality? Visit our showroom or order a sample to experience it firsthand.

Flooring for Healthcare and Wellness Spaces

Healthcare and wellness spaces demand flooring that promotes a clean, safe, and calming environment. Timber flooring is an excellent option, combining hygiene with natural beauty.

Timber flooring advantages for healthcare spaces:

• Non-allergenic and easy to sanitise, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
• Provides a warm, welcoming aesthetic in waiting rooms and therapy spaces.
• Durable enough to withstand heavy equipment and foot traffic.

Flooring for Educational Spaces

Schools, universities, and daycare centres need flooring that supports high foot traffic and fosters a comfortable learning environment. Timber flooring offers durability and a welcoming look for classrooms, libraries, and communal areas.

Why timber is great for education spaces:

• Noise-reducing properties help create a quieter environment for learning.
• Resistant to scratches and stains from everyday use.
• Sustainable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Types of Timber Flooring for Commercial Spaces

At Havwoods, we offer a wide range of timber flooring and timber panelling options to suit your retail and commercial project needs:

• Engineered timber flooring: Combines the beauty of hardwood with enhanced durability, perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Reclaimed Wood: A sustainable choice with unique character and history.
• Wide Plank Flooring: Creates an open, luxurious feel ideal for spacious areas.

Experience Havwoods

Choosing timber flooring or timber panelling is a big decision, but Havwoods make it easy. With our extensive range and expert guidance, you can find the perfect match for your retail or commercial space.

Not sure which product is right for you? Order free samples online or visit one of our Havwoods showrooms to compare in person.