Why LVT Should Be Your Choice for Church Flooring When Designing a Religious Institution
Designing a religious institution, whether it’s the construction of a new church or renovation of an existing synagogue, requires a delicate and poignant approach — one that pays tribute to the authenticity and history of the space, but is also mindful of what will take place within a religious environment.
The key is to select a flooring that authentically harmonizes with the surrounding aesthetic but is also durable enough to withstand the foot traffic experienced in most worship settings. LVT has also become a preferred alternative for church flooring due to its durability and design versatility. Hardwood is also is a natural, authentic option that can makes a lasting impression in church lobbies.
Determining when and where to use certain types of flooring, however, is wholly dependent upon your desired design approach. In general, LVT makes the most sense in a few particular areas within worship facilities.
Ideal Applications for LVT Within a Place of Worship
Common Space: Most places of worship feature a common area to congregate after service gatherings, as well as host community meetings, events and get-togethers. Because these spaces often experience a heavy amount of foot traffic, much like a cafeteria or restaurant, the flooring selected should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear, scuffs and spills.
LVT, as a result, is becoming one of the more popular products for these common areas. Not only does the design versatility of LVT allow for numerous design styles within a space, but it is also easier to maintain than other common church flooring products like carpet.
Speaking Platform/Stage: Whether it’s a raised lectern or an auditorium-style stage, the speaking platform/staging area of a worship facility is an important focal point and should be designed as such. Carpet is at times a consideration due to its relatively low cost, but it’s limiting in terms of design authenticity. LVT, therefore, is an ideal alternative, with hardwood also a great possibility due to its durability and impressive aesthetic.
Aisles: The aisles of a worship facility, whether in the center or along the sides of the seating, are high-traffic areas — which means they are far more susceptible to wear and tear. Often, you’ll notice carpet is used in aisles due to its sound-absorption qualities. Unfortunately, constant foot traffic may break down the carpet fibers, backing or pad causing visible wear such as discoloration or matting. Additionally, carpet is not as aesthetically flexible.
LVT flooring is becoming a preferred alternative due its durability and ease of maintenance, as well as sound qualities when compared to other flooring options. Additionally, LVT allows you to achieve an old-world look and feel found in most historic and classic and places of worship, replicating the look of stone or marble.
Because aisle space often takes up a large amount of square footage, LVT becomes an ideal option — not only for its price comparison and durability, but also due to its ability to replicate natural materials.
Entryway: The entry (and exit) area of a place of worship is a common place to congregate before and after services and events. As a result, this space experiences heavy foot traffic and – undoubtedly – the most exposure to the outdoor elements being brought inside, such as snow and dirt. While carpet appears to be a popular choice in these spaces, it’s clear that this option can become easily worn down and damaged due to usage and exposure to dirt debris. Hard surfaces can be used in this space, but so too can LVT. In either scenario, a walk-off mat should always be used in this area.
Under seating: The areas under seating within a worship building or structure should not be overlooked. These areas are also exposed to the debris brought in from the outside, so the flooring selection should be resistant to scuffs and scratches, and should be easy to clean. While carpet is a popular choice here, the accessibility for cleaning (e.g. with a vacuum) is not always ideal. LVT, as a result, is the preferred choice due to its cleanability, as well as design benefits.
Why LVT Is the Preferred Church Flooring Alternative
The benefits of using LVT in worship facilities cannot be understated. As mentioned earlier, not only does LVT possess durability characteristics unlike other flooring products, but it’s second to none in terms of design versatility and is competitively priced when compared to carpet and other natural surfaces.
Worship centers today must feature flooring that is easy to clean and maintain due to all the services that take place on a daily and weekly basis.
The acoustical value of a place of worship is also an important consideration when selecting the right flooring. Unlike other interiors and commercial spaces the projection of sound — whether it’s from speakers, choirs or instruments — is an integral part of the service and/or religious practice. Often, the use of carpets will absorb too much sound, muffling the overall quality.
At Parterre, we’re committed to providing high-quality flooring in a variety of design options — no matter the space. Contact us today to learn more about our ideal church flooring products and solutions.