What exactly defines “light commercial” in interior design? ANSI A108-A1180-A136-2024 American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile defines Heavy Residential = Light Commercial as
“Non-industrial flooring areas that are subject to normal footwear traffic with occasional amounts of abrasive soil. Some examples of these would be: halls, kitchens, and corridors.”
The ANSI definition helps define the concept but doesn’t really tell us what types of spaces would constitute “light commercial.” For instance, an office kitchen falls into the light commercial category, but a restaurant kitchen, on the other hand, requires surfacing that is more durable and offers more traction for slip resistance.
The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) drills down a little deeper to define performance-level requirements for tile.
In the field of interior design, the term “light commercial” pertains to spaces designated for commercial use that do not have the same rigorous demands as heavy commercial environments. This category encompasses a variety of settings, including small offices, inviting retail shops, cozy cafes, stylish salons, and other service-oriented establishments. These spaces are characterized by moderate foot traffic, allowing for a comfortable atmosphere catering to customers and employees. Light commercial interiors often emphasize functionality and aesthetic appeal for creating practical and visually engaging environments.
Argent 2.0™ porcelain floor tile.
While there are alternatives to tile for light commercial flooring, porcelain tile is an excellent flooring choice for many reasons:
Durability of Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tiles are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear, which makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and maintain their appearance and structural integrity over time. Unlike other flooring options, porcelain tiles are less likely to chip, crack, or show signs of damage, even in bustling environments.
Moisture Resistance
Porcelain is less porous than many other materials, making it resistant to water and stains. In fact, porcelain is considered “impervious” by ANSI because it has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for businesses that deal with spills or moisture.
Argent 2.0™ porcelain floor tile.
Porcelain Tiles are Easy to Maintain
Porcelain tiles are one of the simplest surfaces to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping with warm water or a mild cleaning solution are usually all that porcelain tile floors need to stay looking good.
Porcelain Tiles Have Gorgeous Aesthetics
Porcelain tiles come in a plethora of styles, colors, and textures, with many looks replicating the look and feel of real wood, natural stone, concrete, and other natural materials. The wealth of stunning looks available in tile allows businesses to craft unique and inviting atmospheres that align with their brand and create a positive impression.
Access Point™ porcelain tile in a concrete look.
Porcelain Tile is Cost-Effective
While the initial investment may be higher than some other flooring options, porcelain tile’s robust nature and low maintenance make porcelain tiles cost-effective in the long run.
Porcelain Tile Contributes to Healthier Interiors
Porcelain tile has zero Voile Organic Compounds (VOCs), so you can be assured no dangerous chemicals are off-gassing. Tile does not trap allergens or dust, which also contributes to better air indoor quality. Additionally, porcelain tile is also sanitary. Due to its impervious nature, tile is mold- and mildew-resistant and inhospitable to the growth of bacteria. The hygienic characteristic of tile is a real advantage for service providers where cleanliness is crucial for customer satisfaction.
Porcelain Tiles are Sustainable
As one of the most sustainable flooring materials on the market, porcelain tile is a surfacing choice you can feel good about. Porcelain tile is comprised basically of clay, water, and a few other natural ingredients. No trees are cut down, and there is no environmental damage from quarrying. Tile’s longevity also contributes to its sustainability — porcelain tile can easily last for the life of a building. If and when the tile is removed, it can be easily recycled. Choosing sustainable materials can resonate with community values and appeal to businesses’ eco-conscious consumers.
Color Blox 2.0 porcelain floor tile.
Longevity of Porcelain Tile
Because tile flooring can withstand heavy use is long-lasting, businesses can maintain a professional appearance over time. This reliability reflects a commitment to quality, which can enhance customer trust and loyalty.
Tile’s longevity also contributes to its sustainability — porcelain tile can easily last for the life of a building. If and when the tile is removed from a building, it can be easily recycled.
Domestically Manufactured Tile Supports the Local Economy
Choosing to buy tile that is manufactured domestically not only benefits our local economies but also fosters a sense of community. By supporting domestic production, we help create jobs and strengthen local businesses. Additionally, buying products manufactured in the U.S often reduces the cost and environmental impact of transporting materials, as shorter shipping distances minimize fuel consumption and related emissions.
Why Choose Crossville® Tile?
Java Joint™ porcelain floor tile.
Home Grown
Most of Crossville’s tile products are manufactured in Crossville, Tennessee. The exceptions are our Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam®, which are made in Italy, our ceramic and glass wall tile collections, and some porcelain trim pieces.
Crossville Tile is “Greener”
While all porcelain tile is inherently green, Crossville takes its “greenness” further.
- All of our Tennessee-manufactured products are Green Squared® certified by SCS Laboratories and contain recycled content. https://www.crossvilleinc.com/Resources/Sustainability/Carbon-Reduction-Plan Crossville was the first tile manufacturer to achieve Green Squared certification for its entire USA-made porcelain tile product line-up.
- We offer an extensive array of third-party certifications and verifications for our sustainable actions in the form of HPDs, Declare Labels, and EDPs.
- We’re so good at managing the waste we create that we are a net consumer of waste. That means we use more waste than we actively produce.
- We are actively decarbonizing our products and facilities. View our carbon-reduction plan here: https://www.crossvilleinc.com/Resources/Sustainability/Carbon-Reduction-Plan
Crossville Quality
Crossville is recognized as a world-class manufacturer, employing the latest technology and technical expertise available globally. Porcelain tile made by Crossville is fired at extremely high temperatures of 2000° F and above until it becomes vitrified, making it an impeccably tough and long- lasting surface material.
Crossville Tile Collections Perfect or Light Commercial Environments
Crossville offers a variety of tile products that can help small businesses stand out and build their brand through unique aesthetics and practical benefits.
Go Big
Crossville Porcelain Panels by Laminam® are large-format tiles (a single 1×3 meter panel can cover more than 30 square feet!) perfect for creating stunning, seamless surfaces. Its versatility allows for use on walls and floors with the potential for tile-over installations, which can eliminate demolition debris and expense as well as downtime. The panels are available in various finishes and designs that can mimic natural stone, wood, metal, and concrete. These large porcelain panels help businesses convey a modern and sophisticated brand image. (Learn more about these big tiles that are measured in feet, not inches.)
Filo porcelain panels clad a statement wall at a real estate office in Spokane. Read the case study.
I Naturali porcelain panels in a tile over tile installation at a Houston office complex. Get the design story here.
Embrace Color
Colorful porcelain tile collections like Color Blox 2.0™, Argent 2.0™, and RetroActive 2.0™ and ceramic wall tile collections like Swatches™, Snippet™, Hide & Sleek™ and Color Perspectives™ feature vibrant, bold colors that are great for creating eye-catching accent walls or flooring designs that can reflect a brand’s personality. These tile collections’ playful and customizable nature allows businesses to create a unique environment that resonates with their target audience.
Argent 2.0™ porcelain floor and wall tile.
Color Perspectives™ ceramic wall tile.
Retro Active 2.0™ porcelain floor and wall tile.
Luxuriate in Nature
Natural stone porcelain collections capture the elemental quality of biophilic designs and materials with an authentic aesthetic that supports our natural impulse to preserve and conserve. Porcelain tile collections such as carbon-neutral Beljn™ , carbon-neutral Civilization™, Marblique™, Stones at Large™, and Access Point™ (in Travertine and Marble) are sleek and beautiful, quietly elegant, and suitable for businesses who want to achieve a luxurious look while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance – crucial for upscale retail or professional environments.
Carbon-neutral Beljin™ porcelain tile for floors and walls.
Marblique™ Porcelain floor and wall tile (shown in a travertine-look).
Carbon-neutral Civilization porcelain tile flooring.
Sustainable and Beautiful
Like Crossville’s natural stone visuals, concrete looks like Access Point™ Concrete and Trajectory™, sophisticated metallic-look Native Metal™ (carbon-neutral), and rustic terra-cotta look Cotto Moderno™ capture the essence of uniquely designed spaces while emphasizing sustainability and authenticity, appealing to eco-conscious customers. These porcelain tile collections are built to endure while elevating a brand’s image to create an inviting atmosphere and an enhanced customer experience.
Carbon-neutral Native Metal™ floor tile.
Cotto Moderno™ terracotta-look porcelain floor and wall tile.
Trajectory™ concrete-look porcelain tile for walls and floors.
By choosing tile, small businesses can enhance their operational efficiency and create a space that reflects their commitment to quality, community, and customer satisfaction.
Love What You See? Great Design Starts With a Free Tile Sample!
You can quickly and easily order a sample of any Crossville tile through Crossville’s Sample Express. To quickly order free tile samples, just set up an account here to get started*. Once you have an account, ordering a tile sample is as simple as clicking a button — and samples are always free.
Other Great Reasons to Set Up an Account
- Save your favorite products and resources
- Create and organize projects
- Review sample order history
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