6 types of tile flooring for elevated commercial interiors

6 commercial tile flooring types that perform and inspire

just ahead are six standout commercial tile flooring types, each chosen for its blend of durability and design flair. namely: zellige, cement, terrazzo, stone, ceramic, and brick. (and these are just the start.)

whether you’re outfitting a busy retail space and want handcrafted textures, or you’re planning an elegant office reception and need a resilient flooring surface with a honed finish, these materials rise to the challenge of heavy foot traffic while elevating your interiors.

1. the unparalleled beauty of zellige

zellige tiles, handcrafted in morocco from natural clay and fired in ancient bee-hive kilns, bring an artisanal touch to any commercial area. each tile features irregular edges and subtle color variations that reflect light in enchanting ways, making zellige a popular choice for boutique retail spaces or creative office environments.

thanks to a durable, glazed finish, zellige can withstand heavy foot traffic while retaining its handcrafted allure. (for even more durability and traction, we recommend zellige in its natural, unglazed form.) whether you’re designing an upscale restaurant floor or a gallery-like lobby, zellige’s tactile surface and organic palette imbue the space with warmth and character.

2. the graphic boldness of cement

cement tiles are celebrated for their striking, graphic patterns and robust performance in heavy-traffic areas. these encaustic-style tiles are composed of cement and colorful pigments, creating a matte finish that demands attention. when you want your floors to function as art, cement tiles deliver an unforgettable visual impact.

ideal for retail stores and cafes seeking a distinctive look, cement commercial floor tile options come in a variety of colors and motifs, from geometric shapes to floral designs. their dense composition also makes them resistant to wear, while periodic sealing by a professional ensures longevity.

3. the modern edge of terrazzo

terrazzo has surged in popularity for its seamless blend of durability and contemporary style. composed of chips of marble, quartz, or glass embedded in a cement binder, terrazzo floors in commercial spaces are virtually limitless in color and pattern possibilities.

commonly used in hotel lobbies, airports, and offices, terrazzo tile withstands high-traffic areas with easy maintenance. its smooth, polished surface reflects natural and artificial light, brightening interiors and visually expanding compact common areas.

another thing that many people love: for businesses prioritizing both sustainability and sophistication, terrazzo’s use of recycled aggregates positions it as a forward-thinking and eco-conscious choice.

4. the timeless strength of stone

natural stone tiles — including travertine, slate, and marble — embody timeless elegance while delivering unmatched durability in commercial environments. marble, with its luxurious veining and cool touch underfoot, remains a top pick for high-end retail spaces and executive offices. travertine and slate, known for their slip resistance and rugged aesthetic, excel in lobbies and high-traffic spaces. limestone is another popular option to consider, lending Çelegance to any floor it meets.

although natural stone requires occasional sealing by a professional to protect it from stains and etching, its ability to age gracefully makes it a smart long-term investment. each tile’s unique patterns ensure that no two installations look the same, echoing the individuality of every business.

5. the quiet versatility of ceramic

ceramic tiles are ubiquitous in commercial flooring for good reason: they combine affordability, resilience, and design flexibility. porcelain tile, in particular, boasts exceptional water resistance and hardness due to how it is made, making it the perfect choice for busy retail stores and restaurants. (just be sure to choose a tile that is sufficiently slip-resistant.)

ceramic tile comes in a wide variety of glaze, size, and texture options — think classic penny rounds and bright rectangles — that suit a wide range of brand aesthetics. some even opt for gauged porcelain tile, which can mimic the look of a natural stone slab. (we, of course, prefer the real thing.) with an easy-to-clean surface and large-format sizes, ceramic tiles streamline maintenance in commercial areas while providing endless color, shape, and finish choices to support any design vision.

6. the textural warmth of brick

brick tile flooring introduces an unexpected textural warmth to retail spaces, showrooms, and coworking offices. typically made from fired clay, brick tiles can be installed in herringbone, basketweave, or classic running bond patterns, offering a rustic yet refined backdrop for modern commercial interiors.

brick’s inherent slip resistance and ability to camouflage wear makes it ideal for high-traffic areas that demand both safety and style. with variations ranging from deep terracotta reds to soft, muted earth tones, brick flooring adds a sense of history and authenticity to businesses that want to create a grounded and welcoming atmosphere.

how to choose the right commercial tile flooring for your project

selecting the best type of flooring for a commercial space involves more than matching color swatches to brand palettes. thoughtfully considering mood, function, lighting, and flooring material variation ensures you end up with a surface that not only endures heavy traffic but also elevates the guest experience. take a few tips from us as you navigate your tile journey.

start with the mood you want to create

begin by defining the atmosphere you aim to evoke. will your retail space be bright and energetic? consider terrazzo’s visually striking surface and endless color options. for a cozy, boutique restaurant, zellige’s handcrafted appeal can set an intimate tone. crafting a mood board with samples of tile finishes, wall treatments, and furniture will help you visualize how commercial floor tiles complement your overall design narrative.

match material to function

different materials excel under different conditions. porcelain tiles such as penny rounds offer unmatched resistance to wear and moisture, making them ideal for restaurants, spa receptions, and other areas that benefit from easy cleaning. natural stone floors create a luxury impression but may require more upkeep. cement and brick tile withstand heavy foot traffic, perfect for a busy office lobby or retail space entrance.

align your material choice with anticipated foot traffic and maintenance capabilities to ensure both performance and longevity. and when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to double check a tile’s technical specifications and material guidelines.

consider lighting and texture

tile flooring interacts dynamically with light — natural daylight, overhead fixtures, and accent lighting. smooth surfaces like honed terrazzo amplify light and can visually enlarge compact spaces, while matte finishes and textured surfaces, such as natural slate or brick, diffuse glare and add depth.

in low-lit commercial areas, choose lighter-colored porcelain or ceramic tiles to improve visibility and safety. in contrast, textured tiles can enhance tactile interest and help define distinct zones within open-plan offices and retail stores.

embrace the beauty of variation

one of tile’s greatest advantages is its inherent variation. natural stone brings unique veining; zellige reveals subtle color gradations; cement tiles showcase hand-poured pattern inconsistencies; terrazzo uses distinctive bits of upcycled materials.

rather than fighting these variations, celebrate them as part of your design’s story. mixing tile sizes, finishes, or colors on the walls and floors can take things a step further, creating visual rhythm across a commercial area and guiding visitors through different functional zones. whether it’s a showroom floor, waiting lounge, or coworking desk cluster, variation is a great tool to have in your design arsenal.

work with professionals who understand the material

even the highest-quality commercial floor tile can underperform if installed incorrectly. flooring professionals and designers specializing in commercial projects understand how to assess subfloor conditions, recommend appropriate adhesives and grouts, and ensure joints meet industry standards for expansion and drainage.

for those reasons, be sure to partner with experts who understand the challenges of installing commercial floor tile, as well as how to navigate building codes and accessibility requirements. this gives your business peace of mind that your investment will endure throughout years of foot traffic and daily use.

in today’s competitive marketplace, the right commercial tile flooring can elevate a business’s image, enhance the overall guest experience, and deliver lasting performance. whether you choose the artisanal warmth of zellige, the bold graphics of cement, or the unwavering strength of natural stone, the right material can truly elevate your space. so let your floors do the talking — it all starts with a tile that performs and inspires.