Managing timber floors in commercial buildings
Managing facilities means juggling daily upkeep that keeps occupants happy with long-term investments that protect the building's value. Timber floors are one of those assets that can last decades if maintained properly, or become a costly replacement if neglected.
With Bona Timber Floor Solutions, Bona Certified Contractors assess whether a floor needs to be revived, recoated or refinished. Then a customised, cost-efficient restoration process is implemented that supports the business from start to finish.
Bona is the global leader in timber floor restoration and care, with more than a hundred years of experience and a worldwide network of Certified Contractors.
Three levels of treatment depending on floor condition
To prolong a floor's life and preserve its value, Bona recommends different treatments depending on the floor's current condition. Reviving, recoating or refinishing a floor increases its longevity and protects the investment.
Revive (Bronze treatment). When the floor needs a deeper cleaning than daily care can provide. An initial dry mopping removes major debris and particles, then a deep cleaning machine is used. Ready within hours, no need to leave the premises.
Recoat (Silver treatment). When the floor surface is dull, scuffed or slightly scratched. Light sanding and a new protective finish layer. Adds protection and restores the look. Floors are ready overnight -- no need to leave the premises.
Refinish (Gold treatment). When the floor is damaged and lacking lustre. Full sanding to bare timber, colour change option, and new surface coating. A sealer or stain is applied followed by a new finish. Floors are ready in 2-4 days.
Cost savings -- restoration vs replacement
40% less cost. Renovating a timber floor saves approximately 40% compared to installing a new one, considering both material and labour costs. On a plank-by-plank basis, restoration is significantly more cost-effective than replacement. Factor in the environmental benefit of reusing existing flooring and the case for restoration is even stronger.
50% less downtime. There is never a good time to put facilities out of service, but floor maintenance matters for the impression it makes on tenants and visitors. Depending on the restoration method, downtime is reduced by 20-50% compared to installing a new timber floor. A quicker floor servicing time means a faster return to normal business operations.
Free up budget. Renovating rather than replacing frees up budget to invest in other areas of the business. Strategic resource allocation enhances satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Eliminate waste. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, over 12.2 million tons of timber were deposited into US landfills in 2018. For timber floors, this waste is unnecessary. Timber floors can last for multiple generations when maintained properly.
Environmental credentials -- the numbers
95% less energy. Renovating a timber floor is significantly more energy efficient than replacing it. A new installation typically consumes 94 kWh/m2. Restoration requires only 4 kWh/m2. That is a 95% reduction in energy consumption.
79% CO2 savings. A renovated floor emits approximately 1.42 kg of carbon dioxide per m2. A newly installed floor typically emits around 6.63 kg. Restoration reduces CO2 emissions by 79% compared to new installation. These figures are based on independent IVL study of new installation versus restoration of timber floors.
Dust-free sanding. Health is a priority when renovating timber floors. Bona's dust-free sanding minimises airborne particles by 99.99%, improving indoor air quality during the restoration process. Combined with Bona's low-VOC products, this creates a healthier environment for both contractors and building occupants.
Replacing a worn timber floor with a new one is a common but unnecessary practice. Bona can breathe new life into existing timber floors through restoration, reducing the need for resource-intensive removal and minimising environmental impact.
Floor lifespan and restoration cycles
A well-maintained timber floor can last 15 years or more before requiring restoration. With proper care, a floor can be renovated at least four times, greatly extending its lifespan. Considering the environmental and cost savings of even a single restoration, the benefits over replacement are clear.
A well-restored timber floor elevates the entire building for tenants and guests for years to come. Timber floors are more than a surface -- they reflect a premium environment. Beyond aesthetics, timber floors are durable and capable of withstanding heavy commercial use.
The Bona system -- evaluate, execute, endure
Bona takes a systematic approach to timber floor restoration, covering every aspect from initial assessment through to ongoing care.
1. Evaluate. The process begins with a thorough inspection of the floors, identifying their current condition and selecting the correct restoration method to maximise cost savings.
2. Execute. Bona Certified Contractors carry out the tailored Bronze (Revive), Silver (Recoat) or Gold (Refinish) solution, using dust-free sanding and low-VOC water-based products that are safe for occupied buildings.
3. Endure. After completion, an expert recommendation for ongoing care ensures the floors maintain their durability and appearance for years to come.
Design options for commercial spaces
Bona offers a range of design possibilities -- from a minimalist whitewashed look on planks to a contemporary matt finish on parquet. The options cater to different facility uses, allowing for a customised flooring solution that matches the space.
Bona is a family-owned, sustainably driven company founded in 1919. The first in the industry to offer a full system of waterborne timber floor finishing and floor care products. Today Bona offers products for premium floor surfaces including timber, tile, vinyl, resilient, rubber and laminate, through 16 subsidiaries and 70 distributors in 90 countries.