Taking on a multi-residential project involves making a number of important decisions, and choosing the right flooring is no exception. It’s not just a style choice - the right flooring has a significant impact on longevity, long-term costs, functionality and appeal of the space. Whether you’re designing apartments, townhouses, or mixed-use developments, it’s a balancing act: finding materials that can handle daily wear and tear while staying within budget and aligning with the project’s visual goals. From stylish vinyl planks to high-performing hybrid options, the right flooring can create a practical and inviting multi-residential project.
What is a multi-dwelling development?
As the name suggests, a multi-dwelling development is a residential project that includes multiple housing units within a single building or complex, such as apartment buildings, duplexes and townhouses. These developments are essential when it comes to meeting the need for high density housing in today’s ever growing cities.
When it comes to selecting flooring for these developments, it’s essential to consider materials that not only meet functional demands but also enhance the visual appeal of each space. Here are some different options to explore:
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Hybrid Flooring: Combines laminate's durability with vinyl's water resistant qualities, making it a great low-maintenance option for multi-residential buildings where high traffic is expected. Plus, its realistic wood-look designs will bring warmth and style to your space.
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Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Get the high-end look without the maintenance with Luxury Vinyl, which is durable and easy to clean. It’s ideal for areas like kitchens and living rooms, where style meets practicality.
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Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Known for its seamless design, this flooring is perfect for spaces such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or high traffic commercial grade communal areas. It’s hygienic and incredibly easy to maintain.
What is a multi-dwelling unit?
A multi-dwelling unit (MDU) is a single residential building that houses multiple living spaces, such as apartments, duplexes, or townhouses. They cater to all types of needs, from families to professionals, and require materials that balance durability, functionality and aesthetics. Flooring plays a crucial role in influencing noise reduction (such as utilising acoustic flooring), maintenance, aesthetic appeal and overall ambience in a multi-residential building.
Flooring options like hybrid, luxury vinyl, or vinyl sheet flooring, allow developers to meet the unique demands of multi-dwelling units while ensuring comfort and style still play an important role.
Key considerations when choosing flooring for multi-residential architectures
Here’s what to consider when choosing a multi-residential design:
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Durability: Multi-residential buildings experience lots of foot traffic, so the flooring needs to withstand daily wear and tear.
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Maintenance: Low maintenance flooring options are a practical choice, reducing upkeep costs and ensuring the space remains looking its best without high effort.
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Acoustics: Flooring should help minimise sound transfer between units to enhance privacy and comfort, creating a more comfortable living environment.
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Cost: Balancing initial costs with long term value is essential. Durable flooring can reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving money in the long run.
What type of flooring lasts the longest in multi-residential spaces?
When it comes to high traffic multi-residential spaces, long lasting flooring is essential. Here are some of the best options:
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Hybrid Flooring: Known for its durability, water resistance and scratch-proof properties, hybrid flooring is ideal for kitchens, hallways and living areas.
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Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Offers a premium look while being tough enough to handle frequent use. Perfect for common areas or individual units.
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Vinyl Sheet Flooring: A cost effective choice for communal areas, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Acoustic and soundproofing solutions
Soundproof flooring is a game-changer for multi-residential buildings, keeping those noise-related complaints to a minimum. It’s a crucial element that can effectively minimise impact and airborne noise. Flooring with built-in acoustic underlays or acoustic properties - such as vinyl or hybrid flooring - can make a significant difference in reducing unwanted noise and maintaining peace and privacy.
Sustainability in flooring choices
Sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity. As environmental awareness continues to grow, more developers and consumers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon impact. Armstrong Flooring offers a range of eco-friendly options:
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Low maintenance products: Our products are made to withstand all conditions, so you won’t need any additional chemicals like sealers or polishes.
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Low VOC properties: Flooring with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions for healthier indoor air quality.
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Longevity: Durable flooring reduces waste by minimising the need for replacement.
For more in-depth information about our practices check out our Corporate Sustainability Policy.
What flooring do I need for multi-residential high traffic areas vs. individual units?
High traffic areas, such as lobbies and hallways that people are constantly walking in and out of, require flooring that can withstand wear and tear, while individual units like living rooms and bedrooms should be all about comfort and aesthetics.
For high traffic areas:
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Hybrid Flooring: Scratch resistant, and combines the durability of laminate with the waterproof properties of vinyl.
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Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Affordable, seamless, and easy to clean, it’s ideal for large common spaces with non-slip options for top levels of safety.
For individual living spaces:
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Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Comes in many versatile designs, perfect for achieving your ideal style, and is very easy to maintain.
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Carpet: Ideal for bedrooms where comfort and sound insulation are a priority. Softens noise, creating a cosy and peaceful environment for residents.
Flooring for your multi-residential building
Who knew that flooring could make such a big difference? The flooring you choose for your multi-residential building is more than just a functional decision - it sets the tone for your entire space.
Choosing the right flooring for your multi-residential occupancy is an important step in creating spaces that are durable, functional and visually appealing. With options like hybrid, luxury vinyl, and vinyl sheet flooring, Armstrong Flooring offers solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of multi-residential projects.
Ready to find the perfect flooring for your multi-residential project? Armstrong Flooring’s extensive residential and commercial ranges have you covered. Elevate your multi-residential design with flooring that balances style, performance, and budget.
