Why Commercial Kitchen Flooring Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to designing a commercial kitchen, flooring is often overlooked in favour of layout, appliances, and finishes. But make no mistake—flooring is one of the most critical components in any commercial kitchen fit-out. It directly affects safety, hygiene, compliance, and the long-term durability of your space.

Whether you’re building a new venue or renovating an existing kitchen, getting the flooring right from the start can save you thousands in repairs, insurance headaches, and downtime. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Flooring Must Comply with Australian Standards

In Australia, commercial kitchen floors must adhere to strict codes and standards to ensure safety and sanitation, including:

• AS 4674-2004 – Design, Construction, and Fit-out of Food Premises

• AS 4586-2013 – Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials

• FSANZ Food Safety Standards

These guidelines require that flooring be durable, impervious, easily cleanable, and slip-resistant. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences—both financial and legal.

2. Flooring Types: Pros, Cons & Costs

Epoxy, Polyurethane & MMA Flooring

• Pros: Seamless, extremely durable, chemical-resistant, easy to clean, and excellent slip resistance. Can be resurfaced later without full removal.

• Cons: Higher upfront cost and labour-intensive preparation.

• Approximate Cost: $200 – $300/m²

Vinyl Flooring

• Pros: Cost-effective, quick to install, available in slip-resistant finishes, and softer underfoot.

• Cons: Cheaper options wear down quickly and lose anti-slip protection.

• Approximate Cost: $100 – $175/m²

Tiled Flooring

• Pros: Visually versatile and relatively durable.

• Cons: Prone to cracking, slippery when wet, grout can harbour bacteria. Repairs are expensive and time-consuming.

• Approximate Cost: From $100/m², plus higher labour costs.

3. Floor Coving: The Hidden Hygiene Hero

Coving creates a smooth transition between floor and wall, eliminating corners where grime and bacteria love to hide. It’s a requirement under AS 4674 for hygiene compliance.

Coving Options:

• Epoxy Coving – Long-lasting and seamless

• Vinyl Coving – Budget-friendly, but less robust

• Metal Coving – Rare, durable but expensive

• Tiled Coving – Matches tile floors, but grout must be sealed properly

A common mistake? Skipping the backing fill or sealant behind the coving—this creates hidden voids where vermin and bacteria thrive.

4. Slip Resistance is Non-Negotiable

Slippery floors are a major hazard in commercial kitchens where spills are frequent. AS 4586-2013 mandates slip-resistant finishes to reduce the risk of falls, injury, and legal action.

Failing to meet these standards could result in:

• Staff injuries

• Lawsuits and WHS breaches

• Increased insurance premiums

5. Drainage: The Key to Clean, Dry Floors

Poor drainage results in water build-up, odours, bacteria, and expensive damage. According to AS 4674, floors should slope at a 1:100 gradient toward drains.

Drain Types:

• Linear Drains – Best for large spaces, easy to clean, sleek look

• Point Drains – Ideal for small kitchens, more economical

• Grated Drains – Catch debris, reduce clogs, perfect for high-traffic zones

Don’t forget the waste bucket traps—they catch solids before they reach your plumbing, prevent blockages, and help control odours.

6. Flooring Colour Can Boost Food Safety

Light colours like grey or cream are preferred—they reveal spills and grime easily, promoting faster clean-up and better hygiene. Avoid dark or overly bright colours, which can either hide dirt or create glare and visual strain.

7. Cleaning Compatibility Matters

Hose-Out Kitchens

• Designed for high-volume operations

• Requires epoxy or similar waterproof flooring

• All equipment must be water-rated

Mop-Out Kitchens

• Common in cafes and smaller venues

• Compatible with vinyl or epoxy

• Requires hot water and detergent scrubbing

Choose your flooring based on your cleaning method—many appliances aren’t designed to get wet.

8. What’s the Cost of Getting It Wrong?

Installing the wrong flooring can quickly snowball into major costs:

• Constant maintenance and early replacement

• Disruptions for repairs

• Staff injuries and workers comp claims

• Fines for non-compliance

High-quality flooring might cost more upfront, but it pays for itself over time in lower maintenance, fewer accidents, and legal peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Flooring That Works for You

Your commercial kitchen floor does more than support your staff—it supports your business operations, health compliance, and brand reputation. By choosing the right flooring solution and ensuring it’s installed to Australian standards, you’ll protect your investment and create a safe, efficient environment for years to come.

Need help specifying flooring for your next kitchen project?

We specialise in hospitality fit-outs that meet all Australian standards, from initial design through to final compliance.

Contact us today for expert advice or a tailored flooring recommendation for your venue.