Floor Care in Focus: A Follow Up to The Ramifications of Specifications

A few years ago, I wrote an article titled The Ramifications of Specifications, which struck a chord across the flooring industry. The article highlighted how great flooring products often fail when installed in the wrong environments. This problem persists because crucial voices—those of floor care professionals—are too often left out of the decision-making process.

Since then, I’ve had countless discussions with architects, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and end users about these issues. The consistent takeaway? Floor care professionals need a seat at the table. Their expertise in maintenance, durability, and cost can bridge the gap between design aspirations and practical reality, preventing dissatisfaction and costly mistakes down the line.

Flooring Is Not Designed to Fail

Flooring is not designed, engineered, manufactured, or sold to fail. And yet, failure happens all too often—not because of the flooring itself, but because we fail the flooring. When problems arise, they typically stem from one of two issues: the product was placed in an inappropriate environment, or it wasn’t properly maintained. Both of these scenarios are preventable, but only if floor care professionals are part of the decision-making process.

A Collaborative Approach to Decision-Making

LVT Damage from Inadequate Daily Maintenance and Glide Issues

When planning a significant change to a space, we understand the importance of collaboration. For example, someone striving to improve their health might consult a doctor, dietitian, physical therapist, and life coach. Each plays a vital role in the outcome, with the doctor ensuring the process is balanced and no single action jeopardizes the overall goal.

Similarly, changes to a space—new flooring, paint, furniture, or lighting—demand input from all relevant parties. But how often are floor care professionals included in these discussions? Unfortunately, the answer is somewhere between “not often” and “never.”

The result is predictable: a stunning new design with maintenance needs that far exceed the original budget or capabilities. That’s when I hear the common refrain, “I’ll never buy this flooring again!”

The Impact of Ignoring Maintenance Needs

Terrazzo, Metal, and Marble Mosaic—All Have Different Maintenance Processes

Let me illustrate with an example.

Imagine a business upgrades its flooring from dark porcelain tile and looped carpet to a sleek, modern design featuring:

Honed white marble in the lobby
Blonde maple LVT in high-traffic areas
Filled travertine in restrooms
Cream-colored tip shear carpet in offices and conference rooms
Multi-loop carpet in workstations

The transformation is visually stunning and perfectly aligns with the company’s brand. However, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Here’s the breakdown:

White marble requires frequent polishing to maintain its appearance.
Blonde maple LVT shows dirt and wear more readily than darker flooring.
Filled travertine needs sealing and careful cleaning to avoid staining and etching.
Cream-colored carpet highlights dirt and spills, demanding regular deep cleaning.

Despite the new flooring’s high maintenance needs, the company doesn’t adjust its cleaning budget or protocols. The result? The pristine design quickly loses its appeal, leaving everyone—from the management team to facility maintenance staff—frustrated.

Where Floor Care Professionals Make the Difference

Involving a floor care professional early in the process could have prevented this scenario. These experts understand the unique demands of different materials and can help answer critical questions:

What are the maintenance requirements for each material?
Are the cleaning protocols feasible within the existing budget?
Will the facility’s current equipment and staff suffice, or are upgrades needed?
Are there alternative materials that achieve the design vision while being easier to maintain?

A holistic plan developed in collaboration with a floor care professional ensures a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and longevity.

Why Collaboration Matters

Each stakeholder in a flooring project has unique priorities:

Architects and designers focus on creating a visually appealing and functional space.
Contractors and sales reps aim to deliver the best products within budget.
Manufacturers prioritize producing durable, innovative materials that meet market demands.
End users want a space that aligns with their brand and serves its intended purpose.

Floor care professionals bring a critical perspective to this mix. They understand the long-term implications of flooring choices and can help navigate the balance between design aspirations and practical realities.

Simple Steps to Avoid the Ramifications of Specifications

White Marble in an Elevator Cab with No Walk-Off Mat in the Lobby

To prevent dissatisfaction and ensure success, here’s how each stakeholder can contribute:

End users should budget realistically for maintenance, recognizing it as an ongoing investment in their space.
Architects and designers must weigh maintenance costs alongside design goals.
Contractors and sales reps can advise on product alternatives and educate clients about upkeep needs.
Manufacturers should clearly communicate performance expectations and care guidelines.
Floor care professionals must proactively offer insights into materials and maintenance requirements.

Moving Forward

The term “ramifications of specifications“ has become an industry staple, highlighting a common and preventable problem. By bringing floor care professionals into the conversation early, we can ensure that flooring decisions support long-term success—not just for the initial design but for years to come.

As we look to the future, let’s prioritize collaboration across all stakeholders. Together, we can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical, durable, and satisfying for everyone involved.