In 2024 it is more important than ever to stand out from your competition at trade shows and events. Additionally, the same applies for retail, commercial, and office locations, especially competitive businesses. Trade show flooring is a hidden gem that many overlook when designing a marketing space. Trade shows, events, museums, churches, and conventions benefit greatly from functional and unique flooring. To help our customers and other small businesses, we have created the 2024 Buyers Guide to Trade Show Flooring!
Available Options for Portable Flooring
The first question many buyers ask is “what kind of flooring is available that is portable and durable”? There are a variety of options available in different textures, colors, designs, and even customized options. These options include:
Each style of flooring is available in a variety of sizes, textures, options, and customizations. In addition, we offer hard shipping cases for transportation and storage. For anyone new to portable flooring products we can go over each category briefly to explain the application of each available product.
Interlocking Trade Show Flooring
Interlocking flooring is the most popular option due to its ease of assembly and compact storage. These tiles are assembled to create a large area in a matter of minutes. There are many styles of interlocking flooring including printed, carpet, vinyl, and outdoor. However, not every interlocking tile is the same. Our US Made interlocking trade show flooring includes built in edges, optional beveled edges, and is 5/8″ think with quality padding. Inferior products offer separate edge pieces that are not beveled and the tiles are thin with low quality padding.
Rollable Flooring Options
Rollable flooring is simply that, a large piece of floor that rolls out. These pieces are typically 5′ x 10′ or 5′ x 20′ and but together with seam tape to create a larger area. Padding is option and is not built into the floor. Rollable flooring is available in carpet, vinyl, outdoor, and printed finishing options.
Custom Printed Trade Show Flooring
We offer full color, custom printed flooring in fabric, vinyl, interlocking, or rollable options. Each floor is made to order with your custom graphics. Printed proofs are available and there are no limitations for colors or images! Check out our latest blog post on The Pros and Cons of Printed Trade Show Flooring.
Outdoor Flooring
When exhibiting outdoors it is important to have a floor intended for this purpose. The most popular outdoor flooring is Turf which is available in multiple colors in interlocking and tile options. Additionally, we offer outdoor carpet tile options! However, outdoor flooring options are not intended for permanent or long term installs.
Real Hardwood Portable Flooring
The best solution for creating a space that appears like a fully finished interior is real hardwood flooring. The floor is created by using tiles that interlock together to make a large, nearly seamless looking spaces that resemble a high end home. This flooring is heavy and expensive because it is real wood so make sure to consider ROI and if this is the right choice for your application!
Choosing the Correct Product for Your Application
When shopping online for trade show flooring, the application of your floor is one of the first points to consider. Different applications will determine which flooring options will actually work in your space. Making the wrong choice can hinder the performance of your booth or turn off potential customers. In some circumstances you could damage the floor or void the warranty. But do not fear! Our buyers guide will point you in the right direction so you can avoid these pitfalls!
- Where is it going? Is your portable floor specifically for trade shows? Are you using it outdoors? Is this a high traffic commercial or retail space? Asking yourself these questions will quickly guide you to the correct products for your application. As outlined above we offer specific applications for many different scenarios. If your scenario is a little different and you need some help, contact us at any time to talk to an expert who can recommend the correct floor for you!
- How will it be used? The second important question to consider is the required functionality of the floor. Will heavy objects be placed on the floor? Will a car or heavy machinery drive over or onto the floor? Is the flooring in an environment with water, dirt, or other food? Is the floor cosmetic, or in a heavy traffic area? These questions narrow down many more options so at this point you should be left with a handful of products to consider.
Customization and Unique Situations
Many exhibitors, businesses, and retail locations require flooring that meets certain specifications. This can mean size, color, or texture. Creative Imaging Displays offers many customized options for many of our flooring products including custom size, shapes, and patterns. Printed flooring is typically the most commonly customized option. We offer entry way mats, isle carpets, die-cut shapes, and 3D style customization. Additionally, we offer many solutions for unique situations. Retail, commercial, churches, and museums have specific requirements for their spaces. Size, thickness, fire resistance, and non-slip are all unique options we can offer on a variety of floors to satisfy the strictest requirements!
Logistics Considerations
This section might be a little boring, but don’t skip it! Logistical considerations are very important because choosing the wrong flooring product can cost you time and money! Make sure to consider the follow scenarios when choosing the right flooring for your application:
- How often will I ship the floor?
- Where is the flooring stored?
- How long does it take to assemble?
- Can an individual move the floor, or is a forklift required?
It’s important to look at the full picture of your events to find out the best solution for you. Real Hardwood flooring may be within budget and look the best, but did you consider the cost to ship and store it? That might break the budget and cause other issues down the road. For some, budget and storage is not a constraint so in that case, any flooring option will work! But for most of us, we need to look at the full picture. Interlocking tiles continue to be the most popular option because they are easy to assemble, cost effective, and easy to store. They can store easily in a garage or spare bedroom if needed. Shipping sizes and weights are listed on every product page so you can calculate shipping cost and understand storage requirements!
Tips When Shopping Online
As you shop online for portable flooring you will quickly realize there are hundreds of options with many different price points, brand names, and manufacturers. It is easy to get overwhelmed or confused on what is what, and how the product will look and perform in real life. Some tips include:
- Find out if the floor is made in the USA or elsewhere.
- How thick is the flooring?
- What is the production and shipping time?
- Does the flooring come from an established, name brand manufacturer?
When shopping with Creative Imaging Displays, you can expect only the best, name brand portable flooring products on the market. Our primary supplier is K&S, who is know industry wide as being one of the best US manufacturers of portable flooring products. When shopping on Amazon and other corporate websites, they usually carry lower quality floors from overseas which have limited options and lack durability. Depending on your application, this may be the perfect solution. However, if you are looking for a product that will last with many varieties of options, make sure to shop our entire line of US made flooring products!
Conclusion
We hope this buyers guide will make it easier to find the best portable trade show flooring for your specific application. As always, contact us at any time to talk to a flooring expert to guide you along the way! What are your experiences with portable trade show flooring? Is there a style, brand, or material that works best for you? Leave us feedback in the comments section below!