Carpet tile.

Carpet's a no-go. Factory environment (even though these are offices), too hard to keep clean. Plus I kind-of hate carpet.

Vinyl composition tile. Rubber sheet goods. Armstrong corlon sheet vinyl.

Budget?

Cosmetic concerns?

I don't care for VCT, too clinical-looking.

Budget <$5/sf

Digging into research on Supercore and Armstrong Corlon, thanks for the suggestions.

I've ordered a few samples of Supercore, and went to Menards last night. Found an LVP with a 20 mil wear layer, SPC core, and 30 year commercial warranty that might work too.

I have real white oak floors but Supercore SPC020 Oak Natural looks pretty decent. Supercore is available in many varieties. Something that helps preserve a floor: soft, not hard, wheels (casters) on office chairs (example).

@weedyacres how'd that work out for you?

So far so good as far as wear. In one of the offices a few of the pieces are gapping. That's possibly an installation error, as they should snap together securely, but we haven't yet investigated it further.

If you ever run into this type of project again, they make 1/4" or so thick vinyl planks that don't snap together and only require glue around the perimeter to hold them in place. We use them in commercial settings and they do really well with wheelchair/ walker traffic. The term for these planks is Loose Lay Plank.

For a durable commercial office flooring solution, consider the following options:

1. Commercial-Grade LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): While LVP may have a 7-year commercial warranty, some brands offer more robust commercial options with longer warranties. Look for LVP products specifically designed for high-traffic areas.
2. Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl is available in commercial-grade variants that offer better durability. It can be a cost-effective choice and provides a smooth surface for office chairs and desks.
3. Commercial-Grade Carpet Tiles: If you want something softer underfoot, consider commercial-grade carpet tiles. They are designed to handle office chair and desk traffic and come in various styles.
4. Commercial Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring designed for commercial use may also be an option. It's relatively durable and easy to clean.
5. Engineered Hardwood: Some engineered hardwood floors are designed for commercial settings and can withstand heavy traffic. However, they may require more maintenance than other options.

When selecting a product, pay attention to the wear layer thickness, the manufacturer's commercial use rating, and consider consulting with a flooring specialist for specific product recommendations based on your office's needs. Proper installation, including a suitable underlayment, is crucial for long-term durability and to minimize movement-related issues.