Floor for Loft Area?

[Bull]

What would you fine flooring experts suggest for a floor for the upstairs of my barn? The space will be finished with drywall and set up as part storage, part lounge, part exercise area. I'd like a floor that is durable, looks good, and wont put me in the poorhouse.

I thought about tile, but that is quite labor-intensive. I like working with hard wood flooring, if there is one durable enough for the application I have outlined above.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Tomwall]

I have a 11 x 30 upstairs loft area in my garage and I used indoor outdoor carpet from home depot. It is a very thin carpet and holds up to alot of abuse. It is fairly easy to install, durable, cheap, and looks great.

 

[wbrian63]

Most pre-finished hardwood floors are quite durable. Factory applied coatings are generally superior to field-applied coatings - controlled conditions, etc.

That being said, they will not tolerate stuff being dragged, and I'd expect to see damage from exercise equipment as well.

Tile will be a lousy alternative, as the variability of the heights of each tile will provide an uneven support for the exercise equipment, and the machines will tend to "walk" during usage.

How about a combination? Wood for the storage/lounge area (which I like because it's warm underfoot), and rubberized matting for the workout area. You could even go with those 1/2" anti-fatigue mats that link together like legos.

If you put the wood down and some sort of mat over the wood for the exercise machines, unless the mat is continuous, you'll still get grit down under the mat and will damage the wood floor.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Another good option would be bamboo flooring. It's hard, easy to keep clean and cheaper than conventional hardwood flooring.

 

[Scramblur]

I used utility grade maple flooring from Lumber Liquidators. It looks nice and rustic with the defects and is super durable at $1 per sqft.

 

[dodgepolara500]

I think the best option would be self adhesive vinyl tile. It is durable and low maintenance and wouldn't need much work to install. My bro installed it in his home office and it looks great.

 

[gabeancounter]

I suggest hickory flooring. Use a oil stain instead of a poly. When you want to spruce it up just apply another coat of oil. Kind of goes with your barn style. Good luck.