Step 1: Rank the floor system qualities by how important they are to the project team and assign a weight to them.
Assemble a site team of users of the space that is to be constructed or renovated. Also involve a cross section of facility and maintenance personnel. By allowing each group to voice their concerns and key issues you promote broad buy-in and help ensure you’ve covered all your bases.

Step 2: Establish a Budget.
Take the results of Step 1 and schedule a meeting with your design team including the architect, resinous system supplier, and installer. At this point, the design team can provide samples and price ranges for options which meet your site team’s criteria.

Step 3: Keep It Simple!
Your design team will most likely provide you with more than one resinous floor and wall system option that meets your site criteria. Don’t be afraid to ask the team why they are recommending a particular system or the downside to utilizing a less expensive option. Don’t be tempted to over-engineer your resinous flooring system.

Step 4: Look Ahead.
Don’t make your resinous floor and wall system decision in a time vacuum. Think about long-term maintenance implications.

Step 5: Check Out your Supplier/Contractor Team.
Assuming a proper system is selected, the final step involves making sure you have the right supplier/contractor team lined up—before a contract is let. Most resinous floor and wall system architectural guide specifications call for certain submittal information. These items should be evaluated whether you are handling the resinous system contract directly or the project is being let as a subcontract by a general contractor or construction manager.

This cleanroom tip was taken from “Floorplan: 5 simple steps for your next flooring project,” which appeared in the June 2011 issue of Controlled Environments.