High-Traffic Types of Flooring: Long-Lasting Solutions for Public Transport Hubs

Stepping into a bustling train station during rush hour, you've probably never stopped to think about the floor beneath your feet—but it's working harder than you realize. Hundreds of thousands of footsteps daily, rolling suitcases, spilled coffee, sudden temperature changes, and even the weight of heavy equipment during maintenance—public transport hubs throw everything at their flooring. And when that flooring fails? It's not just an eyesore. Cracks can trip passengers, stains can signal neglect, and constant repairs disrupt operations and eat into budgets.

For facility managers and architects, choosing flooring for high-traffic areas like airports, metro stations, or bus terminals is a balancing act. It needs to be durable enough to handle years of abuse , easy to clean in a pinch , safe under wet or crowded conditions , and—let's not forget— aesthetically pleasing to set the right tone for travelers. Oh, and in today's world, it should probably check the sustainability box too.

That's where partnering with a trusted flooring supplier matters. The best solutions aren't just about selling a product—they're about understanding the unique demands of public spaces and delivering flooring solutions that work as hard as the people who use them. Let's dive into the top flooring types that rise to the challenge, and why they're the go-to choices for the world's busiest transport hubs.

Not all floors are created equal. What works in a quiet office won't stand a chance in a subway station. Below are the five flooring materials that consistently prove their mettle in high-traffic, high-stakes environments—each with its own strengths, ideal uses, and maintenance needs.

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) flooring has taken the construction world by storm, and for good reason. Made from a blend of wood fibers, plastic, and a stabilizing agent, WPC isn't just tough—it's a waterproof flooring champion, making it perfect for areas prone to spills or moisture, like airport baggage claims or subway platforms during rainy seasons.

What makes WPC stand out in high-traffic spaces? Its rigid core construction . Unlike traditional hardwood, it won't warp, crack, or swell when exposed to water or humidity. Scratches from suitcases? Minimal. Stains from soda or oil? A quick wipe with a damp cloth, and they're gone. And with advancements in printing technology, WPC can mimic the look of natural wood, stone, or even marble—so you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics for durability.

Take, for example, the Riyadh Metro's newly expanded Red Line stations. With daily foot traffic exceeding 200,000 passengers, the facility managers needed a floor that could handle the chaos while aligning with Saudi Arabia's focus on modern, sustainable infrastructure. They chose WPC flooring in a warm oak finish, combining the beauty of natural wood with the resilience to withstand years of heavy use. "We needed something that looked welcoming but could take a beating," says a project lead. "WPC checked every box."

Maintenance-wise, WPC is a dream for busy facility teams. No need for harsh chemicals—just regular sweeping and occasional mopping. And because it's installed as floating planks (no glue required in most cases), repairs are a breeze: if a section gets damaged, you can ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ just that plank instead of the entire floor.

Porcelain tile has been a staple in commercial spaces for decades, and transport hubs are no exception. Made from dense clay fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain is incredibly hard (rated 7-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamonds) and virtually impervious to scratches, stains, and moisture.

Its versatility is another win. From large-format slabs (up to 5x10 feet) that minimize grout lines (and thus dirt traps) to textured finishes that prevent slips even when wet, porcelain can be tailored to almost any design vision. Think of the sleek, polished porcelain floors in Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3—they look immaculate despite handling over 90 million passengers annually.

One of porcelain's biggest advantages? Heat resistance . In desert climates like Saudi Arabia, where temperatures can soar above 120°F (49°C), floors near exits or outdoor walkways take a beating from direct sunlight. Porcelain doesn't fade, warp, or expand under heat, making it a reliable choice for outdoor-indoor transition zones, like bus terminal boarding areas or airport jet bridges.

But porcelain isn't perfect. It can be noisy underfoot (though underlayment can help), and heavy objects dropped on it might chip the edges. It also requires professional installation to ensure proper grouting and leveling—critical in high-traffic areas where uneven surfaces could cause trips. For transport hubs prioritizing long-term durability over comfort underfoot, though, porcelain remains a top contender.

For spaces where aesthetics matter as much as resilience—think airport lounges, VIP waiting areas, or historic train stations— hardwood waterproof flooring (engineered hardwood) offers the best of both worlds. Unlike solid hardwood, which is prone to warping in humid environments, engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real hardwood bonded to a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, making it stable and moisture-resistant.

Modern engineered hardwood goes a step further with waterproof coatings (like aluminum oxide or polyurethane) that protect against spills and daily wear. While it might not be ideal for flood-prone areas (like subway tunnels), it shines in semi-protected spaces where warmth and elegance are key. For example, London's St. Pancras International Station, a historic landmark, uses engineered oak flooring in its concourse, blending Victorian architecture with modern durability.

What about maintenance? Engineered hardwood can be refinished 2-3 times over its lifespan (depending on the thickness of the hardwood layer), allowing it to look fresh for decades. Regular sweeping and damp mopping are usually enough, though harsh cleaners should be avoided. And for transport hubs aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, many engineered hardwood options are sourced from sustainably managed forests, aligning with global "green building" trends.

Terrazzo has been around for centuries, but it's making a comeback in modern transport design—and for good reason. Made by embedding chips of marble, granite, glass, or quartz into a cement or epoxy binder, then polishing the surface to a high shine, terrazzo is as durable as it is customizable.

In high-traffic spaces, terrazzo's monolithic surface is a game-changer. No grout lines mean fewer places for dirt and bacteria to hide, making it easier to clean and more hygienic—critical for airports and train stations where public health is a priority. It's also incredibly tough: terrazzo floors installed in the 1920s in New York's Grand Central Terminal are still going strong, a testament to its longevity.

Designers love terrazzo for its flexibility. Want to incorporate a city's logo into the floor of a metro station? Or create a gradient effect that guides passengers toward exits? Terrazzo can do that. Miami International Airport's South Terminal, for instance, features terrazzo floors with colorful glass chips that mimic the ocean, creating a welcoming vibe for travelers. "Terrazzo lets us tell a story while building something that lasts," says a lead architect on the project.

The downside? Terrazzo installation is labor-intensive and costly upfront. But when you factor in its 50+ year lifespan (compared to 10-15 years for many other flooring types), it often ends up being the most cost-effective choice in the long run. It's also heavy, so structural considerations are needed, but for iconic transport hubs looking to make a statement, terrazzo delivers—both in style and substance.

When budget is a concern but durability can't be compromised, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) steps up. LVT is a synthetic flooring option that mimics natural materials like stone, wood, or tile, but at a fraction of the cost. Its wear layer (a clear, protective coating) resists scratches, stains, and dents, making it ideal for high-traffic corridors, bus stations, or metro platforms with heavy footfall.

What sets LVT apart is its flexibility . It can be installed over almost any subfloor (concrete, wood, even existing tile), reducing installation time and costs. It's also softer underfoot than porcelain or terrazzo, making it more comfortable for staff who stand for hours, like ticket booth attendants or security personnel.

LVT's waterproof nature makes it a hit in areas prone to spills, like airport food courts or train station cafes. A quick wipe with a mild cleaner is all it takes to keep it looking new. And with today's printing technology, the difference between LVT and real hardwood or stone is nearly impossible to spot—so passengers get the aesthetic appeal without the premium price tag.

In Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, LVT was chosen for the domestic terminal's boarding gates, where daily traffic includes families with strollers, business travelers with rolling bags, and even the occasional stray coffee spill. "We needed a floor that could handle the chaos but didn't require a huge budget," explains a facilities manager. "LVT gave us exactly that—performance without the sticker shock."

Note: Durability ratings based on typical use in transport hubs (1=low, 5=high). Maintenance cost: Low = $0.50-$1/sq ft/year; Medium = $1-$2/sq ft/year.

Choosing the right flooring isn't just about picking a material—it's about aligning it with your space's unique needs. Here are four factors to keep top of mind:

Safety First: Slip Resistance

In transport hubs, wet floors are a fact of life—whether from rain tracked in, spilled drinks, or cleaning crews. Look for flooring with a slip resistance rating (like the Pendulum Test Value, or PTV) of at least 36, the threshold for "low risk" in high-traffic areas. Porcelain tile with a textured finish, WPC with embossed patterns, and terrazzo with a honed (matte) surface all excel here.

Sustainability: Green Building Trends

With global focus on "net-zero" goals, sustainability is no longer optional. Opt for flooring made from recycled materials (like terrazzo with recycled glass chips), sourced from FSC-certified forests (engineered hardwood), or manufactured with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesives. Many WPC and LVT brands now offer products with recycled plastic content, reducing their environmental footprint.

Installation and Downtime

Transport hubs can't afford lengthy shutdowns for flooring installation. Choose materials that install quickly, like floating WPC or LVT planks (which click together without glue), or large-format porcelain tiles (fewer seams mean faster laying). Terrazzo, while durable, requires longer curing times—best suited for new builds or major renovations, not quick upgrades.

Local Climate Adaptability

Extreme temperatures, humidity, or sand (hello, Saudi Arabia!) can wreak havoc on flooring. In hot, dry climates, avoid solid hardwood (it can shrink) and opt for heat-resistant porcelain or WPC. In coastal areas with high humidity, prioritize waterproof options like LVT or WPC to prevent mold and mildew.

Imagine this: You've chosen WPC for your metro platforms, porcelain for the concourse, and terrazzo for the main hall. Now, you need to coordinate with three different suppliers, each with their own lead times, warranties, and installation teams. It's a logistical nightmare—and one that can delay projects and drive up costs.

That's where a one-stop flooring supplier makes all the difference. A supplier that offers a full range of high-traffic flooring options can streamline the process, from initial design to final installation. They'll help you ｓｅｌｅｃｔ the right materials for each area, coordinate delivery schedules, and even provide ongoing maintenance support—all under one roof.

Take Coloria, for example. As a global flooring supplier with decades of experience in high-traffic spaces (including deep roots in the Middle East market), they understand the unique demands of transport hubs. Whether you need WPC for a subway station in Riyadh, terrazzo for an airport in Dubai, or LVT for a bus terminal in Jeddah, they offer end-to-end solutions: material sourcing, custom design (like branded terrazzo logos), professional installation, and post-project maintenance.

Local expertise matters too. A supplier with a presence in Saudi Arabia (like Coloria's Riyadh-based team) understands regional challenges—sand, extreme heat, local building codes—and can tailor solutions accordingly. They'll also have relationships with local installers, ensuring faster turnaround and better warranty support.

Next time you rush through a train station or wait for your flight, take a moment to look down. That floor isn't just concrete and tiles—it's a carefully chosen solution, designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and moving forward. In high-traffic transport hubs, flooring is the silent backbone of the passenger experience.

From the waterproof resilience of WPC to the timeless elegance of terrazzo, the right flooring choice can transform a chaotic space into a seamless, welcoming environment. And with a partner like Coloria—offering flooring solutions tailored to your needs—you can rest easy knowing your floor will stand the test of time, no matter how many feet (or suitcases) cross it.

After all, in the world of transport hubs, the best floors are the ones you never notice—because they're too busy working.