*This article by INSTALL executive director David Gross was originally featured in Floor Covering News Magazine.

INSTALLments: A Series on the Challenges & Opportunities in the Floorcovering Trade 

Commercial Flooring Challenges Make Installer Certification Essential for Every Stakeholder 

By David Gross, Executive Director of INSTALL Flooring

With diverse installation environments and multitudinous material options, commercial flooring projects challenge both project stakeholders and flooring contractors to produce professional results.  

For architects, designers, and owners, rising material costs and the skilled labor shortage have raised the level of scrutiny when selecting flooring contractors. With more at stake in the commercial sector, including larger financial losses if flooring fails and potential risks to health and human safety in environments like hospitals, builders are increasingly requiring contractors to possess credentials that demonstrate expertise.  

For flooring contractors, proving mastery and earning commercial client trust is challenging, particularly for those just starting out. One hurdle is the age-old conundrum of getting experience without having experience. Another is the sheer number of flooring materials involved in commercial design. From carpet and LVT to resinous materials and concrete polishing, a commercial contractor needs a team that can flawlessly manage any material and cleanly transition between different materials to deliver aesthetics and long-term performance. 

Earning certification — or multiple certifications, as is often the expectation for commercial flooring installers — involves a commitment to training that takes time and financial investment. While some contractors may see this as a barrier to short-term financial gain, the long-term advantages are plentiful and easily outweigh the investment. Certification advantages also extend to project stakeholders, which is a primary reason certification is increasingly becoming a standard expectation. For the big picture, here’s a look at certification benefits from each perspective: 

Real-World Commercial Experience for Installers. Certification programs provided by accredited institutions give installers hands-on experience in real commercial environments — the very experience that is essential to win projects and that is often elusive to beginners in the trade. This experience not only strengthens an installer’s skill set and confidence but also creates the credibility and trust that open doors.  
A certified installer can also become manufacturer-specified by participating in specialized training for a specific flooring product. This designation can be particularly attractive to potential clients, as it often comes with a warranty beyond the standard material guarantee. 

Confidence for Architects and Designers. Knowing an installer is experienced with their chosen flooring material provides peace of mind for architects and designers. Certification helps guarantee an installer will match the materials to the design vision and protect the finished floor’s look and longevity. Certified installers can also provide greater installation efficiency and more timely, dependable coordination with other design elements.  

Added Protection for Project Owners. Owners ultimately want flooring that meets their expectations and lasts, and installer certification means a higher probability of professional results and a lesser likelihood of repairs or replacements after installation is complete. An installer who is also manufacturer-specified offers owners the added benefit of faster warranty issue resolution and lower out-of-pocket costs should a problem arise. 

Everyone Benefits
While commercial flooring projects are challenging, prioritizing installer certification allows all parties to benefit from formal training. Flooring contractors gain access to the real-world skills and experience that build credibility. Architects and designers enjoy aesthetic executions that align with their visions. And project owners receive flooring that delivers on long-term performance. Producing positive outcomes for every stakeholder, installer certification will undoubtedly become an essential standard in commercial floor covering.