Why Altro Flooring Is the Gold Standard for Wet Rooms and Commercial Kitchens
- Charlie Mac
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
“When it comes to safety, we’re not going to compromise.” — Kevin Bourassa, Altro Market Segment Manager
Introduction
Slippery tiles, cracked grout, and impossible-to-clean corners, that’s the reality of many commercial kitchens and wet rooms. But it doesn’t have to be. When safety, hygiene, and durability matter, Altro flooring has become the go-to solution.
With over 60 years of innovation and testing behind their products, Altro has earned a reputation for setting the standard in commercial wet areas. In this guide, we’ll explore why Altro remains the gold standard, how it compares to alternatives, what real-life results look like, and what to expect from installation and long-term ownership.
What Makes Altro Flooring So Reliable?
Altro's flooring isn't just built to last, it's engineered to outperform, much like a precision-built racing car designed for endurance, not just speed. Here's why:
Slip Resistance That Lasts
Altro Stronghold 30 achieves the highest possible slip rating (R12/P5), with a proven one-in-a-million slip risk – even in greasy, wet, high-traffic environments. These numbers matter: P5 and R12 are top industry standards for slip resistance, ensuring the surface maintains exceptional grip under pressure. That 'one-in-a-million' slip risk is especially remarkable when you consider how many thousands of steps a commercial kitchen floor sees every single day.
Designed for the Harshest Environments
These floors tolerate temperatures from –30°C to +60°C, making them ideal for both freezers and high-heat areas like dish stations or fry lines. Plus, a cushioned 3mm layer reduces fatigue and absorbs up to 10dB of sound, easing pressure on busy staff.
Seamless, Hygienic Surfaces
Altro flooring can be welded at the seams for a smooth, impermeable surface. This eliminates bacteria-trapping grout lines and supports daily deep-cleaning routines. Their wall cladding range, Altro Whiterock, offers a matching grout-free solution for vertical surfaces.
Built for Real-World Wear
Altro's safety flooring is independently tested and certified for long-term durability. Case studies show installations still performing after 20+ years in harsh conditions — a claim few others can match.
Altro vs. The Alternatives
While many materials can cover a floor, not all are created equal—especially when safety and hygiene are non-negotiable. Here's how Altro stands head-to-head with common alternatives you might encounter:
Ceramic Tiles
Pros: Widely available, visually flexible
Cons: Slippery when wet, cold underfoot, grout lines harbour bacteria, prone to cracking
Epoxy Resin Floors
Pros: Durable, seamless look
Cons: Can become slippery with grease, or may require abrasive aggregates to achieve slip resistance, which can make them harder to clean and less comfortable over time. UV degradation and yellowing can occur in sun-exposed areas.
Standard, Non-Safety Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Pros: Lower initial cost, easier to install
Cons: Lacks high slip resistance, shorter lifespan, not designed for heavily wet or greasy environments
Altro's edge lies in its long-term slip resistance, hygiene, and lifecycle value. It combines the benefits of all the above while eliminating their key drawbacks.
Altro’s Complete Kitchen & Wet Room Solutions
1. Altro Stronghold 30
Highest slip resistance (R12/P5)
3mm thickness with cushioning
Suitable for extreme temperatures
2. Adhesive-Free Option
Reduces downtime
No strong odours or curing times
Easy to replace if needed
3. Altro Whiterock Wall Sheets
Hygienic, impact-resistant
Grout-free, easy to clean
20-year guarantee
4. Complementary Products
Altro Reliance 25, Classic 25 for general spaces
Altro Aquarius, Pisces for bathrooms, changing areas
Real-Life Performance: Examples That Speak Volumes
At West Bridgford Baptist Church, Altro flooring installed over 65 years ago is still going strong – a testament to the brand’s durability.
Cornish Flooring reported that Altro Stronghold 30 has "stood the test of time" in a high-output restaurant kitchen, maintaining both its clean appearance and slip resistance.
Imagine the dinner rush in a central London restaurant. The kitchen floor is slick with water, oil, and food debris. Traditional tiles are a liability, but with Altro Stronghold 30, chefs and servers move confidently, knowing their footing is secure.
In luxury hotel wet rooms, Altro Aquarius has been used to reduce slip-related incidents dramatically, especially in spaces where guests step out of showers onto wet surfaces.
Installation, Maintenance, and Lifecycle Value
Quick, Low-Disruption Installation
Altro's adhesive-free systems mean:
No toxic fumes
Rapid installation
Immediate use, ideal for 24/7 kitchens
Installers appreciate its ease of handling and reduced time on site. Business owners value minimal operational disruption and reduced closure times.
Hassle-Free, Cost-Effective Maintenance
Unlike tile grout, which stains and requires specialist cleaners, Altro flooring is non-porous and resists bacterial growth. Daily cleaning with standard alkaline solutions keeps it spotless. This means lower labour costs and better hygiene, with less effort.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
(TCO = Total Cost of Ownership) Though Altro may cost more upfront, it delivers long-term savings in:
Labour (faster cleaning)
Longevity (20+ year lifespan)
Risk reduction (slip/fall claims)
These factors combined mean that over the typical 20-25 year lifespan of an Altro floor, the total cost—including purchase, installation, maintenance, and avoided accident costs—is often significantly less than repeatedly replacing or maintaining cheaper alternatives.
Altro's Sustainability Commitment
Altro isn't just safer—it's greener.
Targets 30% recycled/bio-based content by 2030
Low VOC (M1 and FloorScore certified)
Products contribute to LEED and BREEAM ratings
Closed-loop recycling programmes for offcuts and uplifted floors
Certified to ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 50001 (energy management)
For eco-conscious clients, Altro delivers safety and sustainability, backed by a range of rigorous environmental certifications. See Altro's full environmental certifications
FAQ
Q: Is Altro flooring expensive?A: While the initial material cost for Altro flooring, especially high-performance ranges like Stronghold 30, can be higher than basic vinyl or some tiles (often ranging from £30-£70+ per sqm for materials, depending on the product and supplier), its longevity, performance, and safety make it excellent value over time. Factor in lower maintenance and fewer replacements, and Altro often works out cheaper in the long run.
Q: What is HACCP International Certification and why does it matter?A: HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) ensures a product supports safe food preparation. Altro's certification proves it prevents bacterial contamination and meets strict hygiene standards — essential for kitchens, food prep, and healthcare settings.
Q: Can it be used in residential wet rooms?A: Yes, Altro Aquarius and Pisces ranges are ideal for home bathrooms and wet rooms where slip risks are a concern.
Q: How long does Altro flooring last?A: With proper care, 20+ years is typical—some sites report 25 years or more.
Conclusion
Altro has earned its "gold standard" status not through hype, but through decades of consistent, high-performance results. From Michelin-star kitchens to care homes and commercial showers, it performs where others fall short.
In researching this article, I’ve come to genuinely appreciate how Altro balances safety, comfort, and smart design. If you need flooring that works as hard as your team, Altro is hard to beat.
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