By Steven Feldman
DALLAS—When the city’s posh Lift Lounge needed to replace the existing hardwood floor that was used and abused by the dance club that formerly occupied the 3,000-square-foot space, flooring contractor Dobson Floors knew it needed to install a product that not only could withstand heavy traffic but also something with style befitting a “place to be” nightspot. The choice was easy: Wilsonart Commercial Flooring.

“There was engineered hardwood flooring installed prior to Lift acquiring the space,” said Randy Phillips, national sales manager, Wilsonart Commercial Flooring. “It did not perform. There were indentations from high heels; there was scratching. It looked like a woodpecker had been in here. It was aesthetically just not pleasing.”

So when Tim McEnemy, the owner of Lift, approached Dayton Choate, account manager for Dobson Floors, who installed the aforementioned wood floor three-and-a-half years prior, about the cost to refinish the floor, Choate knew there were only two solutions: replace it with laminate, and replace it with Wilsonart Commercial Flooring.

One year later, Dobson’s recommendation has proven dead on. Despite 1,000 to 1,500 night lifers passing through Lift’s doors every week—at least half donning high heels—and the array of drink spillage, Wilsonart Commercial Flooring has passed every test, a fact that was showcased at a recent Lift Lounge event hosted by Wilsonart and local distributor Adleta.

“The designers didn’t want laminate,” McEnemy said. “They were worried about what would happen when drinks were spilled on the floor. But Dayton really sold us on it, as did the commercial warranty. We are conscientious about keeping water off the floor. A year later the floor has held up; it looks brand new.” McEnemy chose Pinstripe from the Specialties collection because he wanted a dark color and a 5-inch width. “Pinstripe is a Wenge finish that looks exactly like real wood.”

McEnemy also went with laminate, because he would never have to sand and refinish the floor. “That was a big deal. Also, it is maintenance free. All you have to do is use a floor cleaner.”

Choate noted Wilsonart is his first choice in these types of situations because of its high-pressure construction. “It’s more durable than DPL. This floor is designed to take this type of wear. In fact, in 2006 we did an 11,000-square-foot liquor store. It’s been holding up great.” He added that the support he gets both from Wilsonart and Adleta is first rate.