Flooring
Sports and specialty flooring
Some rooms ask more of a floor than a walkway does. Gyms, halls and studios need shock absorption and a steady ball bounce, while other rooms need very specific properties.
What sports and specialty flooring is
Sports products are often graded by how much force they take up, and by how they hold up under rolling loads such as equipment racks. Some halls need a floor that handles both ball games and dining tables on the same weekend. Others, such as dance studios, need a smooth surface with a gentle give. Describing the real use of the room is the quickest way to the right product. Bring along details such as the number of users, the shoes worn and the hours of use.
Sports flooring is vinyl built with a cushioning layer under the wear surface. That layer takes some of the shock out of jumping and running, and it gives a consistent response to a bouncing ball.
Specialty flooring is a wider group. It includes floors made for dance, fitness areas, or rooms with unusual needs, such as static control for equipment spaces.
Where it suits
Use it in school and community halls, gyms, dance and yoga studios, fitness rooms and multipurpose courts.
- Cushioning that eases strain on joints
- Surface grip suited to indoor sport shoes
- Printed lines and markings can be built in
- Lasts under repeated heavy use
How it is laid and cared for
Sports floors need a base that is dry and very flat, because any dip changes how the surface plays. Rolls are glued or loose laid, then joins are welded or taped, depending on the product. Court markings are set out with care and checked before they are fixed.
Daily upkeep is dust mopping, with regular machine scrubbing using products the maker allows. Furniture, stages and gym gear should be moved on protective pads.
What to ask before choosing
Think through the use of the room first.
- Which sports or activities will take place?
- How much shock absorption does the activity need?
- Will the room also host events, chairs and stages?
- Are line markings needed, and in which colours?
- How will the floor be looked after across a busy week?
Questions
Is sports vinyl safe for joints?
It is made to cushion impact more than a hard floor does. The amount of give varies by product, so match it to the activity.
Can court lines be added?
Yes, lines can be built into the floor or fitted as inlaid markings. We set them out against the plan before fixing.
Can a hall floor also be used for events?
Often it can. Chairs, tables and stages need protection, so protective pads and a clear care plan are worth setting up.
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