Whether in a home gym or a commercial fitness center, sports flooring gets a lot of foot traffic. While these surfaces don’t need much maintenance, it’s crucial to take a few key steps to mitigate wear and tear. Here are a few tips to follow when caring for hardwood sports flooring.

Do:

Make a rule about acceptable footwear.

Many gyms don’t allow outside footwear inside their facilities. Visitors can wear one pair into the lobby and then change into a gym-only pair to prevent bringing in dirt and mud that could damage the hardwood. Come wintertime, this precaution will reduce the scratches and scuff marks caused by tracking in salt and sand.

Use floor mats.

Gyms feature heavy metal equipment that can damage hardwood with scratches and dents. Protect the surface by placing cushioned mats under any areas of concern, such as free weight zones and underneath weight benches, treadmills or other large equipment. 

Don’t:

Skip on cleaning.

Following daily cleaning routines will help keep the flooring in top shape. Start by sweeping with a large dust mop or broom to remove dirt, sand, and crumbs. Then, use a mopping solution created for hardwoods to further protect the surface.

Forget to schedule annual buffing and refinishing.

Because sports flooring undergoes a lot of traffic, it’s a good idea to have the hardwood refinished annually. This process involves sanding down the top layer before applying a new coat of varnish and then buffing it to shine like new. Since hardwood is solid, it can withstand many refinishes and offers a durable, low-maintenance option for gyms of all sizes.

Gym owners looking to keep their sports flooring in top shape should contact Carolina Wood Floors in Winston-Salem, NC, to schedule professional maintenance. Their team has over three decades of industry experience with installations, sanding, buffing, and creating custom flooring designs. Call CWF at (336) 765-0680 or visit their website for information on their refinishing and annual buffing and recoating services.