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Most gymnasiums are equipped with beautiful hardwood floors, with maple being the most popular type of material used. Whether you’re installing the floor for a high school gym or a professional basketball court, there are some major considerations to note. There are a variety of important decisions to ensure you install the correct sports flooring for your needs. Below, find advice to keep in mind before designing your gym.

3 Tips for Installing Sports Flooring

1. Pick Your Subfloor

The most common type of subfloor has evenly spaced rubber pads that fit between the substrate and the stapled plywood. The wood is then nailed to the plywood. This is commonly called a floating floor and is an economical choice. However, if you want a more durable solution, you may want an anchored-resilient subfloor system. These are popular in gyms, group exercise rooms, and racquetball courts. Because the plywood is attached directly to the subfloor, these floors are less likely to develop “dead spots,” or areas where balls don’t bounce properly.

2. Plan for Moisture

sports flooringGymnasiums are often humid, even if they are equipped with an HVAC system. Consider how much moisture your floor is expected to encounter, and plan for it. Maple expands and contracts as it absorbs water and then dries out. This process will crack and warp sports flooring. However, 18-inch expansion gaps can be installed every two feet to provide for flexibility. An anchored-resilient subfloor will better handle moisture than a floating floor.

3. Consider Sustainability

With larger projects, you may be planning to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design requirements and will need to coordinate with your contractor. Even if you are not planning for LEED certification, you may want to prioritize eco-friendly sports flooring. Look for recycled subfloor systems and sustainably harvested hardwood.

 

When you’re ready to install your new floors, look for a company that has experience in sports flooring. Carolina Wood Floors Inc. has been installing and maintaining gym floors for over 25 years in Winston-Salem, NC. CWF is a locally-owned company that can give your new floor a custom design, such as artwork and a durable coating. Contact them online or at (336) 765-0680 to discuss your gym.

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