Sports floors come in all shapes and sizes, but sports flooring installation is a structured process. Here’s how the process works:
Removal Of Old Floor
The old floor is removed if applicable. This could be an old hardwood floor, carpet, vinyl or tile. It depends on the previous use case. It may even be an old rubber gym floor. Whatever it is, it’s removed and sent away for recycling.
Subfloor Preparation
Subfloors are made from one of three things:
- Floorboards
- Concrete
- Plywood (boarding)
In the case of floorboards, these need boarding over them to protect them. Otherwise, the sports flooring will compress into the floorboards.
In the case of concrete, it is not always necessary to install boards. However, the concrete needs to be crack free and in a good condition.
Underlay Installation
The best sports flooring installations utilise underlay. This is not the same underlay you use with carpet but a high-performance rubber or foam underlay.
Underlay is necessary to protect the subfloor from impact. The top surface will compress into the underlay rather than the subfloor. Underlay can be built up in two or three layers to suit the intended use case, such as deadlifting zones.
Top Surface Installation
Once the undelay is in place, we can install the top surface. This will be either rubber matting or rubber tiles. The top surface will be non-slip when wet and easy to clean. We use the SPORTEC brand because in our experience it’s the best.
Before the top surface is installed, an adhesive will be sprayed onto the underlay. The top surface will stick to the underlay. The adhesive will keep the floor in place, but it will come up if necessary without damaging the underlay using tools.
Cleaning
Now that the top surface is installed, the floor is ready to use. But before we leave, we’ll clean the floor to remove footprints and dust from the installation process. Your floor will now be ready to be used for workouts.
Recycling Of Materials
The last step is for us to recycle all materials and waste responsibly. We do this at local recycling centres which we pay to use (councils charge commercial operators). This is built into the project quote, so don’t worry about it.
Hopefully, this has answered your questions about how sports flooring installation works. If not, feel free to get in touch and we’ll explain it in more detail.
