Your gym floor is an investment and we know you want to keep it safe. That means regular cleaning and maintenance, of course, but finding a protective floor cover is also essential to maintain your gym’s longevity. While you may think this is a “one-size-fits-all” situation, that isn’t always the case! There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing a floor cover for your gym floor.
At Sports Floors, Inc. we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your gym floor. That’s why we’ll help you every step of the way, from initial installation to keeping your floor in tip-top shape. Keep reading to learn more!
Types of floor coverings
There are three main types of floor covers, each of which can provide you with excellent protection. At Sports Floors, Inc. we’ll help you find the one that fits your needs!
Tiles
Carpet tiles are great for non-sporting events since they won’t wrinkle or slide. Since no tape is required to hold them in place, there are also fewer tripping hazards! Tiles can be either carpet or vinyl and come in a variety of colors to match your facility. Carpet tiles are useful for eliminating some of the echoes that can occur in a gym or stadium and are particularly useful for loud concerts or events.
Tiles do cost more than other types of flooring, so you should consider that when making your final decision. They can also take a bit more time to install and take up more space for storage. While they’re a great choice for many facilities, you should always keep these factors in mind when choosing a floor cover for your gym floor.
Vinyl rolls
This type of floor cover is the most common and the easiest to install and store. Covers are made in sections that are 6 feet to 10 feet wide so you can protect any size floor. Vinyl rolls are made of a durable material that is waterproof, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and rot-resistant! This makes them a perfect choice for just about any gym on any occasion.
You can also purchase a storage rack that is uniquely designed to make set-up and take-down even more manageable.
Pre-cut rolls
These are made of the same materials as vinyl rolls and are cut into 10 feet sections. Pre-cut rolls are perfect smaller areas and the space on the sidelines where chairs and score tables are typically located.
What type of activities are you doing in your gym?
If you have a sports floor in your home or commercial building, you will likely use it for more than just the occasional basketball game. We see people all over the Mid-South who use their floors for everything from polling locations to school and church fundraisers. In every case, it’s incredibly beneficial to use a floor cover to prevent any damage to your floor.
Scratches and scuffs can cause early wear and tear on your gym floor, which can lead to additional maintenance costs. When you use a cover during these events, you’re protecting your long-term investment!
How often will you be using your cover?
This is one of the most important questions to consider when choosing a floor cover for your gym floor! It ultimately determines what size, weight, and type of cover you should use. Floor covers can range in weight from about 10 to 32 ounces and, put simply, the weight you need will depend on how often you intend to use the cover. For example, if you only plan to use it for an annual event, you would be able to use a lighter cover, while those who will need it more often should go with a more heavy-duty option.
How much space are you covering?
In most cases, floor coverings are custom-made for each space. Depending on the exact size of the project, materials are broken down into sections that are then secured together using ties or velcro. There are smaller, easy-to-assemble options in cases where only small portions of the floor need to be covered, such as halftime events at basketball games. These are also perfect to go under scorers’ tables and chairs on the sidelines!
Will you have help with set-up/take-down?
Depending on the amount of time you have to set up and the area you’re covering, setting up your floor cover can be a hassle if you’re on your own! Depending on the type of cover you use, it typically takes two people to get the job done. It’s important to have people who know what they’re doing when installing your cover as inexperienced volunteers, while well-meaning, may cause more harm than good.
We know it isn’t possible for everyone to have a team dedicated to caring for your gym floor, it is important to take the time to teach any volunteers the proper steps of installation and take-down. You should also make sure that the cover is cleaned before each use to avoid any possible scratches from debris that’s been left behind.
Prepare for storage
Storing your floor cover can be a hassle if you don’t have proper storage, especially if it isn’t something you’ve prepared for on the front end. When you’re starting your gym floor project, consider including a space dedicated to storing your floor cover.
If your gym is already established and you don’t have a space for storage, don’t worry! This happens all the time. You can always use the general storage area of your gym or even a hallway or back corner. This will keep your cover safe and out of the way.
Protect your gym with a cover and Sports Floors, Inc.
To put it simply, hardwood floors are designed primarily for athletics. Therefore, a floor cover is absolutely necessary if you intend to use your facility as a multipurpose space. When you make an investment in a floor cover, you’re protecting your floor through any event that might take place!
If you’re ready to find the floor cover that’s perfect for your facility, contact our team today. We’re here and ready to help!