Seeing your gym floor deteriorate prematurely is the worst financial and safety nightmare for any sports facility manager. This report analyzes materials and strict technical standards to identify the flooring that is perfectly suited to high traffic. You will learn concrete strategies for combining athletic performance, user safety, and maximum durability for your investment.
- Materials under the microscope: which coating for which performance?
- Beyond the material: the technical criteria that make the difference
- Think big: ancillary areas and the longevity of your installation
👉 Discover the gym floor that suits you best!
Materials under the microscope: which coating for which performance?
PVC and linoleum: the champions of versatility
PVC is the standard for multipurpose gym flooring. Often sold in rolls, it offers excellent wear resistance and is easy to maintain.
Greener, linoleum plays the sustainability card. It retains its sporting properties over the long term, even under intensive use.
In short, these materials are the ideal compromise for multi-sport halls used for handball or basketball.
Rubber and wood flooring: more targeted choices
Rubber is the solution for weight training. Its unmatched shock absorption protects equipment, despite its higher cost.
Hardwood flooring remains the gold standard for basketball courts due to its excellent ball bounce. However, it is susceptible to moisture and requires demanding maintenance.
These options, which are less versatile, meet very specific needs.
| Material | Key benefits | Disadvantages | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Versatility, easy maintenance, good price | Less environmentally friendly than linoleum | School gyms, multisports |
| Linoleum | Exceptional durability, environmentally friendly | Sometimes limited choice of designs | Intensive training sessions, competitions |
| Rubber | Maximum shock absorption, durable | High cost, less versatile | Weight training, cross-training |
| Parquet flooring | Performance (rebound), aesthetics | Demanding maintenance, humidity | Basketball courts, dance studios |
Beyond the material: the technical criteria that make the difference
Choosing the right material is only one step. The true performance of a gym floor lies in technical details that are often overlooked.
Safety first: shock absorption and EN 14904 standard
Athlete safety is non-negotiable. Shock absorption is the key factor in preventing injuries and reducing muscle fatigue.
The European standard EN 14904 is the only real guarantee of quality. It ensures minimum levels of ball absorption, slip, and bounce for smooth play.
Always insist on a coating that complies with this standard to secure your investment in the long term.
Ground deformation: the detail that changes everything for athletes
The deformation of the ground upon impact defines how the athlete feels. It is a technical aspect that directly impacts comfort and actual performance.
There are two main types: point deformation [...] and surface deformation.
- Point-elastic floor: Ideal for versatile and school use. Comfort is localized, perfect for gymnastics.
- Area-elastic flooring: Recommended for ball sports such as basketball. It ensures uniform bounce and better stability.
- Combi-elastic: The ultimate compromise for high-level competitions.
The choice depends on the level of practice. Knowing choosing the right PVC sports tiles is a question of balancing material and technicality.
Think big: ancillary areas and the longevity of your installation
But a gymnasium is more than just its playing field. Thinking about the peripheral areas is crucial to the sustainability of the whole.
Changing rooms, showers, storage: each area has its own flooring
In showers, slip resistance remains the priority. An unsuitable floor causes accidents. Aim for R10 or R11 standards to ensure safety in barefoot areas.
For storage, puncture resistance is paramount. Using the playing surface here would be a costly mistake. Opt for interlocking sports flooring to withstand the loads.
Protecting your investment: maintenance and temporary solutions
Even the best flooring will deteriorate without proper care. Proper cleaning is essential to preserve its technical and aesthetic properties over the long term.
Your hall will also host exams or concerts. These events are very demanding on a sports surface and require careful planning.
- Daily cleaning: Wet mopping to remove dust and sweat.
- Weekly cleaning: Washing with a scrubber-dryer and a neutral detergent.
- Immediate action: Immediately wipe up any spilled liquids.
- Protection: Always use a protective cover for any non-sporting event.
Selecting the right flooring for your gym requires a comprehensive analysis, combining material performance and compliance with safety standards. Beyond the playing field, don't forget about ancillary areas and maintenance. A thoughtful choice and appropriate protection will ensure the longevity of your investment and the safety of athletes for many years to come.
👉 Discover the gym floor that suits you best!
FAQ
What is the technical term for the floor of a gymnasium?
These coverings are generally referred to by the technical term "sports flooring" or "activity areas." They are classified not only by their material (PVC, linoleum, parquet, rubber), but above all by their mechanical behavior, in particular their ability to deform under impact to ensure user safety.
What type of flooring is best for a multipurpose gymnasium?
For a gym that hosts various sports (handball, volleyball, basketball) and school activities, PVC flooring and linoleum are the ideal solutions. They offer the perfect balance between athletic performance, ease of maintenance, and versatility, unlike hardwood or rubber flooring, which are designed for more specific needs.
What are the different types of sports floors according to their deformation?
There are three main technical categories: point-deformation floors (which sink only at the point of impact, often made of synthetic materials), surface-deformation floors (which react over a large area, generally parquet or wooden structures), and combined floors, which combine a surface underlay and a point finish for optimal performance.
What is the most durable flooring for heavy use?
When it comes to resistance to heavy impacts and punctures (such as in weight training), rubber is the most robust material. For resistance to wear and abrasion over time on a multi-sport playing field, linoleum is often considered the champion of durability thanks to its natural and dense composition.
What standards must a gym floor meet?
All indoor sports flooring must comply with European standard NF EN 14904. This certification guarantees that the flooring meets strict safety criteria (shock absorption, slip resistance) and technical performance criteria (ball bounce, behavior under rolling load) to prevent injuries.