Many gym floors see a lot of wear and tear with each passing day. From standard foot traffic to the demands of hosting tournaments and carrying heavy equipment, it’s no surprise that most gym floors need annual refinishing and full sanding and resurfacing every 7-10 years. Are you considering improving the look and feel of your gym floor? J&J Gym Floors is the brand to trust for your gym floor refinishing and resurfacing in New Jersey and nearby areas.
First, what’s the difference between gym floor refinishing and resurfacing? Although it’s common to find both terms used interchangeably, there is a difference. Knowing and understanding the differences and similarities between the two terms can help you make an informed decision for your sports facility.
Refinishing a Gym Floor in New Jersey
When refinishing a gym floor, your contractor will screen or abrade the top layer of the gym floor and add a fresh coat over the wood. This should be done every year as the finish coats wear down over time.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing a gym floor goes beyond improving the aesthetics of the uppermost layer. This process is also referred to as sanding. Using drum sanders, all of the floor finish is removed down to the bare wood. The focus of a refinishing job is to get the gym floor looking pristine.
Should you resurface or refinish your New Jersey gym floor?
The decision to refinish or resurface your gym floor ultimately comes down to your budget. Also, the underlying condition of the sports floor system will have a major impact on your final choice. With a good understanding of what each option entails, you can make the best possible decision for your sports facility.
If your floor hasnt been sanded in 10 or more years then you most likely will need to resurface your floor. This will remove all of the finish and painted lines from the floor along with most scratches and dents.
Your gym floor should be refinished or recoated every year to remove scuff marks and to restore the shine and traction. If there are no significant damages to the floor, then some light sanding and a new coat of polyurethane can give you the results you need. However, your gym floor may need to be resurfaced if all or some of the following conditions apply to it:
Floorboards Need Removing
If your gym’s floorboards have deteriorated, you will need to make repairs or replace part or all of the floor. This is best done during a resurfacing so the new floor boards will better blend and match with the rest of the floor.
Floorboards are Uneven
Does your gym floor have floorboards that are uneven and will require grinding down to even things out? In this case, you will need a complete resurfacing and possibly some repairs/replacement. Other issues that require a resurfacing to fix include:
- Chipping or peeling floor finish
- Scratches and dents in the wood
- Missing pieces of wood
- Water damage and warping
What to Expect from a Qualified Contractor Before Refinishing and Resurfacing
A qualified contractor called in for a gym floor refinishing project in New Jersey will first and foremost, take a proper look at the gym floor system to get an adequate idea of its overall condition. The inspection will go over everything, right down to the concrete level. This process allows the contractor to understand the system installed, as well as the integrity of the system underneath. During this process, the contractor will rule out sports floor damage such as warping, rot, water damage to the gym floor, and more.
If the floor system is damaged excessively, a complete floor replacement may be recommended. During the replacement, the contractor can install a new version of the existing floor system, or deploy a more robust gym floor system. Some of the considerations at this stage include:
- The level of foot traffic in your gym
- The types of gym equipment in your facility
- Other secondary uses of the gym space
At the end of the refinishing or resurfacing procedure, knowing how to adequately care for your hardwood gym floor is critical. Maintaining the floor ensures a pristine appearance, increases its lifespan, and also ensures the safety of visitors and athletes.
Resurfacing vs. Replacing a Gym Floor: Takeaway
With the tips above, it will be easier for you to choose between resurfacing and refinishing when the time comes to refurbish your gym floor. An investment in your sports floor is an investment for your business and the overall well-being of your customers. You can’t afford to be carefree about your decision because a poorly-maintained gym floor negatively impacts your brand and could lead to a decline in patronage. In worst-case scenarios, you may be facing a lawsuit if one of your customers gets injured in your gym as a result of a weak floor system.
Are you still unsure about the options, or want to know the cost of refinishing or resurfacing your gym floor in New Jersey? Then call J&J Gym Floors today at (973) 801-7219 for a no-obligation quote.