Gym floors see a lot of foot traffic year-round. So, they need to be both durable and easy to maintain. There are several types of gym floors. But the two most common ones are wood and synthetic floors. Both of these materials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. And it’s important to know all of their characteristics before having either option installed. In this blog post, we’ll make a direct comparison between choosing a wood basketball court floor vs. synthetic based on the essential factors.
Wood vs. Synthetic Material for Basketball Court Floors
When it comes to choosing the surface of your new gym floor, you have to think about the life expectancy, durability, maintenance, and the primary purpose of the floor. And you must incorporate all of these factors and find the best solution according to your budget. We all know that generally, wood floors are more expensive than synthetic floors. However, wood floors do come with better quality and are more aesthetically pleasing. That’s especially true on a large surface such as a gym or basketball court floor. Let’s take a look at some of the crucial factors to keep in mind when choosing to have a wood basketball court floor vs. synthetic material installed.
Installation Cost
While some organizations don’t have to worry about this aspect, the installation cost is often the deciding factor for many gym owners, which is why we’re starting here. As we previously mentioned, hardwood floors come with a higher installation cost compared to synthetic floors, due to the expense of the material itself. Synthetic options are generally more affordable, though the price will always depend on the size of the job and the market in general.
With these factors in mind, if you have the budget to afford a wood floor, you might want to go for this option. Yes, the price is a bit steeper. But no other material can replace the image of top-quality, gleaming hardwood on a basketball court.
Maintenance
A lot of facility operators think that they can save on maintenance costs when opting for a synthetic floor. While synthetic floors may be a bit easier to maintain compared to wood floors, they still have specific maintenance needs. This includes using an auto scrubber and a manufacturer-specified cleaning product. These types of floors should be scrubbed weekly, biweekly, or quarterly depending on how much foot traffic they get.
While synthetic floors are more straightforward to maintain, its key areas tend to show wear and tear more quickly compared to wood floors. For example, synthetic basketball courts will first wear out around the low block, free-throw line, and three-point line. This will require you to recoat the floor to restore its appearance.
On the other hand, due to its porous nature, wood has different maintenance needs compared to synthetic material. You should clean any spills and moisture immediately. Because wood is very absorbent, you should also pay additional attention to the indoor humidity of your gym and maintain between 30% and 50% utilizing your HVAC systems.
Keeping the moisture levels at a consistent percentage can significantly impact the longevity of your wood floor. Take into account that hardwood gym floors also require annual screening and recoating to ensure longevity.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is where the quality and endurance of wood flooring really shines. Wood floors can last 50 or more years if properly maintained — much longer than synthetic floors. The latter have a significantly shorter lifespan, as a properly-maintained synthetic floor can only last from 10 to 30 years at the most. Aside from this, since wood can be refurbished when damaged or worn, it doesn’t need to be entirely replaced, unlike synthetic flooring. This brings us to the next talking point.
Refurbishment and Replacement Costs
Unlike wood floors, synthetic floors can’t be refurbished or repaired. This means that every time your synthetic floor gets damaged, you’ll have to replace the entire surface. If you opt for a wood floor, you don’t have to worry about this, as you can always strip down to bare wood, add the lines and logos, apply the seal and finish, and your gym floor will be as good as new.
Refurbishing can save you a lot of money in the long run. Gym floor resurfacing can be completed for a fraction of the cost of having a new basketball court floor installed. A general sanding and refinishing job can provide your wood floor with new life and brighten up your gym. Sanding and refinishing is also a very cost-effective way of repainting your wood floor if you choose to redesign it.
Durability
If you’re looking to install indoor basketball floor wood, volleyball floor wood, or any floor that would be used for just one type of activity, you’re on the right track. Installing a wood floor will allow you to enjoy the best quality without having to worry about damage from footwear. On the other hand, if you need an all-purpose gym floor, synthetic floors might be the way to go.
Why? Synthetic floors are more versatile in the sense that they can endure all types of shoes and foot traffic. Also, synthetic materials won’t scratch as easily as wood floors. Synthetic gym floor material will be more forgiving if you plan on using your court or sports facility for various events and activities that might include participants walking or jumping in hard-soled shoes and heels.
Contact the Pros for a New Basketball Court
The installation process for wood floors is a bit more complicated than the process involved in synthetic floor installation. But in many cases, wood is the better choice. Plus, with the right gym floor company, the entire installation process can be completed quickly and efficiently. Natural wood floors are simply the top-quality option for your sports facility. They not only last longer but also look polished and classic. If you want to schedule a consultation for your gym floor project, request a new proposal, or if you just have a general inquiry about our services, feel free to contact us at any time.