Floor sanding machines partway through sanding a maple gym floor

Everything You Need to Know About Gym Floor Refinishing: The Guide

By John Scillieri Hours Published on

Your hardwood gym floor is one of the most valuable parts of your sports facility.  A well-maintained gym floor provides a safe and stable sports surface.  Students and athletes can practice and develop their skills to reach their full potential.

Daily cleaning and proper maintenance routines are critical to a well-performing sports floor.  But occasionally, your floor will require a more thorough treatment.

In this detailed guide, we want to shed light on a subject that’s not often discussed when it comes to gym floor maintenance.  With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about gym floor refinishing.

How long does it take to refinish a gym floor?

If you’re working with an experienced professional flooring contractor, the entire project can usually be completed over the summer break, taking about three weeks in all.  Plan on 8 to 10 working days (sometimes less) to sand, paint, and apply finish to your hardwood gym floor.  Once the refinishing is completed, allow about a week for the finish to dry and cure before on-court activities.

What happens during the gym floor refinishing process?

This gym floor refinishing process involves sanding down the entire court to the bare wood. After this, the contractor can single out any damaged boards that need to be replaced before proceeding with the next step. 

If there are no hardwood floorboards that need replacing, the flooring expert will remove scratches and repair any cracks between the boards.  Then, the floor is refinished with a sanding machine.  Once this is completed, an MFMA-approved sealer is applied.

The floor is screened between each coat. After applying the seal and finish, the contractor will paint the lines and logos as per your request.  Once the paint dries, the floor is tacked with a rag.  Finally, your contractor will again apply two coats of finish to add a layer of protection to the paint and leave it to dry.

When can you start using the floor again?

The floor shouldn’t be used until it’s completely dry, as any dirt and debris that may get on it before curing could scratch the finish.  During the drying period, the indoor temperature and air humidity should be maintained at the recommended standards to facilitate proper drying and curing.

How often should gym floors be refinished?

Unlike screening and recoating, which should be done every year as a preventative measure, gym floor refinishing is a more complex project completed every five to 10 years. 

Meticulously maintaining the gym and keeping it in pristine condition day in and day out will give you a more extended period between refinishing jobs.  How often you should sand and refinish your floors also depends on how frequently it’s used throughout the years.

How much does gym floor refinishing cost?

The average price for a full sanding and refinishing service is around $3 per sq. ft.  This includes all materials, labor, logos, and game lines, and clean up fees after the project is finished.

Keep in mind, this is just a ballpark price and that the costs can vary from contractor to contractor.  Additionally, the exact price for your refinishing project will also depend on several significant factors, such as:

  • The square footage 
  • The condition of your gym floor 
  • If repairs and replacement boards are needed
  • Where your facility is located
  • If painting, staining, or logos are needed
  • Varying labor costs 

 

Expert Tips for Basketball Court Floor Refinishing

Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind to make the gym floor refinishing process go smoothly:

  1. Prepare the Area — Ensure adequate ventilation and watch out for fluctuations in temperature and indoor humidity.  Have all of the materials and tools in one set location so that the contractors can work efficiently.  Also, block access points to prevent people from walking on the freshly laid and painted hardwood floor.
  2. Mind the Current Weather — Schedule your project to prevent gymnasium refinishing at a time when outdoor temperatures are too high or low.
  3. Hire a Flooring Contractor You Can Trust — Interview and research gym floor refinishing contractors before hiring.  Get price estimates from multiple companies.  Compare their reputation and previous projects to help you choose the best flooring contractor for your facility. 

Contact Us Today for a Gym Floor Refinishing Consultation

Refinishing your hardwood gym floor will bring back its glow and make it look as good as new. More importantly, it will extend its life and ensure optimum performance and athlete protection. 

If you’re planning a gym floor sanding and refinishing project, contact us today.  Our professional flooring contractors are here to answer all of your questions and make sure you get the best possible service!

Call us at (973) 801-7219 or fill out our quick online form to schedule a consultation or request a proposal.

Based in New Jersey? See gym floor refinishing in New Jersey for typical NJ prices, timelines and FAQs.

John Scillieri

John Scillieri is the Founder and Managing Partner of J & J Gym Floors, bringing over three decades of expertise in hardwood flooring to the sports and fitness industry. Following in the footsteps of his father, a renowned hardwood floor professional, John launched J & J Gym Floors after graduating college, combining rich family tradition with innovative approaches to gym floor installation, maintenance, and customization.

With a passion for quality craftsmanship and a commitment to customer satisfaction, John has led J & J Gym Floors to become a trusted name in the industry. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of flooring technologies ensure that every project, from local school gymnasiums to professional sports arenas, receives the highest standard of care and attention to detail. When he's not transforming gym floors, John enjoys staying active and spending time with his family, always keeping an eye out for the next big trend in sports flooring.