hardwood gym floor recoating

Hardwood Gym Floor Recoating: Breathe New Life into Your Athletic Facility

By John Scillieri Hours Published on

Hardwood gym floor recoating is a cost-effective way to give your athletic facility a makeover. Unfortunately, scratches and surface marks can impact the appearance of your sports floor. However, recoating a hardwood maple sports floor gives it a new look and increases lifespan.

Hardwood gym floors take a pummeling from contact sports, cleaning, foot traffic, and heavy equipment. In time, this thrashing takes its toll on the gym floor finish. And a worn-out floor not only looks unappealing but also poses safety risks for athletes. However, replacing the entire floor can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Fortunately, screening and recoating a hardwood floor is a cost-effective solution to revitalize your gym floor and make it look brand new. By removing the top layer of finish and applying a fresh coat, you breathe new life into your athletic facility. Additionally, you ensure that the sports flooring is a safe and attractive environment for athletes.

This article will explore the benefits of hardwood gym floor recoating and why it should be a part of your gym floor maintenance routine.

Understanding Hardwood Gym Floors

Hardwood maple flooring is the most popular choice for sports facilities. Hardwood gym flooring is exceedingly resilient thanks to its exceptional durability, aesthetic appeal, and tolerance to heavy sports activities. An athletic gym floor is designed to provide a robust and safe playing surface for athletes of all levels.

Regular maintenance is key to preserving the safety and longevity of wood floors. Over time, damage can affect the beautiful-looking floor, making it appear shabby and unappealing.

Signs your hardwood gym floor needs recoating 

Here are some signs that you should start thinking about a gym floor restoration project:

  • Scratches
  • Scuffs
  • Moisture damage
  • Regular wear and tear
  • Discoloration
  • Exposure to sunlight and fading

Periodic refinishing, including sanding and applying a new coat of finish, is vital to restoring the floor’s original shine and appearance.

The Benefit of Recoating Hardwood Gym Floors

Recoating a hardwood floor in an athletic facility is a way to protect your investment. The new gym floor finish preserves its appearance and extends its lifespan. It is also far cheaper than a complete replacement.

Arranging for a commercial hardwood flooring contractor to recoat a wood sports floor offers the following benefits:

  • It provides a layer of protection against scratches, scuffs, and stains.
  • The floor remains aesthetically pleasing and free from visible signs of damage.
  • Recoating strengthens the surface, making it more resistant to heavy foot traffic and the impact of sports equipment.
  • The gym floor refinishing process is relatively quick compared to replacing a sports floor.

As you would expect, the cost of recoating the gym floor is significantly lower compared to replacing the entire floor. Complete resurfacing is usually at least two to three times cheaper. 

Screening vs. Recoating a Hardwood Gym Floor: What’s the Difference?

Screening and recoating a gym floor is a common way to maintain the appearance and durability of its finish. Essentially, screening involves removing the top layer of finish with an abrasive screening disk. However, it doesn’t remove all layers back to the raw wood. Recoating involves applying one or two layers of finish to restore beauty to the wood sports floor. 

How to Recoat Hardwood Sports Floors

A gym floor restoration project can breathe life back into your athletic facility. The process involves several steps to ensure a smooth and durable finish. What can you expect if you call on flooring experts to recoat the hardwood sports floor in your gym or sports hall?

Here are the steps experienced floor contractors take to screen and recoat gymnasium floors:

  • Inspect the floor for any damage, loose boards, or deep scratches.
  • Thoroughly clean the floor using a dust mop or vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and loose particles.
  • Dry screening is then performed using an abrasive sanding screen.
  • Vacuum the floor to remove the sanding dust and debris.
  • Tack the floor using a slightly damp cloth.
  • Apply the appropriate type of coating.
  • Allow the finish to dry and then reapply a fresh coat of finish.

How Often Should You Recoat a Hardwood Floor?

It is generally recommended to recoat a hardwood sports floor every year. However, depending on the amount of foot traffic and the type of sports played, you may need to arrange for recoating every six months. In low-use athletic facilities, it may be possible to recoat the floor every two years. 

It is important to regularly inspect the floor for signs of wear and tear, such as dullness, scratches, or loss of finish. Prompt attention to the floor can help prevent small issues from developing into major ones requiring expensive repairs.  

How to Care for A Hardwood Gym Floor Post-Recoating

Appropriate care will maintain its appearance and performance once your hardwood gym floor has been recoated. Proper maintenance involves daily care, weekly cleaning, and an annual inspection to check for damaged floorboards. 

Here are some essential steps to care for a sports floor after recoating.

  • Regular cleaning: Sweep or dust mop the floor daily to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the finish. The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) recommends using a dust mop to clean the floor three times a day.
  • Preventative measures: Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture. Use floor protectors on equipment to prevent scratches. Don’t allow people to walk on the floor in high heels or outdoor shoes. Use eco-tile gym floor covers for events that don’t involve sports. 
  • Appropriate cleaning products: Use cleaning products recommended by the maple flooring manufacturers association or flooring experts. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents that can dull or damage the finish.
  • Immediate spills and stains: Wipe up spills immediately with a soft cloth or mop. Use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for stubborn stains.
  • Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance, such as annual deep cleaning and buffing, to preserve the floor’s luster and remove scuff marks. Consider hiring professionals specializing in gym floor restoration projects to inspect the floor annually.

Following these care and maintenance steps ensures that your hardwood gym floor remains in optimal condition for years.

A Takeaway

A hardwood gym floor recoating project is an effective way to breathe new life into your athletic facility. The process typically involves dry screening, cleaning, and applying the appropriate coating. It is also important to care for the floor by regularly cleaning it, using appropriate cleaning products, and scheduling annual maintenance to maintain its luster.If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to revitalize your hardwood gym floor and make it look brand new again, contact J&J Gym Floors today for a free cost estimate. We specialize in hardwood gym floor screening recoating and can have your facility looking great in no time.

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.