wood gym floor

When Should I Replace My Wood Gym Floor?

By John Scillieri Hours Published on

Completely replacing a wood gym floor is a costly project and one that’s only carried out every few decades.  That is why it’s important to do a proper job and give your gym floor the best treatment.  A beautiful, newly installed gym floor will look impeccable and also ensure athletes’ safety.  In this post, we’ll provide advice on when you should consider replacing your wood gym floor.  We’ll also explore some other important factors to consider during the process, so you can make an informed decision that fits your facility’s needs and your budget.

How to Know if it’s Time to Replace Your Hardwood Floor

A properly installed hardwood floor can last up to half a century if adequately maintained. Sanding and refinishing your wood gym floor can help brighten up your gym and strengthen your old and worn out floor.  In addition, screening and recoating your athletic hardwood floor annually will also significantly contribute to its longevity.  Not only will these maintenance activities make your floor more visually appealing, but they will also help provide added protection for the floor, athletes, and spectators.

But even with dedicated maintenance, your gym floor will start to show signs of wear and tear over time.  There are a few signs that indicate your floor is due for a makeover.  The floorboards may begin to feel slippery, and the wood may crack in places.

These issues go much beyond cosmetics and could be dangerous for people using your facility. You always want your athletes playing on a gym floor that’s safe to use and durable.  Old gym floors can also affect performance.  For instance, humid gym floors and those with dead spots can cause a loss of momentum when the ball is dropped.  This is one of the telltale signs that it’s time to replace your wood gym floor.

How Much Does a Quality Gym Floor Cost?

As a gym floor owner looking to replace your old gym floor, you’re very mindful of your budget and want to get the best value for the money you’re investing.  With that in mind, wood floors offer the best life expectancy, albeit at a slightly higher initial price.  New gym floor installation prices differ from facility to facility, as they depend on a variety of aspects.  Gym floor installation prices are often formed per square foot, with several other factors in consideration.  Factors that have the most significant impact on your gym floor pricing include:

  • The size of your gym floor
  • Location of your sports facility
  • Materials used
  • Design of graphics, the amount of paint required for logos, game letters, etc.

Crucial Things to Consider When Replacing Your Gym Floor

Installing a new floor is a project you don’t take on often.  Therefore, it is vital to take into consideration all of the significant aspects that go into such an undertaking.  Below are some of the most important things to keep in mind when replacing your gym floor. 

Purpose of the Floor

Consider the type of sports activity that will be carried out on your floor.  For example, if you’re looking to replace the basketball court floor, you would go about it in a different way than if you’re replacing an all-purpose gym floor.  If you own a facility with an all-purpose hardwood floor, such as a school gym, you’ll also need to consider the various school activities and events that are held, and the wear and tear they can cause.  Other factors, such as whether the bleachers and backstops will have to be rolled, or whether the floor will have to endure heavy hard-sole foot traffic, should all take part in the decision-making process.

Consider the Environment and Sustainability

Does an HVAC system control your gym’s indoor environment?  Is the gym floor located near a natatorium or below grade?  Is it a new construction or a retrofit?  All of these aspects play into determining how much moisture your hardwood floor will potentially encounter.  Your hardwood will expand as it contracts moisture and contract when it dries out.  Significant changes in moisture and temperature can cause your gym floor to crack and underperform.

Maintenance Expectations

Before you go all in and invest in a new wood gym floor, make sure that you’re prepared to take all of the steps to maintain it properly.  While proper maintenance might seem like a no-brainer, most facilities and organizations actually don’t have maintenance budgets big enough to support regular cleaning with recommended solutions, sanding, refinishing, and recoating services.  And, without sanding, refinishing, and annual screening and recoating, the hardwood will start to show its age more quickly.  It’s essential to consider all of these aspects before you purchase a new gym floor.

Determine Lines and Graphics Upfront

Before you install a new floor, make sure to determine the placement of game lines and graphics upfront.  This is because the best time to apply game lines and floor graphics is during floor installation.  Doing so allows the best application of a protective coat.  In the same breath, avoid using temporary decals, as they are more slippery and not as safe for the athletes.

Choose the Right Gym Floor Company

Whether you’re looking to upgrade or replace your floor, choosing the right gym floor company can make all the difference.  At J&J Gym Floors, we’ve completed over 17,400 projects since 2003 and have built a reputation as a premier gym floor company in the US. 

Our company’s impeccable track record and superior service are our guarantees for all of our customers.  We provide a full-service approach to gym owners from NJ, NY, CT, PA, DE, and MD.  Contact us online today or call us at (973) 801-7219 and find out how we can help you.

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.