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Advantages of Synthetic Flooring for High Schools and Fitness Centers

July 29, 2024

A traditional maple wood floor is best for most competition gym floors, especially for basketball and volleyball games. Many schools and facilities today have multiple gyms, which are used for many different purposes. Using a synthetic floor material in some of these spaces may be the right choice.

I will explain what to consider when choosing the best floor material for your space. I will also cover which spaces benefit from synthetic flooring.

The first and foremost thing to consider is space usage. A space for basketball and volleyball games needs maple wood floors. But, if your space will host baseball and softball practices, use synthetic flooring. It's best for those sports.

It is less expensive to install and maintain, as well as more durable. Baseballs and softballs will damage a wood floor by hitting it. A synthetic floor will withstand this use.

Your space may be used as a multi-purpose space. It can host practices for your sports teams, be a cafeteria, or hold gym classes. It can also hold community events and banquets—the list goes on and on. If this is the case, then choosing a synthetic floor is best. All these activities wear down the floor. 

They use practice equipment, tables, chairs, and non-soft-sole shoes. Synthetic flooring answers the call for durability. It will withstand heavy use. You won't have to worry about damage to your maple wood floor, which will avoid costly repairs.

Maintenance is also something to consider when choosing flooring materials. Synthetic floors can be cleaned regularly with an automatic scrubber, and you don't need to worry about using too much water. Everyone knows water and wood don't mix.

If you must clean your wood floor more often due to extra use, you risk adding too much moisture. This can cause cupping, cracking, and a damaged finish. Synthetic floors are less prone to moisture issues, so they can be cleaned more often without causing damage. Apply a maintenance coat of finish to wood floors every year. This keeps the surface great-looking and safe for athletes.

This process removes scuffs and prevents a slippery surface. The space will be unusable for a week while it is done. If your space has a synthetic surface, this process is not needed. It keeps the space available all year and avoids maintenance costs.

A synthetic surface's durability benefits some areas of your school. Synthetic flooring is perfect for weightrooms, indoor tracks, and dance studios. It's also great for aerobic rooms and other multi-purpose spaces. 

These floors can scuff, dent, and get damaged from activities in the space. But their durability makes synthetic floors perfect for these areas. 

Maple wood flooring is best for your school's main gym. But, synthetic flooring has its place and advantages. Contact The Ohio Floor Company’s sales staff for flooring in your facility. They can guide you through the process. You may find out synthetic flooring material may just be the best choice.