Traditional PVC sports flooring has many uses. It is an excellent flooring material for sports such as basketball and squash, but its suitability for non-sports purposes has been questioned. For example, wood flooring can easily be marked or damaged by non-sports soles, which means that its use for non-sports events (starts, concerts, dances) will involve a lot of maintenance afterwards. It also has poor acoustics, can cause serious safety hazards if liquids are spilled on it, and is subject to scratching and gouging.

Modular flooring, on the other hand, is known for its flexibility in the range of uses it can be used for, including handball, futsal, inline hockey, and indoor tennis. Another key factor that favors modular flooring over traditional wood flooring in terms of usage is the customization that is possible. The reaction of the floor (e.g., how cushioned it is) can be adjusted by using sheet rubber underlays with various thicknesses, depending on the amount of underlayment required. Traditional wood flooring does not allow for such customization.

Remember that modular flooring is not just for indoor courts. It can handle temperature changes without deforming and allows rainwater to flow through, minimizing the risk of slipping.

There is no denying that traditional hardwood gym floors are beautiful when well maintained and cared for. While there are many different shades and finishes that hardwood flooring comes in, and logos and lettering can be hand-painted, the options and ease of customization are unmatched by modular tile. Multiple colored tiles can easily be used in one installation, and that color runs through each unit, meaning it never wears off. After installation, the game lines and logos are painted on the surface. With traditional flooring, this level of customization is only easily achieved with printed gym floor coverings, and only for non-athletic surfaces.

Modular tiles can even be designed to look like ice or wood. For example, for a more traditional plank gym flooring look, perhaps basketball or aerobics, its wood look and durable clear wear layer are the answer. If the classic look of a gym floor isn’t a top priority, the product can be used in everything from basketball courts and volleyball courts to recreation rooms. For areas with heavy equipment, such as weight rooms, you can still have a great-looking floor that can resist the base of dropped weights and exercise equipment.

Hardwood flooring (usually maple) has been used in gyms for as long as most of us can remember. It naturally provides good shock absorption (which is important for injury prevention) and offers an excellent spring response for sports like basketball and volleyball. Sanding and refinishing are required, but some prefer to see this process as an opportunity to update the look of their gym. Additionally, traditional wood flooring is a more environmentally friendly option in the eyes of many, as it is biodegradable and comes from a renewable resource. Additionally, wood is naturally hard-wearing and can last for many years with proper care, especially when used with quality gym flooring.

Modular flooring is not necessarily permanent, making it a great choice for temporary facilities. It is not difficult to install and costs less than an equivalent wood flooring. Modular flooring is easy to maintain and never needs refinishing. It can be highly customized in terms of color and appearance (even mimicking the look of ice or wood), as well as performance. It can also be used for a wide variety of purposes, not all of which are necessarily sports-related.

Deciding which type of flooring is best for a sports facility can be a tough decision. Tradition has leaned toward hardwood maple flooring for its familiar look, durability, and performance. However, modern technology has made modular flooring possible, which can mimic the look of classic wood flooring if desired, while offering customizable performance and flexibility in what it can be used for and what kinds of sports it supports. Other considerations include maintenance and upkeep, which is much less with modular flooring, and life expectancy, which is incredibly long with traditional flooring. Keep in mind that if you choose any sports flooring, you’ll need a gym floor covering if you want it to remain attractive and damage-free.