Sprung wood sports flooring is a key component in many gyms, sports halls, and multi-purpose athletic spaces. These specialised floors are designed to provide shock absorption, durability, and enhanced performance, reducing the risk of injury for athletes. Whether you are a commercial flooring contractor, architect, or facility manager, understanding the various options available in wood sports flooring is essential. This guide will break down the different sprung systems, types of wood used, elastic ratings, and the pros and cons of engineered versus solid wood flooring.
What Makes a Floor Sprung?
A sprung floor is designed to absorb shock, offering support to athletes by minimising impact stress on their joints. This is achieved through a flexible subfloor system that gives a certain amount of ‘spring’ to the surface. The degree of flexibility, as well as the way it is distributed, depends on the construction of the sprung system and the materials used.
Sprung wood floors are most commonly found in:
- Sports halls and school gymnasiums
- Dance studios
- Multipurpose halls
- Leisure and fitness facilities
Types of Sprung Systems
The construction of a sprung floor can vary depending on the hardwood flooring companies or commercial flooring contractors involved, as well as the specific requirements of the space. In the UK and Europe, the most common types of sprung systems include:
- Area Elastic Floors: These systems provide shock absorption over a large area. When pressure is applied, the floor distributes the energy across a wider surface, offering consistent support. This type of flooring is ideal for team sports like basketball or volleyball, where lateral movement is common.
- Point Elastic Floors: Unlike area elastic floors, point elastic systems focus the shock absorption on the exact point of impact. These floors are softer and provide more localized cushioning, which makes them suitable for sports like gymnastics or dance.
- Mixed Elastic Floors: A hybrid system combining both area and point elasticity, this type offers the benefits of both. It provides a blend of localized cushioning and wider area shock absorption, making it versatile for a range of activities.
Sprung Floor Ratings
In Europe, sprung sports flooring is rated according to EN14904, a standard that governs sports surfaces. Floors are assigned different ratings, such as A3 and A4 for Area Elastic Wood Systems, which refer to their shock absorption properties and vertical deformation. Similarly, there are P1 to P3 ratings for the shock absorption for Point Elastic soft flooring systems.
- A3 – A4 Rating: These floors absorb 40-45% of impact energy (A3) or 50-55% (A4), offering medium to high shock absorption and comfort. Sytems with a high rating for examples are specified for high performance sports halls and training facilities where specific sport standards need to be met. A3 classed floors are more suited for multipurpose sports halls such as school campus facilities and leisure centres where there is a high level of playability across multiple sports.
Wood Species for Sports Flooring
The type of wood chosen for hardwood sports flooring can affect both performance and aesthetics. The most commonly used woods for sports flooring include:
- Maple: Known for its durability and resistance to wear, maple wood sports flooring is a popular choice for gymnasiums and basketball courts. Its tight grain and hardness make it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Beech: Beech offers excellent shock resistance and is often chosen for multipurpose sports halls. Its lighter colour and hardiness make it one of the most popular wood choices for sport.
- Oak: Oak is one of the most durable woods available, offering extreme endurance and longevity. It’s a great choice for facilities that need to withstand heavy use over many years.
- Ash: Ash is flexible yet durable, making it suitable for sports where shock absorption and resilience are crucial. Its paler colour is aesthetically pleasing and helps to create a spacious feel.
Solid Wood Sports Flooring vs. Engineered Wood Sports Flooring
When selecting a wood sports floor, there are two primary construction options: solid wood and engineered wood. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on the intended use and budget.
Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood floors are made from single pieces of wood, typically around 20-22mm thick. This type of flooring offers the natural look and feel of hardwood, with the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- Offers the natural beauty of hardwood
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than engineered options
- More susceptible to moisture and humidity changes, which can lead to warping
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is made from a top layer of real hardwood (veneer) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. It is typically more stable than solid wood and less affected by changes in temperature and humidity.
Pros:
- More stable than solid wood in fluctuating climates
- Can be more cost-effective
- Easier to install
- Less prone to warping or cupping
Cons:
- Can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times
- Some people feel it doesn’t offer the same authentic feel as solid wood
Both options are popular among wood flooring companies, depending on the project’s specific requirements, budget, and expected usage.
Benefits of Sprung Wood Sports Flooring
There are several key benefits to using sprung wood sports flooring in athletic and multi-purpose spaces:
- Injury Prevention: The shock-absorbing properties reduce the risk of injuries by minimizing the impact on athletes’ joints.
- Durability: High-quality wood sports floors are designed to withstand heavy use, making them ideal for commercial venues and school sports halls.
- Performance: The right sprung system enhances athletic performance, providing athletes with the support and comfort they need.
- Versatility: Sprung wood floors are suitable for a wide range of activities, from basketball to gymnastics to dance.
Conclusion
When choosing hardwood sports flooring, there are many factors to consider. Whether opting for solid wood or engineered wood, understanding the types of sprung systems available, the differences between area elastic and point elastic floors, and the specific wood species can make a big difference in the final outcome.
For those looking to install high-quality, durable, and performance-enhancing sports flooring, working with experienced commercial flooring contractors or hardwood flooring companies is essential to ensure the best result for your facility. Whether it’s a school gym, community sports hall, or professional arena, the right flooring can elevate the performance and safety of athletes while providing lasting value.
