There is more to indoor flooring than a basketball and indoor hockey floor to look out for while creating an indoor sporting arena, either in school or a community. While creating a sporting area, it is important to check for a material that is not only durable but also requires minimal maintenance. Here are a few common materials used to make floors used for sporting activities.;

Hardwood

Hardwood or timber has been a material that has been used traditionally and is still among the top choices for the modern creation of sports centres. The toughest wood available is the maple, although most people prefer oak since it is readily available and cheap. Timber is mostly preferred for basketball and badminton.  Hardwood offers a classic look and lasts longer for even decades with minimal maintenance needed. Apart from being ideal for indoor games, hardwood is suitable for assemblies, and it can be marked up.

Refurbishing hardwoods will only require you to sand off the varnish coating. Stain the wood and recoat it if the timber is free from mould or rot. If you have timber areas that may appear spent, it is advisable to replace the whole floor.

Polyurethane

PU, as it is known, is known to create the best synthetic surface for sports hall floors with greater durability than that hardwood. It has more cushioning compared to timber which assists in reducing the risk of any injury. PU does not need much maintenance since its varnish does not come off, and it is easy to clean.PU has come off to be a modern alternative for hardwood apart from those who would like the seamless appearance of hardwood.

PU refurbishment may also require sanding off the top coat and adding polyurethane sealant. Once you notice the top coating starting to peel off, then it is time for a refurbishment. To be sure that it is the top coating and not dirt peeling off, use a mixture of ammonia and water to clean. It will lift years of dirt, and from that, you can decide if you need a refurbishment.

Vinyl

Vinyl is suited to offer an alternative to polyurethane, where it has much more elasticity which is ideal for some sports. Vinyl allows for the making of floors as softer and firmer as one would desire. The price and durability of vinyl are lower than that of PU, and therefore it would be ideal for when you need a specific type of elasticity. Vinyl would work best for basketball, gymnastics and indoor hockey and any other game that would require customised elasticity. 

Some manufacturers may recommend refinishing the vinyl floor every year, replacing the original sealant.

Final thoughts

Is there the best material for sports flooring? There might not be an ideal answer to this question, as all of the above materials would last for over one of two decades, depending on how well they are maintained. Choosing an ideal type for your play area would be determined by how your budget is, the appearance you are trying to achieve and the type of games that will be played in the sporting area.