Whether it’s from competitive athletic games, intense practices, or physical education classes, gym floors take a beating! All the activity can break down the protective, lustrous finish of hardwood flooring, impacting its function, appearance and performance.
For safety and aesthetic reasons, gym floors require a great deal of care and attention, and because installation is pricey, this investment must be protected! Depending on the type of flooring, size of the floor, and product quality, the cost to install wood gym flooring can run between $58k–$184k.
One very important part of maintaining the longevity of gym flooring is refinishing, which involves the combination of sanding and applying multiple coats of finish, which prevents the wood from getting damaged.
While oil-based finishes were once the industry norm, many professional flooring companies are now opting for water-based finishes, which are free from the heavy chemical smell that can permeate and linger in a building for days. In fact, some oil-based fish are no longer legal for us in some states.
Gym Floor Refinishing is Important for the Following Reasons:
- Provides a safer surface resulting in improved traction and performance
- Helps restore the floor to its original beauty
- Extends the lifespan of gym flooring, preventing the wood from damage
- Enhances its resilience against heavy foot traffic and athletic activity
- Reduces the long term maintenance costs if refinished regularly
- Prolongs the hefty financial investment of having to replace a gym floor
Put simply, regular and routine gym floor refinishing is critical to protect your floor and those that play on it!
How Often Should a Gym Floor be Refinished?
Like a car, regular maintenance will help gym flooring last longer. The better you protect it, the better it will perform.
The experts in gym floor refinishing in Connecticut suggest that refinishing should happen between 8-15 years.
This timing is dependent on a variety of factors such as type of flooring, level of usage, and current conditions, however proper maintenance means that flooring is professionally refinished with at least two top coats annually.
Refinishing your gym floor will not only breathe new life onto a surface that gets dull and damaged over time, but the process is relatively quick and won’t overly disrupt your gym schedule. Refinishing may typically take around 4-5 days, which allows for ample drying time in between applications, however some water-based finishes may be considered “playable” in as little as 24 hours!
Do you Need Gym Floor Refinishing in Connecticut?
Here are a few things to look out for/check out when considering if your gym floor needs refinishing:
- Is the finish dull, fading, or becoming slick? Gym floors in proper good condition will shine and feel smooth, not slick
- How clean are your gym floors? Well-cleaned gym floors reduce risks like dirt, which are a major source of abrasion and can greatly damage surfaces
- Have your floors maintained their original color? Dirt, debris, and improper maintenance can cause discoloration resulting in amber or yellow-colored gym floors
- Are you noticing chipping, peeling, cupping wood, or excessive gapping?
- Has it been more than one year since your gym flooring has been inspected by a professional?
Know When to Call in the Pros!
Ultimately, the best way to determine the health and vitality of your gym floor is to regularly consult with flooring professionals. After understanding the level of activity and inspecting your floor, they can help you determine how often your flooring needs to be refinished. It’s best to create a regular maintenance plan, which will keep your floor safe and maximize your investment!
For safety and aesthetic reasons, it might be time to look into getting your gym floor refinished soon!