Get the most out of its lifespan
When is a refreshment the right choice?
A wooden sports floor has to endure a lot every day. Athletes run, jump, and spin. Sports equipment is moved around and sometimes dragged across the floor. Dust, sand, and sweat cause additional wear and tear. Over time, the protective top layer wears down. The question then is: does the floor need to be completely renovated, or can it last for years longer with a refresh?
The best time to give it a refresh is before the bare wood becomes visible and while the lines are still intact.
Based on our calculations, we recommend assessing whether a refreshment is needed approximately every 5 years. The exact timeframe depends on the floor’s usage and condition.
By taking action early, you can prevent minor wear and tear from turning into more serious damage.
What happens to a wooden sports floor when the top layer wears out?
A new or renovated wooden sports floor has multiple protective layers. Together, they protect the wood and ensure the proper technical performance characteristics for sports. Depending on usage, the protective top layer wears out after about 5–7 years. The protective layers consist of:
- a primer
- a coat of paint featuring the sport stripes
- a high-performance sports surface that complies with EN 14904
Due to use and wear, this top layer gradually becomes thinner. Eventually, the grain becomes exposed, and the wood’s protection is reduced.
If you wait too long to perform maintenance, it can damage the wood:
- splintering
- moisture penetration
- warping of the boards – cupping
The levelness is at risk, and there is a chance that the support structure could sag.
This affects safety and riding comfort.
Refresh or renovation?
A refreshment is a smart choice when the wooden sports floor is still in good technical condition
These are the differences in design:
Refreshment |
Renovation |
| Lightly sand the coating | Complete sanding of the floor |
| Virtually no wood loss | Some wood loss |
| New high-performance sports coating | New paint layers and markings |
| Limited work | Possible repairs and restoration of the structure |
| Completed in a few days | May take up to about 3 weeks |
| Less disruption | More disruption and a longer closure |
Use the sanding reserve sparingly
A solid wood sports floor has approximately 6 mm of wood available above the tongue and groove. We call this the sanding reserve. During a renovation, the wood sports floor is completely sanded. This process removes not only the existing finish but also a portion of the wood. On average, this results in a loss of 1 to 2 mm of wood. The more often the floor is completely sanded, the smaller this reserve becomes. Eventually, the structural lower limit comes into play.
That’s why a refreshment works differently
During a refreshment, virtually no wood is removed. We simply lightly sand the existing coating.
This creates a good base for a new sports-grade top layer.
This preserves the sanding reserve, allowing you to maximize the lifespan of the sports floor.
The process consists of three steps:
- Cleaning and degreasing: We remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from the floor.
- Light sanding: The existing topcoat is lightly sanded. We remove virtually no wood.
- New high-performance sports surface: We apply a new topcoat that complies with EN 14904. Once cured, the floor is ready for heavy-duty use again.
The Benefits of a Refreshment
A timely refresh helps to:
- to extend the lifespan of the sports floor
- to avoid unnecessary over-sanding
- to maintain the reserve margin
- to maintain the technical performance of the sport
- to maintain a firm grip
- to postpone major renovations for as long as possible
- to make maintenance costs more predictable
- to get the gym back in use as soon as possible
A refreshment can be performed up to five times, depending on the condition of the floor.
Smart maintenance saves money
A new wooden sports floor can easily cost tens of thousands of euros. By maintaining the floor in a timely manner, you can prevent the need for a complete renovation before it’s necessary. A refresh takes less time, causes less disruption , and helps preserve the wear reserve for as long as possible, allowing you to get the maximum lifespan out of your existing floor.
Would you like to know if your wooden sports floor is due for a refresh?
Have the condition of the wooden sports floor assessed
Find out what maintenance is needed now and make an appointment.