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Can anyone advise me on synthetic floor surfaces. We have a small gym that doubles as an assembly room (set up chairs) weekly, basketball and volleyball courts (in season), and gathering room for weddings, receptions, programs, etc. Currently our floor is cement, but we have been looking at other options. I am wondering if anyone has experience with Tarkett flooring. This is the product that a couple of local businesses are recommending. What can people tell me about how this will perform and stands up for our needs? Also, how easy is it to line the courts? Please advise. We want to move in the next month or so. Thanks.

Check out Pulastic by Robbins Sports Surfaces. It is ideal for multi-use areas and provides the best surface for basketball and volleyball play. The tough durable wear surface can be renewed in 12-15 yrs. for a fraction of the original cost.
www.robbinsfloor.com/pulastic.html
edited by PolytanSoutheast on 6/6/2011

One of the most popular synthetic multi-purpose gym floors in the US is Taraflex. It has a very realistic wood look and cushion for shock absorption. It has been used in the past 8 Olympic games, primarily for competition volleyball. The top wear layer is also perfect for withstanding tables and chairs and cleans up easily. Most of Taraflex's installations are in gymnasiums that double as a cafeteria, meeting room or worship facility. Taraflex can locate a good local installer that can also paint the game lines. www.gerflorusa.com

The leader in the industry in Multiuse flooring for the use you describe is Gerflor's Taraflex. Where are you? I can have a local sales person give you a call or you can see details on the website for Gerflor USA. The surface has identical play characteristics of a urethane wood floor.

Robbins Pulastic is ideal for multiuse as well as heavy traffic, and will last the lifetime of your building. It is easily maintained. Gamelines are easily installed. Please contact Robbins 1-800-543-1913 if you have any further questions. You can also go to www.robbinsfloor.com.

Qouch11, Thanks for your interest in Tarkett. As a manufacturer representative for Tarkett Sports Surfaces, I would recommend that you visit the Tarkett website at www.tarkettsportsindoor.com. I would suggest that you investigate the Omnisports line of products. The Omnisports line has been installed in many schools, churches and recreation centers. It is exceptionally durable, and is celebrated for it's aability to stand up to most any multi-purpose activity. The game line application is a simple procedure that will permit you to include the application of a logo as well. If you would like further information, please contact me at Adam.Winnicky@tarkettsports.com

Qouch 11
One important consideration that is often over-looked when choosing any sports floor is life cycle costs. Most manufacturers of synthetic flooring will offer good values on shock absorption, indentation and energy restitution for safe comfortable play. That is a given. When considering any sports flooring surface, not only should you look at the initial costs but all future costs.......including all maintenance, restripping, refinishing and any future replacement / disposal costs. Sometimes the least expensive floor will cost you more in the long run. Do a little home work. Narrow down your choices to 1 or 2 floor types. All new floors look great. Insist on visiting floors that are 10-15 years of age. That is what your floor is going to look like down the road. Talk to the owner, facility person, coach, maintenance personnel etc. ...... find out how the floor is performing. Pros / Cons. What does the floor look like. Aesthetics are as equally important as performance.

Secondly, how is the floor defined: is it a permanent design or is it temporary. Can it be resurfaced to a new like condition or is future replacement your only option. Any budget committee or person should include this future expense when choosing the correct sports floor.

Robbins Pulastic has a proven track record of over 40 years of successful installation around the world. Unlike some synthetic options, Pulastic sports floors can be recoated to a new like condition forever eliminating any future disposal and replacement costs.

Regards

Richard Onslager
Robbins Sports surfaces
www.robbinsfloor.com
edited by RichardOnslager on 6/17/2011

RichardOnslager wrote:

Does anyone have any documented studies regarding the impact of court surface on joint wear (knees and / or hips)?

Recently an orthopaedic surgeon gave a presentation to several hundred senior athletes that surface had NO IMPACT on joints. A subsequent email he confirmed "Surface type has no DOCUMENTED benefit. It FEELS better to play on soft courts."

After playing competitive volleyball on concrete for the last several years, my knees are really starting to bother me when playing (but not when playing other sports such as softball). So would appreciate anyone advising if any such studies have been made and results documented.

cajun4isu wrote:

If it didn't matter, then the Volleyball profesionals wouldn't choose Gerflor Taraflex.

I've never heard of Tarkett sport surfaces. My local gym has a multi-sport surface made by Plexipave. It's held up great over the past few years and is perfect for a variety of sports.

@Harrismargaret9 Tarkett is a 125+ year old company that manufacturers all types of flooring, including much of the VCT tile that you walk on at a facility. The Tarkett Sports Indoor line ( http://www.tarkettsportsindoor.com/products/) includes MFMA wood floors, cushioned sports vinyl, cushioned linoleum (a one of a kind product) and recycled and virgin rubber products.

I will greatly agree with Richard Onslager to make sure that life-cycle costs are kept in mind when determining the floor of choice. Tarkett Sports is represented Nationwide by exclusive distributors and offer a consultative approach to ensure that the floor you select meets the needs of the facility.