When it comes to campus rec facilities, flooring choices can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of the building.
It can be a daunting task to find the best option for a facility but not impossible. The wants and needs are vast — and the questions are just as broad:
- What flooring is durable, slip-resistant and comfortable to stand on for long periods?
- My weight room is on an upper floor, but it makes noise below — how can I fix that?
- I’m considering rubber flooring, but do I go with recycled or vulcanized?
- How do I know the correct choice for fitness flooring? Any recommendations?
Part of the problem is a campus recreation center is more than just a weight and cardio room. These centers are a centralized hub for students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community to socialize, exercise, play, learn and recharge. It’s essential to choose the right flooring option for your center since there are a variety of activities available to all members such as intramural and club sports, leisure pools, climbing centers, indoor tracks, yoga studios, and much more. These options make the choice of flooring vital.
Flooring Choice: The Process
The selection process for your facility should consider both form and function when deciding. In addition, suitable flooring for various activities is developed and tested to provide excellent but various features such as slip and shock resistance, the ability to withstand a number of different wear conditions, and the ability to absorb noise.
For instance, the area of the gym that focuses on free weights has different needs than the cardio area. Understanding those needs and the long-term effects on the user and the building is significant. Working with the right flooring provider can help alleviate unneeded stress on your users and your facility.
In addition to the various uses and functions the floor needs to accommodate, there is a color palette to consider. Are stock colors available to support your brand, or do you want a custom flooring pattern to match the facility to reinforce your brand? Many of the product choices are available with custom color matching, logos and graphics, as needed, but they’re not all the same.
When it comes to selecting the right flooring for a space, it’s essential to understand the purpose of the floor. Is it a high-traffic area that requires durability and easy maintenance? Or is it a weight room area that has to withstand Olympic lifting?
By considering the function of the floor, you can make an informed decision that will not only look good but also meet your practical needs. Take some time to think about the purpose of your floor and choose accordingly. Your feet and your wallet will thank you in the long run.
When choosing between recycled and vulcanized rubber flooring for your rec center, it’s important to consider both environmental impact and durability. Recycled rubber is far more eco-friendly, while vulcanized rubber is known for its long-lasting durability, but if the recycled rubber flooring is installed well, it can be almost as durable.
Ultimately, your flooring choice will depend on your priorities and needs for your rec center.
Wil Younger is the marketing manager at REGUPOL. He can be reached by emailing wy@regupol.com or visit regupol.com/us to find out more.
