Some gyms have a wooden floor instead of concrete to allow better shock absorption, thus reducing the risk of injuries for athletes practicing high-impact activities such as gymnastics or basketball.
Many gyms opt for wood because it is particularly valued for its ability to absorb shocks. Unlike concrete, which can be hard on the joints, a wooden floor offers a softer and more comfortable surface, which significantly reduces the risk of injuries. Wood also relates to grip: just enough slide for good movement, without slipping at the first motion. It even regulates temperature better, remaining relatively warm when it's cold and pleasant when it's hot. And to top it all off, aesthetically, a well-maintained sports floor gives a clearly warmer and more dynamic appearance to the gym than the monotonous gray of concrete.
Wood is naturally flexible, which helps absorb shocks to some extent. It's much better for athletes' joints: less risk of injury, less stress on the knees and ankles. Unlike concrete, which transmits impact directly to the body, wood offers a sense of comfort and even a nice bounce for many sports, like basketball or volleyball. In terms of temperature, there's no comparison: concrete is often cold and hard, while wood creates a warm, pleasant atmosphere and feels softer to the touch. The acoustics are also better because wood resonates less than concrete, so you avoid the "hellish echo" effect. Finally, in terms of aesthetics, wood adds a welcome warm touch, creating a more inviting atmosphere than a simple austere gray concrete floor.
A wooden sports floor acts as a kind of natural shock absorber. Thanks to its flexibility, it absorbs a good portion of impacts and vibrations, which protects the joints of athletes—such as the knees and ankles—and limits the risk of injury from repeated training or matches. This natural elasticity of wood even enhances athlete performance: more consistent rebounds, better grip for support and easy pivoting, and overall more comfortable and stable sensations while playing. Unlike concrete—which is very rigid and transmits shocks intensely to the body—wood helps to both preserve health and boost performance.
A wooden floor is clearly durable, but it requires attention to stay in top shape for a long time. Wood can be prone to scratches, dents, or even natural wear from the repeated friction of sports shoes. Naturally, to keep the floor in good condition, regular varnishing is mandatory. Every now and then, a little sanding is even needed to give it a fresh look. On the downside, watch out for excess moisture: too much water and it becomes a hassle, the wood swells, warps, and then it's complicated to recover. On the positive side, a well-maintained wooden floor ages really well, and it remains usable for decades without major issues. Not bad, but it still requires regular attention.
From an economic perspective, installing a concrete floor often costs less upfront than wood. But beware of the trap: wood, when well-maintained, can last for several decades and prove to be cost-effective over time due to its ease of repair, whereas damaged concrete requires costly heavy interventions.
From an ecological standpoint, wood scores additional points. Sourced from a renewable resource (as long as it is managed responsibly), it naturally stores CO₂ and often has a lighter environmental footprint. In contrast, the production of concrete involves more resources, generates a lot of greenhouse gases, and makes recycling quite complicated at the end of its life.
Ecologically speaking, wooden flooring can be renewable and recyclable. At the end of its life, the wood strips can be reused or recycled, whereas concrete has a much more energy-intensive and complex recycling process.
When a gym has a wooden floor, the surface temperature is better regulated, unlike a concrete floor that can become very cold in winter, affecting comfort and increasing the risk of muscle injury.
The wooden floors of professional gymnasiums are often made of maple, a wood chosen for its strength and excellent impact resistance, which reduces injuries during falls and provides better bounce for balls.
Contrary to what one might think, a well-maintained wooden floor can last over 40 years, making it a cost-effective long-term choice despite a high initial investment.
Wooden floors can be environmentally friendly as long as materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests (such as FSC or PEFC certified). Wood also has a lower carbon footprint than concrete due to its ability to store CO2 absorbed during its growth.
No, generally, wooden floors designed for gyms have a specific finish that makes them less slippery. They provide a good balance between grip and controlled slide, ensuring better safety for athletes.
Wood is softer on the soles of sports shoes than concrete. Therefore, the wear on the shoes is generally less, and the lifespan of sporting equipment is significantly extended.
A regular maintenance is necessary but remains simple: frequent dusting, affordable damp cleaning, and periodic renovation every 6 to 10 years depending on the intensity of use. These operations help maintain an attractive aesthetic appearance and ensure good performance.
The choice depends on the budget, the sports practiced, and how you use them. Solid wood floors, which are more expensive, offer greater durability and can be refinished multiple times, while laminate floors represent an economical compromise with good wear resistance but less longevity.
Wooden floors are particularly suitable for sports that require jumping and bouncing, such as basketball, handball, volleyball, and badminton. Wood allows for better impact absorption, thereby reducing the risk of joint-related injuries.
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