Are you a homeowner or business owner looking to install a basketball court on your property? Or, you may be a school facilities manager, tasked with adding or renovating an existing gym at your institution.
In any case, it’s important to choose the right equipment and accessories. This includes paying close attention to the type of basketball court flooring available on the market.
Today, we’re walking you through the pros and cons of some of the most popular and well-performing options.
Indoor Basketball Court Flooring: Top Options to Consider
An indoor basketball court offers players year-round access to their favorite sport. Whether it’s sunny or snowy outside, they can rest assured that their equipment is covered and protected.
Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of flooring that are ideal for shooting hoops indoors.
Indoor Modular Tiles
As their name implies, modular court tiles are designed to snap together. You can purchase as many as you need to fill your space. This is one of the quickest and most wallet-friendly options, as well as the most customizable.
These floor tiles are available in a wide range of colors and designs, as well as different wood grains. This makes it easy to fully tailor your court to meet your exact needs and specifications. For instance, you can choose tiles that represent your school’s colors or your company’s logo!
While most tiles contain a base layer of polypropylene, the top surface material can vary. Typically, you’ll find some type of commercial-grade plastic or laminate. Look for tiles that advertise wear resistance and a protective coating.
Padded Flooring Rolls
If you’re planning a rubber basketball court, then look into padded court flooring rolls. Each roll includes a rubber base, fused together with a durable urethane wear layer, and topped with a special vinyl layer.
These are usually available in wood grain designs, though you may be able to find some solid-colored options. This is a great option when you’re looking for an indoor basketball court that looks like the real deal but won’t break the bank.
Flooring Planks
Modern wooden basketball floors are available in gorgeous, sleek finishes. You can also find planks that fit in place without the use of nails. While real planks aren’t as economical as rubber alternatives, these can be an attractive alternative to a rubber or tile-based design.
Outdoor Basketball Court Flooring: Top Options to Consider
An outdoor basketball court offers a unique athletic experience. With this type of setup, you can enjoy the outdoor elements while engaging in your favorite game. To maintain their form and function, most of these floors offer enhanced durability, as well as UV protection, and water resistance.
While indoor courts are available in plank-style options, most outdoor courts work as interlocking tile grids. Before purchasing, check to ensure that the tiles you’re considering come equipped with integrated expansion joints. This way, you can be confident that your playing surface is even and steady, even if the ground expands and contracts under the summer sun.
Next, let’s take a look at some of the top flooring options in this category.
Outdoor Modular Tiles
Modular tiles for outdoor use look similar to those designed for indoor courts. However, these usually include special materials designed to withstand high impacts. In fact, most are designed to hold static loads of more than 15,000 pounds per foot.
As you browse the available options, be sure to look for outdoor tiles that can also resist the standing water that can result after days or weeks of precipitation. The best tiles feature a flow-through design that allows water to quickly dissipate as soon as it hits the surface.
Not only does this feature ensure a consistently dry playing surface, but you can also rest assured that your floor will be free from grimy mold or mildew.
Premium Sports Tiles
If you’re looking for effective but cheap outdoor basketball court flooring, then basic modular tiles will do the job. However, if aesthetics and appearance are top considerations, then you may want to consider investing in premium sports tiles instead. Start your search at SnapSports, where you’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor tiles used by the NBA and AAU!
These tiles offer enhanced durability and protection, as well as a greater degree of shock absorption and traction. Most manufacturers build specially-placed vents to each tile to help prevent slips and falls.
These premium tiles give your court a seamless, streamlined appearance. In addition to basketball courts, they’re also great for outdoor tennis courts, racketball courts, and more. Once the floor is installed, you can paint or tape lines to create the right surface for your favorite game.
Asphalt Tarmacadam
Asphalt tarmacadam (or tarmac) floors require a stone subfloor. The material is comprised of a special stone and tar mixture that’s designed to offer enhanced durability. Once you pour it, you’ll need to level it.
This material is ultra-strong and long-lasting when it dries. It also provides excellent traction, and you can paint it according to your preference. Users who have installed an asphalt tarmacadam floor note how high the hard surface can bounce their basketballs.
The only drawback? This surface isn’t nearly as soft or bouncy as a rubber tile floor. If you fall, you’ll feel it!
Choose the Best Basketball Court Flooring
If you’re investing in a basketball court for your property, you want to make sure you’re getting the best one possible. The right basketball court flooring can make all the difference in the way your court looks and feels.
As you browse the options, keep your budget in mind. The best floor in the world isn’t viable if it takes funds from the rest of your project. Before long, you’ll be dribbling and shooting hoops just like LeBron!
As you perfect your game, we’re here to keep you updated with the latest lifestyle needs. Check back often for more advice!
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