When it comes to building or renovating a gymnasium, one of the most important considerations is the cost of the gym floor. The price of a new gym floor can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of flooring system, project location, labor rates, graphics options, timing of installation, and floor preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these factors in detail to help you understand the range of costs associated with installing a new gym floor.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Gym Floor
Type of Flooring System
The type of flooring system you choose for your gymnasium will have a significant impact on the overall cost. There are two primary options to consider: hardwood sports floor systems and synthetic sports flooring.
Hardwood Sports Floor Systems
Hardwood gym floors are known for their durability, performance, and aesthetics. They are often preferred by top university basketball and volleyball programs. The cost of hardwood sports floor systems can vary depending on the quality and performance level of the flooring. Basic commodity systems may have a lower price point, while high-performance systems used by professional sports teams can be more expensive.
Synthetic Sports Flooring
Synthetic sports flooring offers a range of options, including sheet goods, rubber, and polyurethane systems. These floors are designed to provide excellent shock absorption, traction, and durability. The cost of synthetic sports flooring will depend on the specific type of system chosen. Entry-level sheet goods may be more affordable, while high-performance rubber and polyurethane systems can be more costly.
Project Location and Local Labor Rates
The location of your project can impact the cost of the gym floor due to variations in local labor rates. Gym floor installation is a labor-intensive process, and the price from your contractor will be influenced by prevailing labor rates in your area. If your project is located in an area with higher labor rates, the cost estimate may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Graphics Options
If you choose to incorporate graphics, logos, or game lines into your gym floor, it will affect the total price. Adding more graphics will increase the cost of the floor. Just as adding custom features to a car will raise the price, customizing your gym floor with unique graphics will add to the overall cost. A qualified gym floor contractor can provide you with different graphics options and prepare a cost estimate based on your choices.
Timing of the Installation
The timing of the installation can also impact the cost of the gym floor. If you need to expedite the installation, it may result in higher costs. Allowing the contractor to acquire materials within their standard time frame from trusted suppliers and optimizing their installation schedule can lead to cost savings and a higher-quality installation.
Floor Preparation
In addition to the cost of the new gym floor, there may be expenses associated with preparing the existing concrete slab. Whether it’s a brand new slab or an existing space being renovated, the general contractor (for new construction) or gym floor contractor must ensure that the concrete slab meets the necessary requirements for installing the new gym floor system. This may involve tasks such as demolition and disposal of the existing floor system or minor leveling of the concrete slab. Your gym floor contractor will evaluate the space and provide an estimate for the cost of floor preparation.
Cost Range for Gym Floors
While the specific cost of a new gym floor can only be determined through a consultation with a gym floor contractor, we can provide a general cost range based on different factors and industry averages. It’s important to note that these ranges are estimates and can vary depending on the unique characteristics of your project.
For installed hardwood gym floor systems, at the time of this writing, the cost can range from approximately $10 to $19 per square foot. If the space is intended to be multipurpose, synthetic floor systems are often the best investment. Depending upon the system selected, synthetic floors range in cost from $8 to $18 per square foot. At BROC, we also have a full-service art department and can work with you to develop a comprehensive graphics package to customize your court.
Keep in mind that these cost ranges are based on mid-range products installed in mid-range labor markets. Factors such as the type of flooring system, project location, graphics options, timing of installation, and floor preparation will influence where within the range your project falls.
Choosing a Gym Floor Contractor
To obtain the most accurate and detailed cost estimate for your gym floor project, consulting directly with a qualified gym floor contractor such as BROC is recommended. A gym floor contractor will have extensive knowledge and experience in both hardwood and synthetic gym floor systems. They can evaluate your project plans or existing space and provide you with multiple options, each with a different cost.
