Researching the cost of a gym floor over the internet is a challenging endeavor unless you are simply interested in adding flooring to your garage workout space – in which case, a quick internet search will identify several online vendors who can provide you with pricing for basic, consumer-grade rubber flooring or plastic tiles. But, if you are looking to develop a commercial basketball or volleyball space, or even exploring options for your school or community center, estimating the cost for your project before speaking with a contractor is a far more grueling task.  

 

So, why is it so hard to find information about the cost of a gym floor from online research? The simple answer is that many variables and factors contribute to the cost of a gym floor, and there is no single number that you can plug into your cost analysis until you develop a better understanding of the options involved in the acquisition process.   

 

The best and lowest cost estimate will always come directly from a consultation with a gym floor contractor. But if we must estimate costs, an installed hardwood gym floor system will range somewhere between $12-$26 per square foot, and an installed synthetic floor system will range from $10-$22 per square foot.  For the purposes of this article, it is helpful to consider that a mid-range product installed in a mid-range labor market will fall in the middle of the estimated range above.  

 

If you are thinking, “Wow, that is a huge spread in prices!”, we understand and completely agree. As we stated before, this is because there are many factors to consider that can affect the pricing of your new gym floor. These factors include the type of floor system, project location, local labor rates, graphics options, the timing of the installation, and existing floor preparation. A quick exploration of these factors will help to narrow down the cost range and assist you in developing a better understanding of how much your new gym floor will cost. 

 

Type of Floor System: 
Real hardwood gym floors, such as those produced by member mills of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA), range in performance and price from basic commodity systems to high-performance powerhouses used by top university basketball and volleyball programs. There are also many different types of synthetic sports floors available that range from entry-level sheet goods to ultra-high-performance rubber and polyurethane systems. To develop a better idea of cost, mid-range hardwood and synthetic floor systems would fall into the middle of the cost range we stated earlier. 

 

Project Location and Local Labor Rates:
Real gym floors are installed by specialty contractors who specialize in the installation of this type of flooring. Because gym floor installation is a labor-intensive process, the price from your contractor will be dependent on local prevailing labor rates. If your project is located in an area with higher or lower labor rates than average, the cost estimate will need to be adjusted up or down. 

 

Graphics Options: 
The graphics options you choose will impact the total price of your new gym floor. As you add more graphics to your floor, the cost will increase. Just as adding features to a car will make the price increase, adding custom features to your gym floor will increase the cost of the overall floor. A qualified gym floor contractor can give you graphics options and prepare a cost estimate based on your choices. 

 

Timing of the Installation: 
Attempting to expedite the installation of the gym floor will also increase costs. Allowing the contractor to acquire materials in their standard time frame from their trusted suppliers and allowing them to optimize their installation schedule will save you money and provide a higher-quality installation.  

 

Floor Preparation:
It should be noted that beyond the cost of your new gym floor, there may be costs associated with the preparation of the existing concrete slab. Whether your concrete slab is brand new or if you are renovating an existing space, the general contractor (if new construction) or gym floor contractor must bring the slab into tolerance for the installation of a new gym floor system. This preparation may involve the demolition and disposal of an existing floor system or minor leveling of a new concrete slab. Your gym floor contractor can evaluate your space and estimate the cost to bring the existing concrete slab into tolerance. 

 

To obtain the lowest cost for a gym floor we recommend speaking directly with a qualified gym floor contractor. Most good gym floor contractors are well-versed in both hardwood and synthetic gym floor systems. A gym floor contractor can evaluate your plans for new construction or your existing space for renovation and give you multiple options, each with a different cost. To find a gym floor contractor that services your area, you can consult with the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association or click on the “Dealer Locator” through the Robbins website. Most gym floor manufacturers offer a link to a list of approved contractors from their website.  

 

As you evaluate pricing, keep in mind the many other factors that can contribute to the project cost. For this article, we have kept the discussion very simple. Additional factors such as floor size, job site preparation, and freight can also affect cost. Using the information we have provided, and then considering the factors that may be relevant to your project, you should be able to come up with an estimate that may be close to a general cost for your project. We also highly recommend that you spend the time researching gym floor options and most importantly, contact a qualified gym floor contractor. Good gym floor contractors will be more than happy to discuss your project and give you pricing options for your new floor.  

 

If the team at Robbins can be of any assistance, contact us or visit our website. Best wishes for your gym floor project!