How to Choose Flooring for Performing Arts Centers: Key Considerations

Performing arts flooring is often an overlooked aspect of the athletic flooring world. Many of the qualities found in basketball flooring systems are also relevant to theater spaces. Similar to gymnasium flooring, specific systems are designed for different applications, but the primary focus remains the safety of performers. This is achieved through shock absorption, performance consistency, and slip resistance. It is essential to work with a contractor experienced in installing performing arts floors across a broad spectrum, from Broadway performance spaces to early learning dance schools.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Auditorium Flooring

Performing arts floors must possess the same safety characteristics as gymnasium and recreation center flooring. However, instead of protecting basketball or volleyball players, these floors safeguard dancers and performers. A high-quality dance floor should offer slip resistance, consistent performance across the surface, and adequate shock absorption.

Performance Versatility

Your flooring should be compatible with the types of performances that will take place in the space. A crucial component in every performing arts floor is the resiliency of the subfloor and underlayment. This resilience adds bounce to the performer’s movement while protecting their ankles, knees, hips, and other joints from the cumulative effects of low-level, repeated stress.

Durability and Longevity

Investing in proper performance flooring is a significant commitment. To ensure longevity, it is essential to purchase materials from reputable sources such as Robbins Sports Surfaces and hire an experienced installation team. However, installation is only one part of the equation. Similar to basketball courts, performing arts wood floors require periodic recoating and refinishing. Over time, heavy foot traffic from dancers will wear down the maple finish, necessitating reapplication. Budgeting for annual maintenance is crucial to sustaining the long-term usability of your dance facility.

Acoustic Performance

Many dance studios operate in shared spaces. Vibration dampening and acoustic performance play a vital role in maintaining a positive relationship with neighboring tenants. Consult with your contractor to explore flooring systems designed to minimize noise transfer from performers above or adjacent to other businesses.

Safety Features

For short-term safety, your dance surface—whether maple, oak, hardboard, or vinyl—must provide the appropriate level of slip resistance. Maintaining this requires regular upkeep, such as replacing or repainting hardboard, recoating or refinishing wood floors, and replacing vinyl as necessary.

For long-term safety, it is crucial to invest in a system that protects performers’ joints. Dancing on non-resilient, fixed flooring for years can negatively impact the ankles, knees, and hips, much like older generations of basketball players who suffered from similar issues. Robbins flooring systems are engineered to enhance performer safety, and choosing an inferior system could compromise these benefits.

Aesthetic Appeal

Like gymnasium flooring, performing arts floors can be customized to enhance visual appeal. Options include dance company logos, stains, and painted lines. Additionally, semi-gloss and matte sheen finishes are available, particularly for stage floors and performing arts studios with strong lighting requirements.

Best Flooring for Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers

Several types of performing arts flooring options are available, each designed for specific uses. Selecting the right surface is essential for accommodating the types of movements performed in your studio or on your stage.

Sprung Floors

Regardless of the surface type, a dance floor should provide some level of resilience to protect performers. While budgets vary, non-resilient flooring can negatively impact joint health. Resilience is achieved through the subfloor. Whether renovating an existing studio or constructing a new one, there are solutions available to ensure adequate flooring resiliency.

Sacrificial Floors for Tap and Flamenco

Tap dance is common in many studios and can be particularly damaging to performing arts flooring. To preserve the longevity of your flooring, we strongly recommend using sacrificial rollout mats, regardless of the existing surface. Tap dancing will wear down vinyl, hardboard, wood, or any other dance surface. Investing in sacrificial mats is essential for the long-term protection of your performing arts floor.

Hardwood Flooring

Traditional maple is a popular choice and widely used surface for both stage and performing arts spaces. However, a key distinction lies in the subfloor. Stages must support more than just performers—they also need to accommodate set designs, heavy maintenance equipment, and large instruments. It is vital to work with a company that can tailor your flooring system to meet the specific demands of your space.

Synthetic Flooring

Many dance instructors and studio owners prefer the appearance of a marley finish. Robbins offers a product that replicates the look of marley while minimizing maintenance concerns. Seamless Forever Marley addresses the common issues of traditional marley flooring. Installed over a padded wooden athletic subfloor, Forever Marley floors provide resilience and slip resistance similar to wood flooring. Additional benefits include seamless repairs and spot touch-ups, enhancing long-term durability.

Get the Best Auditorium and Performing Arts Flooring with Endurance Flooring

Creating the ideal performing arts flooring involves numerous considerations. The key to success is hiring an experienced contractor who can customize the floor to your specific needs. Endurance Flooring has extensive experience in constructing Broadway studios, college performing arts studios, high school dance studios, and elementary school dance facilities. Our expertise spans all levels, ensuring that we can design a flooring system tailored to your performers’ needs while bringing your vision to life. Contact us today to get started.