Sports Hall Floor Sanding: Restoring a Beech Junckers Floor

Project Brief

This sports hall floor sanding project took place in Bridgwater, involving the restoration of a 100sqm beech floor. The floor was a Junckers solid wood product, known for its durability and ease of maintenance, however, the flooring had experienced issues due to a lack of expansion space and fluctuating humidity levels, resulting in sections of the floor raising.

The goal was to address these structural issues, repair the damage, and sand the floor to remove scratches and wear, leaving it with a smooth, durable finish suitable for high-traffic sports activities.

Client Expectations

Our client, a local school, required a professional sports hall floor sanding solution to address raised sections and scratches while ensuring a durable and safe finish. Their key expectations included:

  • Addressing the raised sections of flooring caused by expansion issues.
  • Removing scratches, marks, and signs of wear to achieve a like-new appearance.
  • Applying a durable sports lacquer to ensure the floor could withstand heavy use while maintaining good traction for safety.
  • Completing the restoration efficiently to minimise disruption to school activities.

sports hall floor repair and restoration Bridgwater

Sports Hall Floor Sanding Process

Floor Repairs and Preparation

The first step on our sports hall floor sanding project involved repairing the raised sections of the flooring. The issue was caused by insufficient expansion space combined with high humidity levels, which caused the timber to expand and lift.

To resolve this, the affected floorboards were removed, and an expansion gap was cut along the edge of the wall to allow the timber to move naturally with changes in humidity. Once the adjustment was made, the floorboards were securely reinstalled, ensuring a stable and level surface for sanding.

sports hall floor repair

Initial Sanding

The sanding process began with 60-grit sandpaper to remove the existing finish, scratches, and imperfections. Two sanding machines were used simultaneously to tackle the large area efficiently.

Once the initial sanding pass was complete, the floor was sanded again with 100-grit paper, refining the surface and removing any remaining ridges or marks. The edges were carefully sanded with 60 and 100-grit sandpaper, ensuring consistency across the entire floor.

sports hall floor sanding Bridgwater

Blending and Final Sanding

The next step involved blending the floor using an 80-grit FlexiSand machine. This ensured that any slight unevenness from the repair work blended seamlessly with the rest of the surface. The final sanding pass with 100-grit FlexiSand and after completing the detailed sanding process, the floor was ready for specialised finishes designed for sports hall floor sanding applications.

sports hall floor restoration

Finishing

To protect the floor and enhance its performance, a natural sports lacquer was applied as a primer. This was followed by two coats of matt top lacquer, applied evenly with an applicator to ensure full coverage.

Sports lacquers are specifically designed for high-traffic areas like sports halls. They provide a durable finish with just the right amount of traction to prevent slips and trips, meeting the safety requirements for school sports activities.

sports hall floor sanding and sealing

 

Final Result

The restored sports hall floor was a remarkable transformation. All scratches, wear, and damage were eliminated, and the repaired sections blended seamlessly with the rest of the floor. The beech wood’s natural beauty was brought back to life, complemented by the matt lacquer finish that added durability and a subtle sheen.

The finished floor not only looked brand new but also met the functional needs of a busy school sports hall. The lacquer provided excellent protection and traction, ensuring a safe and long-lasting surface for students and staff.

sports hall floor sanding

Sports Hall Floor Sanding Summary

This sports hall floor sanding project highlights the importance of professional restoration for high-traffic areas. By addressing structural issues, sanding the surface to perfection, and applying specialised sports lacquers, we delivered a floor that was both visually stunning and highly functional.

Our client was thrilled with the results, noting how the floor’s rejuvenated appearance enhanced the overall look of the hall while providing the safety and durability required for school use.

This project demonstrates our expertise in sports hall floor sanding, restoring both functionality and aesthetics.

 

Check out our Client Testimonial  and learn more about our Commercial Flooring Services 

 

For any wood flooring queries please contact us on 07891 268265 or by visiting our Contact Page 

Sports Hall Floor Sanding FAQ

Sports halls typically use solid wood flooring like beech or oak, or engineered wood flooring, often from brands like Junckers. These materials provide durability, shock absorption, and traction, making them ideal for high-traffic, multi-sport use.

Gym floors are typically coated with sports lacquers or polyurethane finishes. These coatings provide durability, protect against wear, and ensure the right level of traction to prevent slipping while maintaining a smooth, professional appearance.

To maintain a sports wood floor:

  1. Regular Cleaning: Sweep and mop with a wood-safe cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and sweat.
  2. Avoid Excess Moisture: Use damp mops, not wet ones, to prevent water damage.
  3. Recoat Periodically: Apply a fresh coat of sports lacquer as needed to maintain durability and traction.
  4. Protect Against Damage: Use mats at entrances and pads under heavy equipment to prevent scratches.

Proper care ensures safety, longevity, and optimal performance.

Yes, condensation can occur on sports hall floors, especially in humid conditions or if there is poor ventilation. This happens when warm, moist air contacts the cooler surface of the floor. To prevent condensation:

  • Maintain proper ventilation in the hall.
  • Use dehumidifiers during high humidity.
  • Ensure the building is adequately insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Preventing condensation is crucial to maintaining safety and protecting the floor’s surface.

The best flooring for sports depends on the activity, but common choices include:

  1. Solid or Engineered Wood Flooring: Ideal for basketball, volleyball, and multi-sport use due to durability, shock absorption, and traction.
  2. Vinyl Sports Flooring: Great for schools and recreational centers, offering cost-effectiveness, easy maintenance, and slip resistance.
  3. Rubber Flooring: Best for gyms and weight rooms, providing impact resistance and noise reduction.

Each type offers unique benefits tailored to the specific demands of sports activities.

Sanding a sports hall floor typically takes 2 to 3 days, depending on the size of the hall and the condition of the floor. This includes:

  • Day 1-2: Sanding the main surface, edges, and corners using multiple grits to achieve a smooth finish.
  • Day 3: Applying primer and lacquer, with drying time between coats.

For larger halls or additional repairs, the timeline may extend slightly.

Yes, you can walk on floors after sanding, but only with care. It’s best to avoid heavy traffic and wear clean, soft-soled shoes to prevent dust or debris from affecting the freshly sanded surface. If a finish is applied, wait until it’s fully dried.