Basketball is a universally loved sport that has evolved tremendously over the years. This evolution has been not only in terms of techniques, rules, or popularity but also in terms of gear and flooring used.

Today, there are hundreds of basketball shoes, basketballs, and flooring options to choose from. These myriad combinations are designed specifically for certain conditions, locations, use, and efficiency. Unlike in the past, the same kind of flooring may not be used for different situations and tournaments.

With so many flooring options available, there is a lot of confusion about its maintenance and care. Here we have accumulated an inclusive guide for you to identify the kind of flooring and take both short and long term steps along with precautions to ensure the longevity of your basketball flooring.

Types Of Basketball Surfaces

Basketball courts can be made indoors or outdoors. Accordingly, surface choices differ. The most commonly used surface is hardwood, but the kind of surface typically depends on the external environment, location, and need.

Here we have summarized the most popular flooring for basketball.

Hardwood

This is a winning choice for indoor basketball courts. This flooring is also known as hard maple flooring. The wood is dense, interspersed with fine fibers. This combination prevents the risk of splintering. These courts are smooth and can easily be cleaned as there is no room for dirt to settle in. One can derive maximum utility and durability from such a surface as the associated maintenance cost is negligible. The only downside to this material is that it is extremely prone to damage from harsh weather. This makes it unsuitable for outdoor basketball setups.

Asphalt

Asphalt can endure rough weather conditions due to its inherent strength and durability. This makes asphalt flooring perfect for outdoor courts. The downside of installing an asphalt surface is that it may deteriorate over time and break down. Cracks and imperfections in the texture are common. This surface also leads to the most number of injuries.

Multipurpose

This kind of basketball court is put together with the use of plastic flooring that is generally multipurpose. A concrete layer forms the base, which is layered up with Polypropylene in square shapes, arranged in a specific design or pattern. This surface is preferred because it provides good traction and consistent bounce of the ball. Injury frequencies are reduced as the surface is less abrasive. You can also customize these floors in various colors. They can be used indoors or outdoors.

Advanced

This is an extension of the multipurpose court. The additional features make the floor more responsive and increase ease of playing. Many companies use a series of combinations and variations, be it a rubber or plastic mid-layer to achieve greater shock absorption and sound dampening

In case you are looking for installation, see all basketball floors here at Junckers Hardwood for all options.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

There is a long term approach required towards restoring your basketball flooring to its original form so that you can derive the best use from it for many years. Follow the following preventative maintenance tips to take the right care of your flooring.

●     It is advisable not to use dust mops that are commercially treated previously. This makes your flooring prone to residue marks.

• Opt for mild cleaners. Acid-based and ammonia containing cleaners are too abrasive and harsh for your flooring. They might remove hard stains more easily but render your flooring unusable in the long run.
• Do not use tools like steel wool, sandpaper, or solvent infused soaps as they are not made specifically for your flooring and may degrade it.
• If you want to protect and maintain your flooring for long, make strict rules regarding the kind of shoes that one can tread on over the court to prevent unnecessary damage and imperfections.

Daily Cleaning Process

While it is natural for your basketball flooring to get dirty, it is essential to give time to daily cleaning so that you can prevent any damage. For outdoor courts, leaves, harsh weather, pine needles, etc. may cause the court to lose its shine and give a dull appearance. Regular and consistent cleaning can help you maintain your flooring for a very long time.

Here is a simple process for daily cleaning:

• Inspect

The first part of the cleaning process is inspection. You should inspect the flooring for dirt, grime, or any sticky substances like chewing gum. Sticky substances can be removed with the aid of a knife.

• Dust

After you remove visible substances, you can go in with a microfiber dust mop to catch all those small dust and debris particles.

• Mop

After using the dust mop, it is advisable to wet mop your floor. Try to use a little quantity of a mild cleaner with cold water. For easy mopping, you can also invest in an auto scrubber.

Dos And Don’ts

1) Dust mop the flooring with preferably a microfiber dust mop, at least once a day.

2) Use only the required quantity of detergent.

3) Do not compromise on the quality of cleaning products.

4) Wet cleaning is a must to clean the floor of sweat and harsh stains.

5) Maintain consistency in the frequency of cleaning to achieve desired results.

6) Consider annual recoating and professional help from time to time.

7) Make use of water-absorbent maps at entrances of the court to prevent any unnecessary water build-up.

Consequences Of Ill Maintenance

Proper maintenance of flooring is essential for both safety and enjoying the game. Due to frequent use, even the most durable surface will show signs of wear and tear. It is important to properly maintain your basketball flooring to get the most use out of them.

Key indicators of an ill-maintained floor can easily be gauged through the color of the flooring. If the original color of the flooring begins to fade or become paler, you should consider getting it cleaned professionally or look for a replacement.

In case you want to replace your current floor, you can see all the basketball floors here and choose the perfect high-quality floor for your court.

Look no further and make every dribble count with well-maintained basketball floors!