Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Types of Vinyl Flooring
- Homogenous vs. Heterogeneous Vinyl
- Rolls vs. Planks
- Technical Properties
- Composition and Thickness
- Slip Coefficients
- Acoustic Properties
- Shock Absorption
- Vertical Deformation
- Indentation Resistance
- Impact Resistance
- Abrasion Resistance
- Vinyl Flooring for Dance and Pilates
- STM Studio Supplies Dance Vinyl
- Polyflor Commercial Vinyl
- Gerflor Sports and Dance Flooring
- Barefoot Activity Flooring
- Martial Arts
- Yoga and Pilates
- Safety and Performance Considerations
- Leading Brands in Vinyl Flooring
- STM Studio Supplies
- Polyflor
- Gerflor
- Harlequin
- ShowTex
- Rosco
- StageStep
- Conclusion
Introduction
Vinyl flooring has become an essential component in studios and fitness centres worldwide due to its versatility, durability, and comfort. At STM Studio Supplies, we specialise in providing high-quality vinyl flooring solutions tailored for dance, Pilates, and barefoot activities like martial arts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of vinyl flooring available, their technical properties, and the advantages they offer for various applications.
2. Types of Vinyl Flooring
Homogenous vs. Heterogeneous Vinyl
Homogenous Vinyl is a single-layer product that is consistent in composition throughout its thickness. It is durable and easy to maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Heterogeneous Vinyl consists of multiple layers, including a wear layer, decorative layer, and backing layer. This type of vinyl offers greater design flexibility and enhanced comfort underfoot.
Rolls vs. Planks
Vinyl flooring is available in both rolls and planks. Rolls are ideal for large, open spaces, providing seamless coverage with fewer joints. Planks, on the other hand, mimic the appearance of natural wood or stone and are perfect for smaller areas or intricate designs.
3. Technical Properties
Composition and Thickness
Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) combined with various additives to enhance flexibility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Thickness varies, with thicker vinyl providing better comfort and noise reduction.
Slip Coefficients
Slip resistance is crucial for safety, especially in dance and fitness studios. Vinyl flooring with a higher slip coefficient ensures better grip, reducing the risk of injuries.
Acoustic Properties
Acoustic performance is vital in a studio setting. Vinyl flooring with good sound absorption properties minimizes noise, creating a more pleasant environment for activities like dance and Pilates.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption is critical for preventing injuries and providing comfort during high-impact activities. High-quality vinyl flooring absorbs impact, protecting joints and reducing fatigue.
Vertical Deformation
Vertical deformation refers to the floor’s ability to flex under load. This property is essential for dance studios where cushioning is needed to prevent injuries during jumps and other high-impact movements.
Indentation Resistance
Vinyl flooring must resist indentations from heavy objects like tables, chairs, and pianos. This ensures the floor remains smooth and even, providing a safe surface for various activities.
Impact Resistance
Impact resistance is the floor’s ability to withstand sudden shocks and heavy loads without damage. This is crucial for environments with high foot traffic or where heavy equipment is used.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance determines how well the floor can withstand wear and tear from continuous use. High abrasion resistance ensures the longevity and appearance of the flooring, even under heavy use.
4. Vinyl Flooring for Dance and Pilates
STM Studio Supplies Dance Vinyl
Our dance vinyl is engineered to meet the specific needs of various dance styles. With optimal slip resistance and cushioned support, it ensures both safety and performance. For a detailed overview of our offerings, refer to the STM Dance Vinyl Reference Guide.
Polyflor Commercial Vinyl
Polyflor offers a wide range of commercial vinyl suitable for dance and fitness studios. Their products are renowned for their durability, ease of maintenance, and excellent acoustic properties. Some of their notable products include Expona Superplank, Silentflor, and Polysafe QuickLay PUR.
Gerflor Sports and Dance Flooring
Gerflor’s sports and dance flooring solutions are designed with performance and safety in mind. Gerflor’s products feature high shock absorption, superior slip resistance, and are available in various designs to complement studio aesthetics.
5. Barefoot Activity Flooring
Martial Arts
For martial arts, vinyl flooring needs to provide excellent shock absorption and slip resistance. STM Studio Supplies and Gerflor offer specialized solutions that cater to the rigorous demands of martial arts training.
Yoga and Pilates
Vinyl flooring for yoga and Pilates should offer comfort and support. Our STM dance vinyl is perfect for these activities, providing a cushioned surface that is gentle on joints while maintaining stability.
6. Safety and Performance Considerations
Safety is paramount in any studio environment. High-quality vinyl flooring reduces the risk of slips and falls, offers shock absorption to protect joints, and enhances overall performance. Proper installation and maintenance are also crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
7. Leading Brands in Vinyl Flooring
STM Studio Supplies
STM Studio Supplies specialises in high-quality vinyl flooring tailored specifically for dance studios. Our dance vinyl products are engineered to meet the diverse needs of different dance styles, offering optimal slip resistance, shock absorption, and durability. STM’s commitment to safety and performance makes our flooring solutions ideal for both professional and educational settings. Our range includes various vinyl options designed to enhance dancer performance while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
Gerflor Sports and Dance Flooring
Gerflor is a leading provider of specialised sports and dance flooring solutions. Known for their innovation and commitment to safety, Gerflor’s products are designed with high shock absorption and superior slip resistance, making them perfect for demanding environments like dance studios and sports facilities. Their flooring options are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, available in a range of designs to suit any studio or performance space. Notable products include:
- Taraflex® – Multipurpose Sports Flooring
- Taralay Dancefloor – Dance and Performance Flooring
- Tarasafe – Safety Vinyl Flooring
- Mipolam – Homogeneous Compact Vinyl
Harlequin Floors
Harlequin is a global leader in professional dance flooring, renowned for its high-performance solutions tailored to the specific needs of various dance genres. Their floors are designed with the dancer in mind, offering the perfect balance of slip resistance, shock absorption, and durability. Harlequin’s sprung floors and vinyl surfaces are favoured by dance companies, theatres, and educational institutions worldwide. Their product range includes:
- Harlequin Cascade – Seamless Vinyl Flooring
- Harlequin Studio – Cushioned Vinyl Flooring
- Harlequin Allegro – Thickest Vinyl Dance Flooring
- Harlequin Liberty – Sprung Dance Floor Panels
ShowTex
ShowTex is a leader in stage and studio flooring, offering versatile and durable vinyl solutions designed for both temporary and permanent installations. ShowTex floors are known for their excellent wear resistance and ease of installation, making them a preferred choice for theatrical productions and studios alike. Their products combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring that performance spaces are both safe and visually striking. Key products include:
- ShowTex DanceCarpet – Professional Dance Flooring
- ShowTex StudioFloor – Multipurpose Vinyl Flooring
- ShowTex EventFloor – Temporary Event Flooring
Rosco
Rosco is a trusted name in the dance flooring industry, known for producing durable, vinyl surfaces that meet the demands of professional dancers. Their floors are engineered for performance, providing excellent slip resistance and durability, even under intense use. Rosco’s dance floors are versatile, suitable for a variety of dance styles, and are commonly used in studios, theatres, and schools worldwide. Some of their prominent products include:
- Rosco Adagio – All-Purpose Dance Floor
- Rosco Adagio Tour – Portable Dance Floor
- Rosco Reversible Dance Floor – Dual-Purpose Vinyl Flooring
- Rosco Studio Floor – Permanent Vinyl Flooring
StageStep
StageStep is renowned for Marley FLoors and ontop of that they have a diverse range of dance flooring solutions, offering high-quality vinyl products that cater to both professional and amateur studios. Their flooring is designed to enhance performance while ensuring safety, with features such as excellent slip resistance and impact absorption. StageStep’s floors are also easy to install and maintain, making them a practical choice for various studio environments. Notable products include:
- Timestep – Heavy-Duty Vinyl Flooring
- Super Timestep – Extra-Thick Vinyl Flooring
- Reversible Pro – Dual-Sided Vinyl Flooring
- Dancestep Plus – Cushioned Dance Flooring
Each of these brands offers specialised vinyl flooring solutions that cater to the unique needs of dance, fitness, and barefoot activities, ensuring that studio environments are safe, durable, and conducive to top-tier performance.
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring is a versatile and essential component for dance studios, fitness centres, and barefoot activity spaces. By understanding the different types, technical properties, and leading brands, you can make an informed decision to enhance the safety, performance, and aesthetic appeal of your studio. Thanks for listening to our 10 cents on vinyl flooring, if your looking for more information on our products, have a look around our Australian website and explore our comprehensive range of vinyl flooring solutions.
