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Bauer Sport Floors
713.939.0157
713.939.0157

FAQ’s

How long does it take to complete an athletic floor?
An average size gym floor takes approximately 6 weeks, but each job is different so please contact Kirk Van Hook with your specific project information so we can give you a more accurate timeline.
How are floors graded?
Flooring grades are based upon appearance criteria, limiting defects such as tight knots, splits, pitch, shake, stain, or wane. Each type of wood (i.e. pine, oak, maple) has its own grading scale. Individual tastes and/or design requirements will govern which grade is best for a given application

For maple floor grading guidelines click here

For Oak floor grading guidelines click here
For pine floor grading guidelines click here

What are the required job site conditions that must be met before installing my wood floor?
The building’s interior must be dry to install a wood floor and have an average humidity of 35-55% and a temperature of 30 to 80 degrees Farenheit.

The building must be fully enclosed with all windows and exterior doors installed.

The concrete slab must be placed for a minimum of 90 days and a moisture content of less than 4 lbs per thousand and flat to within 1/8” in 10 feet.

The heating/cooling system must be operating and controlled.

What happens after the job site is considered ready?
The wood flooring will be delivered and stacked in each room to receive wood flooring. Then the wood must sit for a length of time called the acclimation period, which may differ depending on the type of wood being installed. During acclimation, the floor will adjust itself in response to the environment and once it reaches its balancing point, it is ready to be installed. The balancing point is when the floor no longer absorbs or nor expels water vapor.
What are the typical stages of wood athletic floor installation?
  • After the wood has been acclimated, a suitable moisture barrier must be installed to provide adequate protection for the flooring.
  • The specified rubber pads are stapled to the plywood at 12″ O.C. and then placed in a brick pattern parallel to the finished floor.
  • Install the second layer of plywood on a 45 degree angle to the first layer of plywood and stapled at 12″ O.C.
    Machine nail flooring allowing for intermediate expansion.
  • Acclimate for seven days prior to sanding.
    Sand floor to a smooth, even surface and apply 1 coat of penetrating sealer.
  • Prep and apply 1 coat of gym finish.
    Prep and apply game lines, lettering and/or logos as specified.
  • Prep and apply 2 more coats of gym finish.
    Install base, thresholds, and cover plates according to plans.
  • We recommend waiting at least 7 days after last coat of finish is applied before using the floor.
    What is "Cupping"?
    Cupping is the most common sign of moisture in your wood floor. Cupping is when the edges of a board are high and its center is lower. This usually appears after a water spill or leak. It often starts to appear as slight cupping more noticeable visually then to the touch. The cupping will generally get more visible with time, if the source is not found. Cure: After the floor has stabilized, resand and finish.
    What is Buckling?
    Buckling is basically a more severe version of cupping, when the wood flooring becomes separated from the sub floor. This is usually caused by excessive moisture, pipe leaks, or a wet slab.

    Cure: Fix the excessive moisture condition and allow the floor to dry to normal levels. Spot repair/replacement and reinstallation, then resand and refinish.

    What is Crowning?
    Crowning is when the center of the flooring appears to be higher than the edges. The most common cause is that the floor cupped and then was sanded flat before it could dry and flatten on its own.

    Cure: First, determine if the moisture content is normal and if all of the crowning from the original cupped condition has occurred. After the floor has stabilized, resand and finish.

    What are Dents?
    Dents are crushed spots in the floor caused by high heels, dropped heavy objects, and other sharp objects penetrating the floor.

    Cure: If wood fibers are not broken, attempt to draw fibers back up with an electric iron over a dampened cloth. If fibers are broken, remove and repair the damaged boards. The entire floor may need to be resanded and refinished.

    What are normal gaps?
    Normal gaps are openings between strips that open and close with changes in humidity. These are caused by seasonal fluctuations in relative humidity and are considered to be normal and expected for solid wood floors.

    Cure: Normal gaps can be minimized by using the HVAC system to regulate fluctuations in humidity in the building. After the floor has stabilized, use filler in the small gaps and recoat the floor.

    At the first signs of damage, or in the event of a water leak, it is important to notify your flooring contractor as soon as possible. We at Bauer Sport Floors are here to give advice and are trained to help owners with determining the best possible solution to their flooring problems.