SOLID HARDWOOD SPORTS FLOORS vs. VINYL AND POLYURETHANE (PU) FLOORS FAQ
What is the difference between Solid Hardwood Flooring and synthetic floors like vinyl and PU?
Why will a solid hardwood floor last longer than a vinyl or PU Floor? add
A Junckers solid hardwood sports floor can be sanded between eight and ten times during its life. This means its life span is in excess of 60 years. A vinyl or PU sports floor will last between 10 and 12 years so will probably be replaced when the Junckers floor is just being sanded for the first time.
Which type of floor is cheaper in the long run? add
The initial installation cost of Junckers solid hardwood is often less than a sprung vinyl or PU floor. The hardwood floor however will last four times longer. Although a hardwood floor will be sanded and sealed during its life, the cost of this is minimal compared with the cost of replacing a synthetic floor four times.
Will we be able to use retractable seating on a Junckers floor without using protection? add
Yes, the floor will support the loads from the seating and the surface will not suffer damage or marking from the seating unit wheels. Vinyl and PU floors suffer from scuffs and permanent indentations from the wheels and the floor manufacturers often recommend using cumbersome sheets of metal or ply to overlay the floor before the seating is rolled out.
Will I need to protect the floor surface for example if our sports hall is used for exams or social functions? add
No, exam chairs and tables will not damage the hardwearing lacquer on the boards, neither will outdoor shoes. Bear in mind our floors are also used in restaurants, shops, airports and the like and they are intended for high traffic areas. Vinyl and PU floors often need to be protected when used for non-sports activities due to the risk of dents, cuts and scuffs.
Is solid hardwood prone to damage, and how easy is it to repair? add
Periodic resealing of the floor will hide all minor scratches and scuffs. Deeper damage can easily be sanded out, and if needed the whole floor can be sanded and sealed for a full refurbishment. Localised repairs are simple and discrete. Localised damage to vinyl and PU floors can be repaired but the resulting seams and joints are always visible. Repairs to the supporting timber deck are by necessity large-scale because of the way these floors are constructed.
If I need to replace any boards, or extend the floor in the future, will I be able to obtain boards that match? add
Junckers sports and activity floors use floorboards that have been in constant production for several decades. Therefore it is highly likely that we will be able to supply identical boards for any requirements in the future.
The colours offered by manufacturers of PU and vinyl floors can change regularly. There tends also to be batch colour variations so materials supplied at different times will probably not match one another.
Does Junckers offer a warranty on their floors? add
Yes, for sports and activity floors we offer a 25 year warranty.
Can I be confident that I can find someone with the right skills to repair and maintain my floor? add
Junckers has a network of Approved Contractors and Approved Maintenance Contractors who have the right experience and skills to install and maintain Junckers floors properly. Junckers warranties can be linked to maintenance agreements between Approved Contactors and clients. The relationship between contractor and client means the contractor can offer advice tailored exactly to the client’s needs.
Am I doing the best for the environment by choosing a solid hardwood floor? add
Yes. Junckers solid hardwood is one of the best environmental choices you can make. It is an ideal choice for net zero carbon building design as it has low embodied carbon levels. Junckers floors have an exceptionally long life span and they help to create a healthy indoor environment. Vinyl and PU floors are derived from crude oil, have relatively high amounts of embodied carbon, and they cannot be recycled.
Where does the timber come from? add
Junckers’ raw timber is obtained from sustainable FSC and PEFC certified sources. Forest areas are properly maintained to retain biodiversity and the main sources of supply are relatively close to the Junckers factory, which means less energy is used for transport.
When the floor is finally replaced, can this be done with minimal environmental impact and with no pollution? add
Junckers floors are fully recyclable and place no burden upon landfill. Timber is biodegradable and does not produce toxic waste.
Vinyl and PU floors cannot be recycled and incineration produces toxic fumes, Therefore most of the waste generated by these floors is sent to landfill.