How Often Should a School Gym Floor Be Refinished?
When you’re managing a school facility, the gym floor is one of the most heavily used — and often overlooked — assets. Between basketball games, assemblies, gym classes, and community events, it sees daily wear and tear. One of the most common questions school managers ask is:
“How often should our gym floor be refinished?”
The answer depends on the floor type, usage level, and maintenance routine — but here’s a clear breakdown to guide your decision.
🧼 Annual Screening vs. Full Refinishing
There are two types of floor updates:
1. Screen and Recoat (Every 1–2 Years)
This is a light sanding (screening) followed by applying a new coat of finish. It helps preserve the wood and restore shine without fully sanding down to bare wood.
✅ Best for regular upkeep
✅ Takes 1–2 days
✅ More affordable than full refinishing
2. Full Sanding and Refinishing (Every 7–10 Years)
This process sands the floor down to raw wood, removes all old paint/finish, and applies fresh paint and coats.
✅ Needed when the finish is worn through
✅ Opportunity to update lines and logos
✅ Takes 5–7 days (plus drying time)
📅 How Usage Affects Refinishing Frequency
Here’s a general guide based on usage:
| Usage Level | Screening & Recoat | Full Refinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Low (occasional use) | Every 2 years | Every 10 years |
| Moderate (daily PE) | Every 1–2 years | Every 7–10 years |
| Heavy (sports/events) | Every year | Every 5–7 years |
⚠️ Signs It’s Time to Refinish
If you notice any of the following, it may be time for a refinish:
- Dull or uneven finish, even after cleaning
- Visible scratches, gouges, or worn paint lines
- Slippery or overly sticky surface
- Water stains or finish peeling off
- Wood starting to splinter or gap
🧠 Why Regular Refinishing Matters
Refinishing isn’t just about looks. It’s about:
- ✅ Safety – A damaged or slick floor increases injury risks
- ✅ Performance – Athletes rely on consistent surface grip and bounce
- ✅ Durability – Regular care prevents costly full replacements
- ✅ Pride – A beautiful gym reflects well on your school
📍 Looking for Gym Floor Refinishing in Ontario?
At floorwaxing.ca, we specialize in school gym floor refinishing, from screening and recoating to full sand-downs and repainting. We work with your schedule — including summer breaks, March break, and weekends — to minimize disruption.
Get in touch for a free on-site assessment or quote.
