Dance floors play a huge role in dancing well and dancing with enjoyment. Proper dance flooring can make dancers jump higher and land softer. Poor dance flooring can cause significant injuries and lower dancer confidence.
Our principal author Jake has 20 years of dancing experience. He has valuable first-hand experience on most, if not all, dance flooring types. Additionally, his dance experience covers many dance genres from hip-hop to ballet to ballroom. In this article, he covers every aspect of dance flooring to ensure you choose the right dance floor.
The best dance flooring aligns the dance type with the most appropriate flooring type, for that dance. Factors such as slip resistance, cushioning, and cost are common needs that are taken into account. As a general rule, high-quality dance flooring includes Marley vinyl and maple or oak hardwood.
Make no mistake though, dance flooring is a multi-faceted topic. To give yourself the best chance of choosing the best dance flooring, read this article from beginning to end.
Components of dance floors:
To understand dancefloors it is best to understand what the components of a dancefloor are. We have outlined some key terms and concepts below.
Base floor layer:
A base floor is the foundation of your flooring system. It is the lowest division of your flooring structure. This is usually concrete.
However, if you are in a multistorey building, this might be a mixture of steel mesh and concrete. Or it can be sheets of particleboard.
For a full list of the types of base floors, have a look at the article Type of Subfloor by Build.com.au.
Underlayment layer:
Sitting on top of the base floor is the underlayment. The underlayment is a layer usually made from cork or foam. This layer aids in noise cancellation and provides a smooth surface for the floor covering layer.
Sprung/floating subfloor layer:
Another term in the flooring world is sprung/floating subfloors. A sprung/floating subfloor refers to a layer placed above the base and underlayment layer. This type of subfloor is propped up off the ground using cushioned materials at grid-like intervals.
The cushioned materials used can be proper springs, rubber, or even pool noodles or tyres. Actual springs tend to be used in explosive activities such as gymnastics.
A semi-sprung floor still has the sprung effect, but not as much. This is because sometimes too much spring is counter-effective to dancing. These floors are often less expensive than fully sprung floors as well.
To get an easy idea of what a sprung/floating subfloor is, take a look at the below video.
Adhesive layer:
Adhesive is commonly used to attach the floor covering layer to either the underlayment or sprung subfloor. This is what prevents the floor covering layer from moving.
Floor covering layer:
The floor covering layer is what many people think of as ‘flooring’. This is the hardwood, vinyl, tile, carpet, or laminate floor that we all know and use.
Lacquer layer:
For hardwood floors, a lacquer layer can be applied for protection. This layer can also add some style and shine to the look of the wood.
Flooring factors to consider in a dancefloor:
There are many different factors to consider in a dancefloor. We have outlined these below.
Slip resistance:
How much slip resistance a floor offers is important in dance. Some dances need more slip resistance than others. For example, in hip-hop, having some grip can be useful for the dynamic changes of direction required.
Other times having slip resistance can impede a dancer’s movement. For example, in ballroom, having too much slip resistance can hinder a dancer’s ability to glide and turn smoothly.
Shock absorption:
A good shock-absorbing floor can be very beneficial to dancers’ joint health. Keep in mind that concrete has a shock absorption of around 0%. Whilst a sprung subfloor can have a shock absorption of around 50%.
If you or your dancers are jumping a lot without cushioned shoes, then shock absorption will be your friend.
Finish course-ness:
This refers to how fine a finish a floor has. This can be important in terms of friction, particularly when dancers are barefoot. If there is too much friction on the skin then what is known as ‘friction burn’ can occur.
Versatility:
Considering your dancefloor/class needs will guide you as to what sort of flooring is best for you.
If you are only doing hip-hop then you can commit to a floor that caters exclusively to hip-hop movement. If you are doing multiple different dances, then you will need a floor that can cater to all of them.
We have information on what dance floor is best for each dance. Read on or skip to What dancefloor to choose for each dance style.
Local weather:
This is not often thought about, but weather can play a part in what flooring you choose. The reason is wood and weather rarely go together.
Let’s say your local weather is extremely humid. Or the building has been flooded multiple times due to the weather. There is a greater chance that mold, rot, or mildew will take hold within your wood floor.
This can mean expensive repairs, expensive maintenance, or even a complete renovation. So factor in the weather when choosing a dancefloor.
Durability:
Different types of floors have different levels of durability. Hardwood floors can be exceptionally durable. Whilst laminate floors, whilst cheap, don’t last as long.
Ceiling height:
This is not often thought of, but it should be. You should factor in how your ceiling height will be affected by the increase in floor height. As a rule of thumb new flooring can be 50-100mm thick from the base floor.
Acoustics:
Another factor that isn’t considered very often is acoustics. Try and anticipate how your new floor will change the acoustics of your room. This can be important because music is key in dancing.
So consider if your new floor will alter the sound of your potentially expensive sound system. Remember that harder surfaces will increase echo, whereas softer surfaces tend to absorb or deaden sound.
Renting vs ownership options:
When deciding on flooring, a factor that makes your options limited is if you are renting. In this case, permanent flooring may not be an option. It is worth checking your lease contract to see what you can and cannot do with flooring.
It is also worth checking what you are obligated to do with your flooring once you vacate (if you are renting).
Door functionality:
When planning new flooring, it is worth checking if door openings will be impeded by the new floor.
Remember that new flooring can add 50-100mm thickness from the base floor.
Building structure:
Consider what runs underneath your flooring. For example, heating/cooling pipes could warp your hardwood floor. Or steam from an exhaust valve could inject mildew into the wood.
This is good practice in general when renovating. No one wants to damage risky infrastructure such as gas pipes either.
Cost:
The different types of floors vary greatly in their cost. So it is good to shop around to see what is the best bang for your buck. Keep in mind that cheaper is not always better. A cheap floor that needs regular repair, replacement, or even a complete overhaul can be expensive in the long term.
Other costs could even be medical bills for an injured student due to inadequate flooring.
Maintainance:
Keep in mind how much maintenance you are willing to do. A high-quality hardwood floor, whilst durable and stylish, needs regular maintenance for its longevity.
If you know your floor needs maintenance, make a regular schedule. This could mean wet-mopping each week and dry-mopping each day. The key to good maintainance is to be consistent.
A well-maintained hardwood floor can last 20-25 years.
Performance stages:
You won’t likely be constructing such a floor. However, as a dancer, you will likely use them at some point.
It can be worth asking what type of flooring the stage contains. This can give you some indication of what to expect from the floor when performing.
Another good tip is to inspect the stage floor for bumps or exposed joints prior to performing.
Types of floor coverings for a dancefloor:
As we mentioned above, floor coverings refer to the immediate floor everyone knows and uses. Floor covering examples include materials such as vinyl, wood, and carpet.
Vinyl/Marley vinyl dance floors:
In vinyl flooring, you will often hear the term Marley vinyl. Whilst the brand ‘Marley’ is trademarked, Marley vinyl is a broad term synonymous with any rollout vinyl dance flooring.
Marley vinyl encompasses a large variety of roll-out vinyl. The types of Marley vinyl vary between companies. As a result, it’s best to check with each company what each of their Marley floors offers.
As a general rule, Marley vinyl is lightweight and cost-effective.
Some have a cushioned backing which negates the need for a sprung subfloor.
Most Marley floors have a lining made of fiberglass. This provides stability and creates a more even base.
Marley vinyl can come in hard formats which can be more durable than hardwood floors. As a result, these floors can be excellent for tap dancing. Marley hard vinyl also tends to be less rigid than a hardwood floor. As a result dancer joints are placed under less pressure.
Marley vinyl can also be painted with different designs. You can get designs that mimic a hardwood floor aesthetic.
Benefits of Marley vinyl include:
- Low maintenance
- Installation ease
- Cost-effective
- The volume of variety (e.g. foam backed, reversible, multipurpose)
- Transportable (can be permanent or temporary)
- Installation options.
Downsides of Marley vinyl include:
- Can be difficult to turn or glide on due to the stickiness of the vinyl.
Hardwood dance floors:
Wood floors are generally made of hardwood. As the name suggests, the wood used is of a hard variety such as oak or maple. Pine, for example, shouldn’t be used as it is softwood.
Hardwood creates a warm, elegant, and timeless style for a dance studio. Hardwood floors are seen as the gold standard of studio flooring. And with good reason, as they are often the most expensive and highest quality.
Hardwood floors are very durable with good maintenance. They have a reputation for lasting the longest out of all the floor types. If added protection is desired, a layer of lacquer or vinyl can be applied to the surface.
An option for a hardwood floor is to use a sprung or semi sprung subfloor. A sprung/semi sprung subfloor is highly recommended as this provides the majority of the cushioning in a hardwood floor. Without it, the floor becomes rigid and unforgiving.
Contrary to popular belief, hardwood floors can come in temporary options. These options involve no screws, or sanding, and can be disassembled/reinstalled elsewhere.
Benefits of hardwood include:
- Elegant styling
- Highly durable
- Good for hard sole shoes
- Can be very versatile
- Can be portable or permanent.
Downsides of hardwood floors include:
- Can be quite expensive
- Maintenance can be expensive
- Risks of splinters or protruding nails
- Without proper maintenance can be at risk of buckling, breaking, expanding, molding, or rotting.
Laminate, bamboo, and engineered wood dance floors:
As a general rule, these can be slippery floors and dangerous as a result. They also tend to get damaged and scratched easily. However engineered wood can vary depending on the materials used. As a general rule, these floors are difficult to make less slippery and can be costly to repair.
Laminate flooring cannot be sanded and refinished. As a result, if it is highly worn, chipped, or scratched, it cannot be sanded back, it must be replaced.
However, laminate is one of the cheaper materials to install. You will need to make sure you install an underlayment. The reason for this is that the laminate is quite thin. So, you need the extra protection/cushioning that an underlayment provides.
What dance floor to choose for each dance style:
As many reading this article would know, different dance styles have different flooring needs.
Some of these differing needs include slip resistance, firmness, sound, durability, cushioning, grip, and softness. We discuss what different dance styles need from floors below.
Ballet dance floors:
The key characteristics of ballet are high-impact jumping and controlled balanced poses.
As a result, in a floor, you will need a slip-resistant surface and ideally a sprung subfloor.
Fiberglass lining can help for stability. High-density foam is good for cushioning if the installation occurs over concrete.
A hard vinyl Marley floor is common in ballet studios due to the grip and cushioning it offers. Note that when the floor is too soft it can be hard to balance on pointe.
However, the classic ballet flooring is a quality hardwood sprung floor.
Jazz dance floors:
The main characteristics of jazz are footwork changes and which can be either slow or explosive.
As a result, in a floor, you will need some slip-resistance and preferably a sprung/semi-sprung subfloor. Due to the quick foot changes, sometimes a semi-sprung floor can work well. The reason is that not as much kinetic energy is taken away from a dancer’s feet.
Hardwood or Marley vinyl with a semi-sprung subfloor can work well for jazz dance. Good quality jazz shoes can also take the pressure off the floor type.
Contemporary/lyrical dance floors:
Key characteristics of contemporary dance are emotive movements, jumps, and floor work.
As a result, a good balance between slip resistance and glide is needed on the floor. A soft/sprung surface is also welcome.
Keep in mind that many contemporary dancers wear bare feet. This means you don’t need to have too much slip resistance as this can cause friction burn on exposed skin.
Also, given the level of floorwork in contemporary a fine finish on the floor covering is a good idea. This will reduce the risk of injury from splinters, bumps, etc.
A hard Marley vinyl floor can offer a good balance between slip-resistance, cushioning and a fine finish.
Tap dance flooring:
The main characteristic of tap dancing is generating that tap sound with quick foot changes.
A surface that amplifies sound is great for tap dance.
However, due to the demands of a tap shoe, the floor needs to be durable.
Slip resistance is not required due to tap dancers’ ability to glide. However, you don’t want the floor too slippery as tap shoes are already slippery.
Maple or oak hardwood make perfect choices due to the hardness of these woods. Pine is not as good due to its softness.
However vinyl Marley can work as well. If so opt for a harder Marley if the supplier offers it.
For a subfloor, stay away from rubber or carpet. These will dampen sound.
Hip-hop dance floors (including reggaeton/zumba/afro):
The main characteristics of hip-hop dance are a mixture of slow and rhythmic and fast and explosive movements. Most of the dance is grounded and so high jumps don’t occur often.
Hip-hop shoes provide most of the cushioning and grip in hip-hop dance. This takes some of the pressure off the characteristics of the floor.
Because of the cushioning hip-hop shoes provide, too much cushioning in the floor can make dancer movement difficult.
Hardwood or hard Marley vinyl is a good option.
Hard Marley vinyl can get an edge on hardwood floors in the acoustic arena. This can help to create the bass and snare-driven hip-hop environment.
Ballroom and Latin social dance floors (including waltz, quickstep, jive, cha-cha, samba, foxtrot, tango, flamenco, salsa, bachata, zouk, kizomba):
The key characteristics of ballroom are balanced movements, gliding, and smooth turns.
Slip resistance can impede a dancer’s gliding and turning movements.
Given the hardness of dance heels, a durable floor such as hardwood is often necessary. Maple or oak hardwood make perfect choices due to the hardness of these woods.
Sprung floors are not entirely necessary given that large jumps don’t often occur in ballroom.
Another factor that contributes to flooring choice is the elegant and glamourous environment of ballroom dancing.
All of these factors lead us to a stylish hardwood floor as being the best option for ballroom.
What dance floor to choose for a home dance studio:
What floor you choose for a home dance studio is dependent on what dance style you will mostly be doing. It also depends on how serious you take your dancing.
Perhaps the greatest value for money action that you can take is simply making enough space to dance. We have actually written an in-depth guide to creating a home dance space/studio. This can be read here: How To Become A Good Dancer: The complete guide people need.
Carpet dance floors:
The highly effective go-to is carpet. Carpet provides cushioning and some spring. The softness will also reduce feelings of self-consciousness as you won’t be able to hear every step you make. Because of its softness, you won’t need to strap on shoes every time you want to dance either.
Cost is often nil as well given that carpet is present in most houses.
Laminate dance floors:
If you need to practice a style such as ballroom at home, then laminate can work wonders. Laminate is quite cheap as well.
Placing a layer of underlayment between the laminate and base floor can greatly increase useability.
Snaplock tile dance floors:
Another option for a home dance studio is snaplock tiles. These can be great for a home dance studio due to the portability tiles offer.
Snaplock tiles generally have a hard rubber base and are covered with a hardwood laminate combination. This provides a firm yet somewhat cushioned floor.
Snaplock tiles can make for an adequate cheap ballroom dance studio at home.
6. Dance floor summary:
We have made a table for easy comparison of dance floor options below. We take into account factors such as cost, slip resistance, uses, durability, and other useful information.
| Floor-type | Slip resistance | Shock absorption | Durability | Acoustics | Temporary or permanent | Cost (per m2- $AUS) | Maintenance | Versatility |
| Marley vinyl | Medium-high | Medium-high | Medium-high | Low-high | Both | $64-94 | Low | All except ballroom |
| Hardwood | Low | Low | High | High | Both | $20-150 | High | All (however Marley vinyl can be better for hip-hop) |
| Laminate | Very low | Low | Low | Low | Both | $20-50 | Low | Hip-hop |
| Bamboo | Very low | Low | Low | High | Both | $55-70 | Low | Hip-hop |
| Engineered wood | Low | Low | Low-high | High | Both | $60-100 | Medium-high | Varies depending on the material used |
| Carpet | High | Medium | Medium | Low | Both | $25-45 | Low | Home dance studio |
| Snaplock tiles | Medium-high | Medium | Medium | Medium | Temporary | $42-60 | Low | Outdoor/temporary event |