The surface can be intended only for the individual sport or multi-use. The essential requirements for sport floors are based on technical and safety criteria.

Technical criteria includes the mechanical properties of sports surfaces such as the surface resistance to the rolling load and elasticity. Safety criteria include slip resistance, vertical deformation and shock absorption.

There are four categories of sport flooring systems: point elastic, mixed elastic, area elastic and combined elastic. Materials used for floor surface are usually parquet, vinyl, rubber or textile materials. Sub-floor construction must ensure proper strength and flatness of sport surface. Some flooring systems may accommodate underfloor heating.

Sports flooring should provide the optimum surface to minimise the potential for injury while allowing maximum sports development. Installation, use and maintenance of flooring must be according to the manufacturer’s instructions.