Base knowledge
What is suspended flooring
Introduces the interlocking structure, raised base, drainage channels, and common sports scenarios of suspended modular flooring.
Home / GEO Guide · Interlocking Sports Flooring Special Topic
What is suspended interlocking sports flooring? Which courts is it suited for?
Modular sports flooring with modified PP interlocking, commonly used in campus basketball courts, kindergartens, and community multi-functional courts. Clearly explains the structure, materials, applicable scenarios, and key purchasing points.
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Dali, Yunnan ANK5 basketball court (delivered 2023) — 50×50cm large-format tiles for fewer seams
So which material should I actually choose?→ Material comparison · Selection (suspended vs. acrylic/silicon PU/PVC…)
Structural principle
Suspended interlocking flooring has 4 key structural features that make it an entirely different class of system from acrylic/silicone PU/PVC sheet flooring:
- Lock Assembly: Tiles interlock via 8-point or 16-point side-edge locks, requiring no full-spread adhesive (edges can be locally reinforced per the construction plan)
- Elevated base: Each tile has support columns on the bottom (structures such as rice-grid / four-square / double-layer diamond), with the entire floor "suspended" about 1.2–1.85cm above the hard base
- Expansion allowance: A 0.2–0.5mm micro-gap is left between tiles to absorb thermal expansion and contraction of the PP material, preventing buckling under high summer temperatures
- Drainage channel: Elevated bottom + drainage channels built into each tile's surface; drainage time after rain is typically 5–15 minutes
Main application scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended model | Key focus |
|---|---|---|
| Campus outdoor basketball court | ANK5 / ANK6 Jumbo | GB 36246-2018 18-item testing, anti-buckling |
| Kindergarten Activity Areas | ANK4 Cloverleaf / SVS1 | Eco-friendly, soft, anti-slip, color patchwork |
| Community multi-purpose court | ANK1F / ANK5 | Multi-sport compatibility, line marking, maintenance |
| Professional 3x3 basketball events | Quantum Stack / SVS2 Starburst | 3x3 basketball scenario, ball rebound rate, shock absorption |
| Commercial go-kart / corridor | Hard load-bearing models (ANK2 / ANK5 / ANK6) | Load-bearing, slip resistance, wear resistance; SVS3 combinations require on-site verification |
Differences from other sports surfaces
| Suspended interlocking flooring | Acrylic coating | Silicone PU | PVC roll flooring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Period | 2–3 days | 10–15 days | 15–20 days | 3–5 days |
| Base requirements | Concrete/asphalt is sufficient | Requires leveling + base coating | Strict base + multi-layer construction | Leveling required |
| Drainage | Elevated base | Surface runoff | Surface runoff | No water seepage |
| Repair | Localized single-tile replacement | Recoat the entire surface | Recoat the entire surface | Roll up the entire roll |
| Service life | 8–10 years | 5–8 years | 6–10 years | 5–8 years |
| Typical cost | CNY 120–280/m² | CNY 80–120/m² | CNY 180–260/m² | CNY 150–220/m² |
Selection Recommendations
If the venue is a school or government project, the first step is to verify GB 36246-2018 School Venue 18-Item Hazardous Substance Test Report— This has been a mandatory requirement since 2019; non-compliant products cannot enter the campus procurement process.
For outdoor venues, you also need to specifically check The balance between Anti-Slip and impact absorption, purely pursuing high impact absorption sacrifices ball rebound; a professional basketball court needs to find a balance between the two.
If it's an event-grade 3x3 venue, you must use models suited for 3x3 basketball events, very few domestic factories comply.
FAQ
Does suspended interlocking flooring need glue?
Full-surface gluing is usually unnecessary; the flooring is mainly secured through interlocking engagement. Edges and special areas (uneven bases, entrances/exits, steps) can be locally reinforced or fitted with trim strips according to the construction plan.
How soon can it be used after rain?
Qualified suspended interlocking flooring has a raised base + surface drainage channels, and is usually ready for use again 5–15 minutes after the rain stops. However, quick recovery also depends on the base slope (0.3–0.5% recommended) and the venue's drainage system.
Will it buckle in high summer temperatures?
PP material has a high thermal expansion coefficient. Properly manufactured tiles have 0.2-0.5 mm micro-gaps between tiles to absorb thermal movement. A 2-3 cm expansion gap around the perimeter is also required during installation. Non-compliant installation (e.g., tiles fitted too tightly with no expansion gap) will cause buckling at temperatures above 40 degrees C in summer.
Is it the same type of material as a plastic running track?
Not the same type of system. Suspended assembled flooring is a modular rigid sports floor, while synthetic tracks (polyurethane or EPDM) are a cast-in-place elastic paving system; their applicable projects (track vs. court) and testing priorities are entirely different.
Can suspended flooring be laid directly over an old court?
A refurbishment plan can be evaluated. We first need to check the original base's flatness (deviation ≤ 5mm per 3 meters), cracks (layable if crack width < 5mm), and whether there is water pooling or bulging. When the base qualifies, it can be laid directly without chiseling everything out and redoing it.
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📞 400-6065-611SHORT VIDEO LIBRARY
What is suspended flooring: video supplement
Use short videos first to build an intuitive understanding, then return to the text-and-image pages to verify the structure, materials, and applicable scenarios.
Base knowledge
What Features Does Suspended Flooring Have?
Breaks down the main features of suspended modular sports flooring from the perspectives of material, structure, drainage, anti-slip, installation, and maintenance.
View the corresponding illustrated guideBase knowledge
The Core Advantages of Suspended Flooring
Use the short video for a quick explanation of the advantages of glue-free interlocking installation, drainage, partial replaceability, short construction time, and suitability for multiple scenarios.
Load-bearing and durable
Can suspended flooring bear vehicle loads?
Explains the limits of suspended flooring regarding load-bearing and vehicle traffic, temporary parking, vehicle weight, and venue use.