Hardwood vs Synthetic: Which Indoor Court Floor Is Right?
The two dominant indoor court flooring categories — hardwood (maple) and synthetic (PU/vinyl) — serve different markets. Here's how to decide.
Comparison
| Hardwood (Maple) | PU (Synthetic) | Vinyl (Synthetic) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹/sqft) | 500-1,200 | 250-350 | 80-150 |
| Ball bounce | Excellent (gold standard) | Very good (≥90%) | Good |
| Shock absorption | Excellent (sprung floor) | Very good | Moderate |
| Climate needs | Climate control required | None | None |
| Maintenance | Weekly sand/refinish yearly | Daily mop | Weekly mop |
| Best for | Pro basketball, volleyball, squash | Multi-sport, academies | Schools, budget facilities |
The Verdict
Hardwood: If you're building a state-level arena, professional academy, or international-standard facility — and can afford climate control.
PU: Best value for most indoor sports facilities in India. 80% of hardwood performance at 40% of the cost, with zero climate-control overhead.
Vinyl: Budget schools and community halls where cost is the primary constraint.
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