Gym Floor Protection vs Tarps: Which Is Safer for Schools?

Are tarp-style gym floor covers safe for hardwood floors?

Plastic tarp-style covers are generally not considered safe for hardwood gym floors when used for events with furniture or heavy foot traffic. While they effectively keep dirt off the floor, they lack the structural thickness to prevent compression damage from chair legs, staging, or high heels.

Safety Risks for Guests

Tarps are lightweight and prone to shifting, wrinkling, and bunching underfoot. This instability creates significant tripping hazards for students and guests, particularly the elderly or those in heels.

Moisture and Finish Damage

Standard plastic tarps are impermeable. If humidity rises from the subfloor or gets trapped during setup, it can't escape. This "greenhouse effect" can soften the floor finish or cause the wood planks to cup and warp.

The Purpose-Built Alternative

Unlike tarps, purpose-built gym floor protection systems are engineered to lie flat, provide stable footing, and allow the floor to breathe, ensuring both guest safety and asset protection.