Choosing PVC Sports Floor: 4.5mm vs 6mm Thickness Compared

  • By ShengBang

  • Last updated : Jun 23,2025

  • 20 View

I. Structural and Material Differences

Glass Fiber Layer Configuration

4.5mm Thickness: Typically, no glass fiber layer is required, with the structure primarily consisting of a wear-resistant layer + foam cushioning layer, offering greater flexibility.

6mm Thickness: According to industry standards, a glass fiber mesh layer must be incorporated, forming a structure of “wear-resistant layer + glass fiber layer + fine foam layer,” enhancing dimensional stability.



4.5mm sports floor6mm sports floor
Foam density Low to medium density,
slightly coarser pores		High density, even and fine pores 
Cushioning properties Basic shock absorption
 (approx. 20-30%)		Highly efficient shock absorption (up to 40% or more) 
ResilienceModerate for light exerciseExcellent for high-intensity exercise

4.5mm and 6mm pvc sport floor

II. Physical Performance Differences

Surface Hardness Index

4.5mm: Shore hardness approximately 65-70A, softer to the touch, suitable for scenarios requiring high foot comfort.

6mm: Shore hardness increased to 75-80A, with enhanced surface scratch resistance, but a firmer feel.

Load-bearing and compression resistance performance

4.5mm: Standard load-bearing capacity ≤500N/㎡, suitable for lighter individuals or children's activity areas.

6mm: Load-bearing capacity up to 800N/㎡ or higher, with significant resistance to indentation supported by a glass fiber layer, suitable for professional athletes or areas with large equipment.

III. Comparison of Suitable Scenarios

Scene Type4.5mm Flooring Recommendations6mm flooring recommended for:
GymLight equipment areas, yoga roomsStrength training areas, CrossFit areas
School VenueElementary school basketball courts, dance studiosMiddle school basketball courts, main sports halls
Commercial VenueShopping mall children's playgrounds, early education centersProfessional gyms, sports training institutions
Home UseLiving room floor mats, balcony leisure areasHome gyms, basement exercise rooms


Indoor badminton court and basketball court PVC flooring


Ⅳ. Installation and Maintenance Differences

Installation Requirements

4.5mm: Lower requirements for floor flatness (error ≤3mm/2m), can be installed using self-adhesive or floating methods.

6mm: Requires stricter leveling (tolerance ≤2mm/2m), recommended to use specialized adhesive for fixation to prevent glass fiber layer displacement.

Service Life

4.5mm: Typical service life of 5-8 years (wear rate ≥0.5mm/year).

6mm: Can reach 10-15 years with proper maintenance (glass fiber layer delays structural deformation).

Ⅴ. Selection Decision Recommendations

Prioritize 4.5mm in the following situations:

Budget constraints (cost reduction of approximately 30%)

Frequent relocation or temporary installation required

High requirements for floor softness (e.g., elderly activity areas)

Must select 6mm in the following situations:

Professional sports venue certification required (e.g., FIBA, NBA standards)

There is a risk of heavy equipment crushing at the sports venue.

Requirement for the floor to have anti-static properties and fire resistance rating B1 or above

sport floor factory

Ⅵ. Additional Considerations

Environmental standards: Due to its high material density, 6mm flooring should be tested for formaldehyde emissions (must be ≤0.124 mg/m³).

Color selection: 4.5mm flooring is available in light-colored series (creates a sense of spaciousness), while 6mm flooring is recommended in dark-colored series (hides scratches).

Accessories: 6mm flooring is recommended to be used with shock-absorbing pads to further enhance sports protection performance.


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