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

By Shengbang Content Team
Last updated : Jun 23,2025
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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 floor	6mm 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)
Resilience	Moderate for light exercise	Excellent for high-intensity exercise

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 Type	4.5mm Flooring Recommendations	6mm flooring recommended for:
Gym	Light equipment areas, yoga rooms	Strength training areas, CrossFit areas
School Venue	Elementary school basketball courts, dance studios	Middle school basketball courts, main sports halls
Commercial Venue	Shopping mall children's playgrounds, early education centers	Professional gyms, sports training institutions
Home Use	Living room floor mats, balcony leisure areas	Home 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.