Subfloor and Joist Systems for Sports Wood Flooring

Technical · Floor construction

The surface is what players see; the subfloor is what they feel. Shock absorption, ball bounce and long-term stability come from the joists, resilient pads and load-bearing layers beneath the boards. LDK builds four subfloor systems – two permanent, two dismountable – and supplies each one as a complete system.

The layers

The Components of a Sports Floor Subfloor

ComponentWhat it does and how LDK builds itUsed in
Moisture barrierPolyethylene (PE) moisture-proof film laid over the slab to keep moisture away from the timber.W01 · W02
Resilient shock-absorbing padsProfessional sports flooring pads that give consistent shock absorption and keep their elasticity under long-term and varying loads: 12 mm in W01 and W02, 20 mm in W05. W03 uses an elastic shock-absorbing rubber mat.All four
Joists24 mm LVL joists (W01), double-layer 30 × 50 mm solid pine battens in a grid (W02), 30 mm LVL main joists (W05) or keelson plates (W03).All four
Load-bearing layer12 mm high-strength laminated plywood (W01), a 12 mm composite middle layer (W05) or a rough board / load panel (W03).W01 · W05 · W03
Non-woven fabricInstalled between the rough board and the surface panel for moisture resistance, sound absorption and noise reduction.W01 · W02
Connection hardwareInterlocking grooves with metal pull tabs between modules (W05); ground anchors and steel latches (W03).W05 · W03
Surface panel22 mm North American maple or Russian birch (W01, W02, W05); solid wood composite panels with a high-grade maple surface (W03).All four

Four systems side by side

Four Subfloor Systems Compared

LDK25W01 Single-JoistLDK25W02 Double-JoistLDK25W05 ModularLDK25W03 Portable Competition
TypePermanentPermanentDismountable, modularDismountable
Total thickness70 mm114 mm84 mm88 mm
Surface22 mm maple or birch22 mm maple or birch22 mm maple or birchHigh-grade maple on solid wood composite panels
Joists24 mm LVLDouble-layer 30 × 50 mm solid pine grid30 mm LVL main joistsKeelson plates
Resilient layer12 mm pads12 mm pads20 mm padsElastic rubber shock-absorbing mat
ConnectionFixedFixedInterlocking grooves + metal pull tabsGround anchors / steel latches
Standard––Built to FIBA standardsBuilt to FIBA standards
FinishProfessional sports flooring coating imported from the USAMultilayer, waterproof, wear-resistant sports coating imported from the USA
Product pageView W01 →View W02 →View W05 →View W03 →

Permanent systems

Single Joist or Double Joist?

LDK25W01 · 70 mm

Single joist

One layer of 24 mm LVL joists on 12 mm resilient pads carries a 12 mm laminated plywood load panel and the 22 mm surface. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) offers high strength, good toughness and dimensional stability.

Explore LDK25W01 →
LDK25W02 · 114 mm

Double joist

Two layers of 30 × 50 mm solid pine battens are laid crosswise in a grid on 12 mm resilient pads, with the 22 mm surface on top.

Explore LDK25W02 →
How to choose

Match it to the venue

Both are permanent systems for courts used every day. The choice depends on the venue, the sports played, the available floor height and the budget. Send us your court size and use, and we will recommend one. Venue, sport, and available floor height drive this selection; compare support options in the single vs double batten sports floorsingle vs double batten sports floor guide.

Ask for a recommendation →

Dismountable systems

Subfloors Built to Be Taken Apart

LDK25W05 · 84 mm

Modular

Each module combines a 22 mm surface, a 12 mm composite middle layer and 30 mm LVL main joists on 20 mm resilient pads. Modules lock together through interlocking grooves and metal pull tabs. Built to FIBA standards.

Explore LDK25W05 →
LDK25W03 · 88 mm

Portable competition

Built from an elastic rubber shock-absorbing mat, keelson plates, ground anchors and steel latches, a rough board / load panel and solid wood composite panels with a high-grade maple surface. Built to FIBA standards and designed to be dismantled and reinstalled, so it can also be rented out.

Explore LDK25W03 →
Both systems

Plan the handling

Allow for panel handling, an assembly crew, transport routes and dry storage between events.

View dismountable systems →

Before the subfloor goes down

Prepare the Slab First

Every subfloor system needs a flat, dry, strong slab: within 5 mm under a 2 m straightedge, C25 concrete or stronger, and moisture content below 14%. The slab must be flat and dry before installation; review moisture-control details in the gym floor moisture barriergym floor moisture barrier guide.

FAQ

Subfloor and Joist FAQ

What are the joists in a sports wood floor made of?

LDK uses 24 mm LVL joists in LDK25W01, double-layer 30 × 50 mm solid pine battens in LDK25W02 and 30 mm LVL main joists in LDK25W05. LDK25W03 uses keelson plates.

How thick are the resilient pads?

12 mm in LDK25W01 and LDK25W02, and 20 mm in LDK25W05. LDK25W03 uses an elastic rubber shock-absorbing mat.

How thick is each floor system in total?

LDK25W01 is 70 mm, LDK25W02 is 114 mm, LDK25W05 is 84 mm and LDK25W03 is 88 mm.

Is a moisture barrier included?

Yes. LDK25W01 and LDK25W02 include a polyethylene moisture-proof film.

Which wood species are available for the surface?

North American maple or Russian birch for W01, W02 and W05. W03 uses a high-grade maple surface.

Not Sure Which Subfloor Your Venue Needs?

Tell us the sport, court size and how the hall will be used. We will recommend a system and send a free layout design with your quotation.