Most people think of sports wood flooring as just the wooden surface they see and walk on. But that surface is only the top layer of a complex, multi-component system. Beneath the visible panel lies a structural system commonly known as the dragon bone system, and it is this hidden architecture that makes the difference between a floor that performs and one that fails.
The dragon bone system typically consists of three main components: the primary (main beams), the secondary(cross beams), and the elastic cushion layer. The main beams run in one direction, usually aligned with the length of the court. The cross beams run perpendicular to the main beams, creating a grid that distributes weight evenly across the entire surface. This grid structure is what prevents the floor from flexing or bouncing unevenly under load.
The elastic cushion layer sits between the system and the subfloor. It is usually made of rubber or a specialized polymer material. Its job is to absorb the impact force when an athlete lands, reducing the shock that travels up through the legs and into the joints. The thickness and density of this layer can be adjusted depending on the sport. Basketball courts need more cushion than badminton courts, for example, because the impact forces are much higher.
There are two main structural configurations: single-layer and double-layer. Single-layer systems use one set of beams spaced about 600 millimeters apart. They are suitable for low-to-moderate use facilities like training rooms and community centers. Double-layer systems use two sets of beams spaced about 400 millimeters apart, creating a denser grid. These are used in professional courts and high-traffic facilities where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The panel itself is then laid on top of this grid. It is not glued down permanently in most systems. Instead, it is floated or mechanically fastened, allowing for natural expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity. This is critical in northern climates where indoor heating can drop humidity to very low levels in winter.
Every component of the dragon bone system matters. Cut corners on the龙骨, and the panel will shift. Skip the cushion layer, and athletes will feel every impact. Use the wrong panel thickness, and the ball bounce will be inconsistent. Sports wood flooring is a system, not a product. Understanding the system is the first step to making a good purchasing decision.
Leave a Reply