RAF Odiham is a front line helicopter support base in Hampshire. The base's gymnasium is used for the physical training of service personnel, and when the old floor needed replacing, a Tarkett Sports Flooring System was found to be the best solution.

Tarkett Sports Flooring Systems, incorporating InstaSport sprung sub-floors, are ideal for use where the subfloor is not level or the height of the finished floor needs to be raised. When combined with a Tarkett vinyl or engineered wood sports surface the system is fully compliant with EN14904.

The sub-floor comprises special rubber crumb cradles manufactured from recycled tyre products and timber battens sourced from FSC/PEFC certified forests, over which the Tarkett wood sports flooring is fixed. As no screed is required, there is no drying time meaning installations can be completed more quickly, and floors can be laser-levelled on site to provide a completely even floor.

D Kelleher Flooring Ltd carried out the installation at RAF Odiham, and Tony Kelleher commented: “Our fitters were given some on-site training by InstaFloor to enable them to install the cradle and batten system, which proved to be really simple and effective. The Tarkett 22mm Beech sports flooring surface provides a truly professional finish and should serve the base well for many years to come.”

Tarkett Sports Systems comply with, and exceed, the requirements of EN 14904 and BS 7044: Part 4 for indoor surfaces for multi-sports use. They are impact energy absorbing and suitable for a wide range of sports such as basketball, football, handball, hockey and tennis, as well as non-sporting activities e.g. use as an exam hall or for community activities.