2025 Implementation of world-class acrylic playgrounds

Acrylic court floors are one of the best modern solutions used in the construction and furnishing of various sports courts, such as tennis, basketball, and handball courts. These floors are highly durable and weather-resistant, making them an ideal choice for both outdoor and indoor spaces. In this article, we explore the advantages of acrylic court floors, their most important uses, and the technical specifications that make them the top choice for engineers and designers when constructing sports courts.

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What is acrylic?

Acrylic is a synthetic plastic known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and is used in many industries due to its unique properties. Acrylic is also known as “acrylic glass” or “organic glass” because it resembles glass in transparency and hardness, but is lighter and more resistant to breakage.

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What are the best types of acrylic courts?

The best types of acrylic court floors are those that are implemented according to professional multi-layer systems, providing high athletic performance, comfort, safety, and long-term durability. Types vary depending on the purpose of the court (professional, training, school, recreational). Here are the best types of acrylic court floors used:

1. Flexible Acrylic Courts (Cushion Acrylic System)

It is a specialized system for playground flooring, consisting of several layers, including a flexible rubber layer (Cushion Layer) placed under the upper acrylic layers, to provide a soft, comfortable, and safe surface during play, while maintaining excellent athletic performance.

• Flexible acrylic playground components:
  1. Base layer: This layer is usually made of concrete or asphalt, and must be level and well-treated.
  2. Primer: An adhesive that helps other layers adhere to the floor.
  3. Rubberized Cushion Layers: 2–3 layers of a mixture of acrylic and soft rubber are applied, absorbing shock and relieving pressure on the joints.
  4. Texture Coat: Used to provide a balance between softness and friction.
  5. Color Coats: Give the final color (green, blue, red, etc.), and are resistant to UV rays and slippage.
  6. Playing lines (Line Marking): Determined according to the type of sport (tennis, basketball, handball, multi-sport).
• Advantages of flexible acrylic playgrounds:
  1. High shock absorption, reducing the risk of muscle injuries.
  2. More comfort while playing, especially when jumping and making quick movements.
  3. Excellent resistance to weather conditions, such as heat, humidity and rain.
  4. Suitable for children, the elderly and professional gamers.
  5. Lasts up to 8–10 years with good maintenance.
• Uses of flexible acrylic playground flooring:
  1. Professional tennis courts.
  2. Basketball and handball courts.
  3. Playgrounds in private and international schools.
  4. Sports club fields with intensive training.
  5. Playgrounds are designed for children and the elderly, as they reduce the risk of injury.

2. Hard Acrylic System

It is an acrylic playground flooring system consisting of several layers of acrylic material alone, without the use of a flexible rubber layer. This type of system is one of the most popular due to its low cost and ease of implementation. It is characterized by the following:

• Components of solid acrylic court floors:
  1. Primer: To fix acrylic to concrete or asphalt floor.
  2. Two to three coats of colored acrylic: Gives the final color and sets to be slip-resistant.
  3. Top Coat: To protect the surface, improve appearance, and highlight playing lines.
• The most important practical uses of acrylic hard courts:
  1. Public and private schools with limited budgets
  2. Neighborhood squares and residential complexes
  3. Soft basketball courts
  4. Recreational sports fields.
  5. Youth centers and popular clubs.
  6. Public facilities (municipalities, parks).
• Solid system features:
  1. Low price.
  2. Fast installation.
  3. Simple maintenance.
  4. Clear aesthetic form.
  5. Good slip resistance.

3. Multilayer Acrylic System

It is a professional acrylic court flooring system used to cover acrylic court floors by applying a series of overlapping layers. It combines hardness and durability on one hand with flexibility and shock absorption on the other, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor sports uses. The details of this type are as follows:

• System components in detail:
  1. Base Layer: Well-prepared and cured concrete or asphalt (solid, level foundation).
  2. Primer: Used to improve adhesion between the floor and acrylic layers.
  3. Leveling Layer: This layer fills any defects or holes in the surface.
  4. Rubber Cushion: A mixture of acrylic and rubber granules, it provides a flexible and comfortable surface for players.
  5. Filler Coat: Adjusts surface smoothness and reduces shoe friction.
  6. Two to three layers of colored acrylic (Color Coats): Determines the final colors of the court. Resistant to UV rays, water, slippage, and abrasion.
  7. Top Coat + Line Marking: Used to mark the playing lines for the desired sport (tennis, basketball, handball, etc.), giving the surface a professional, final appearance.
• Main features of this system:
  1. Superior comfort while playing.
  2. High shock absorption.
  3. Resistant to cracks, scratches and corrosion.
  4. Reduces injuries from running or falling.
  5. Non-slip surface, safe even in wet conditions.
  6. High color fastness even after years of use in the sun.
  7. Long service life (up to 10 years with maintenance).
  8. Easy to renew or re-cover later.
• Uses of multi-layer acrylic playground flooring:
  1. Professional tennis courts.
  2. Multi-purpose basketball and handball courts.
  3. International school and educational institution grounds.
  4. Training grounds for major sports clubs.
  5. Sports academy stadiums and Olympic centers.
  6. Playgrounds in upscale residential areas and smart complexes.

4. UV Resistant Acrylic System

It is an acrylic playground flooring system specially designed to withstand high temperatures and prolonged direct sunlight without losing its color or properties. This type is therefore ideal for outdoor playgrounds, especially in hot or coastal regions.

• UV resistant acrylic components:
  1. Primer: To improve adhesion to the floor.
  2. Elastic layer (optional): An elastic layer can be added for increased comfort in some projects.
  3. UV-Treated Acrylic Coats: Specially formulated with UV-resistant materials that prevent color fading or discoloration of the top coat.
  4. Top Coat: Provides a non-slip, water and dust resistant surface.
• Features of the radiation-resistant system:
  1. Highly resistant to sunlight (UV): does not discolour or crack due to heat.
  2. Maintains aesthetic appearance for longer: even with intensive outdoor use.
  3. It does not require frequent maintenance: due to the stability of the layers and their resistance to environmental factors.
  4. Suitable for countries with hot climates: such as the Arabian Gulf, North Africa, and Southern Europe.
  5. Lasts up to 10 years under proper conditions.
  6. Compatible with multiple sports: tennis, basketball, handball, multi-purpose courts.
• Typical uses:
  1. Open-air playgrounds in clubs and schools.
  2. Coastal city stadiums (where humidity + high sun).
  3. Public parks and open spaces.
  4. Entertainment areas in resorts and hotels.
  5. Sports fields in desert or arid areas.

Technical specifications for acrylic playgrounds

Acrylic flooring is one of the most widely used solutions for sports court furnishings, due to its durability, weather resistance, and safe, comfortable surface. These floors are based on precise technical specifications to ensure athletic performance and safety, and are used for tennis, basketball, handball, and other various activities, as follows:

1. Basic flooring specifications for acrylic courts

This stage is the first and most important step in the construction of acrylic courts, as it directly affects the quality of the upper layers and the stability of athletic performance. Therefore, the following points must be taken into consideration:

• Suitable type of flooring: Reinforced concrete or smooth asphalt layer is preferred.
• The floor should be:
  1. Solid and free from sagging or stretching.
  2. Perfectly level with a slope of no more than 1% for water drainage.
  3. Free from oils, grease and moisture.
• Tilt and level:
  1. Recommended slope ratio:
  2. 0.5% to 1% towards the drain or one side.
• Precision leveling: A laser or water level is used to ensure the smoothness of the floor.
• Humidity:
  1. The moisture content of concrete should not exceed 5%.
  2. Moisture testing is mandatory before starting to apply acrylic coatings.
  3. A Moisture Meter can be used to accurately measure humidity.
• Floor treatment:
  1. If the floor is new concrete, it must:
  2. Wait 21 to 28 days for it to dry completely.
  3. Use a curing compound if necessary.
  4. If there are cracks or holes:
  5. They are filled using special leveling materials made of acrylic or epoxy.
  6. Topcoats should not be placed over an untreated surface.
• Cleaning and preparation:
  1. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned before application:
  2. Remove dust, dirt, oil, stains, algae.
  3. It is preferable to wash with pressurized water or pressurized air (blower).

Technical Acrylic Coatings Specifications

We provide a detailed explanation of the technical specifications of the acrylic layers used in the construction of acrylic playground floors, from the preliminary layer to the final layer:

• Primer Coat
  1. Material: Clear or colored acrylic primer, low viscosity.
  2. Job:
     • Enhancing adhesion between concrete or asphalt floor and other layers.
     • Seals the fine pores in the surface.
  3. Thickness: 0.2 – 0.3 mm
  4. Coverage rate: 0.2 – 0.3 kg/m²
• Leveling/Resurfacer Layer
  1. Material: A mixture of acrylic with fillers (fine sand or quartz powder).
  2. Job:
     • Level the surface and treat any small bumps or holes.
     • Create a smooth, even base layer for subsequent layers.
  3. Thickness: 0.5 – 1 mm
  4. Number of layers: one or two layers as needed.
  5. Coverage rate: 0.8 – 1.0 kg/m²
• Cushion Layer – Optional
  (used in flexible and multi-layer systems only)
  1. Material: Acrylic mixture with rubber powder (SBR or EPDM).
  2. Job:
     • Shock absorption.
     • Reduce stress on joints.
     • Improve comfort while playing.
  3. Thickness: 1-3 mm
  4. Number of layers: 2 to 3 layers depending on the required performance level.
  5. Coverage rate: 1.0 – 1.5 kg/m² per layer
• Color Coats
  1. Material: High quality acrylic with anti-slip and UV resistant additives.
  2. Job:
     • Determine the final color of the field.
     • Resistance to abrasion, slippage and climate factors.
  3. Thickness: 0.5 – 1 mm per layer
  4. Number of layers: two or three layers depending on the required color strength.
  5. Available colors: Blue – Green – Red – Grey – Yellow – Upon request.
  6. Coverage rate: 0.8 – 1.2 kg/m² per layer
• Line Marking / Top Finish layer
  1. Material: Pure white acrylic (or other color depending on the type of toy).
  2. Job:
     • Determine the official playing lines according to the game specifications (ITF, FIBA, IHF…).
     • Add a final layer that protects the system.
  3. Thickness: Thin – about 0.2 mm
  4. Width: According to regulations (usually 5 cm in tennis and basketball)
  5. Total final system thickness:
  6. Solid system: 1.5 – 2 mm.
  7. Flexible system: 3-5 mm.
  8. Professional multi-layer system: up to 6-7 mm

What are the disadvantages of acrylic?

Although acrylic court floors are a popular and distinctive solution for sports fields, like any system, they have disadvantages and drawbacks that must be known before implementation or purchase. Here are the disadvantages of acrylic court floors:

1. The need for an ideal foundation
   • Acrylic requires a perfectly flat concrete or asphalt surface, and any foundation defects such as cracks or subsidence will affect the coating and reduce its lifespan.
   • Performance affected by high temperatures
     Some types of acrylic (untreated) are affected by sunlight:
   • Change in color.
   • The top layer disintegrated over time.
   • High surface temperature affecting player comfort.
2. Not suitable in areas with heavy rain or high humidity.
   • Acrylic is impermeable to water, and any leakage from the subfloor will damage the upper layers.
   • Standing water may cause bubbles to form under the surface or peel off layers.
3. Susceptible to cracking over time if neglected
   • If periodic maintenance is not performed (every 3–5 years):
   • Small hairline cracks appear.
   • The paint gradually wears off.
   • The surface becomes rough and unsafe.
4. Requires highly professional execution.
   • Installation must be carried out by specialized technicians.
   • Any error in mixing ratios or number of layers will result in poor performance and rapid deterioration.
5. Limited lifespan compared to other systems
   . The average lifespan of an acrylic floor is:
   • 5–7 years for solid systems.
   • 8–10 years for flexible or multi-layer systems.
6. Not suitable for some heavy sports
   • Does not tolerate heavy equipment or violent team play (such as football).
   • Suitable for light to moderate sports (tennis, basketball, handball, badminton).

To avoid common acrylic flooring defects, you should rely on reliable companies to supply and build playgrounds, such as Technotrade Sports .