Find a Sport Floor Contractor

Concrete Pads under Fixed Bleacher Systems

The placement of permanent concrete pads under large fixed bleacher banks has become more common in an effort to reduce installation costs in an area of a gymnasium floor that gets little use. The transition between such concrete pads and the adjacent wood floor often consists of a metal transition plate.

The use of concrete pads to support the bleachers in the closed position, and the installation of a transition plate to the wood floor system is, in many cases, an unworkable design for a motor-driven bleacher system — particularly a large bleacher system.

It is our opinion that the best solution to minimize potential difficulties that may occur with the combination of a resilient floor system and large bleacher banks is to install sufficient bleacher blocking under the location where the bleachers will rest in the closed position, and to extend the maple surface completely under the bleacher banks. The installation of solid wood blocking under the bleacher may be necessary to reduce or eliminate the deflection associated with heavy bleacher movement over a resilient wood flooring system. If cost is a concern, consider using a lower grade of flooring in the areas under the bleacher banks.

The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) refers all inquiries concerning subfloor bleacher blocking requirements to the individual flooring system manufacturer and the specified bleacher manufacturer. Variances in bleacher system design, loading, total weight, and operation make uniform specifications for subfloor blocking impossible.

If you have additional questions, please contact MFMA's Technical Director at 847-480-9138.

Rev. February 2005

Printable Version