Like the best performers, flooring for stages has to be tough and versatile, as Harlequin's experts explain
Stage floors are usually custom-built for a venue. They need to be hard-wearing because they are often integrated with equipment such as revolves, traps and tormentors and have to withstand heavy traffic from scenic trucks, flats and tallescopes during rigging. There are no specific standards for stage floors although tests in accordance with DIN 18032-2 are relevant to establishing compliance with shock absorption, vertical deformation, area deflection and behaviour under rolling load.
Modern stage construction techniques incorporate modular sprung floor panels that are laid in a ‘brickwork’ pattern. These securely interlock to form a floor that has consistent shock absorption over the whole area and provides a uniform surface that eliminates any unevenness of the sub floor. A top surface of a suitable vinyl is then laid and can be permanently bonded. The vinyl surface should be fire resistant and comply with relevant fire ratings and, in the case of cruise ships, should also be suitable for a marine environment. A recent development is the capability for using large format techniques to print images or bespoke designs to the vinyl surface. In some cases materials and surfaces can be specified to offer sound separation and damping.
Some multi-purpose venues may require transitions between different performance requirements. This is achieved by building a dance floor on a ballet wagon, which can be rotated from the horizontal to vertical and raised for storage in the fly tower.
For more information and technical support visit: http://uk.harlequinfloors.com/en/
Contact:
0800 289932 or 01892 514888