img(height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2939831959404383&ev=PageView&noscript=1")

Stage floors promise special performance

Like the best performers, flooring for stages has to be tough and versatile, as Harlequin's experts explain

In association with
Staatstheater Nurnberg
Staatstheater Nurnberg

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.

  • Het Musiek Theatre
    1 of 3
    Het Musiek Theatre
  • Birmingham Hippodrome
    1 of 3
    Birmingham Hippodrome
  • Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
    1 of 3
    Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
123

For more information and technical support visit: http://uk.harlequinfloors.com/en/

 

Contact:

0800 289932 or 01892 514888


 

 

 

Latest

20 May 2025 from 9am to 11.30am

RIBAJ Spec: Architecture for Housing and Residential Development Webinar

In Plockton, Baillie Baillie Architects employed contemporary techniques while drawing inspiration from local traditions, and timber, to maximise the potential of a modest plot

In Plockton, Baillie Baillie Architects used contemporary techniques while drawing inspiration from local traditions

What do psychology and neuroscience tell us about what architects should promote or avoid in facade design? Eleanor Young speaks to two experts

What does neuroscience tell us about what to promote or avoid in facade design?

This year's best buildings in full - with drawings, images and all the judges' views

2025 RIBA Awards West Midlands winners

See all winners and commended entries in the 2025 Daylight from Above Awards, organised by RIBAJ in partnership with VELUX

2025 Daylight from Above Awards