If you’ve decided that the look of wood is right for your new yoga floor, you’re not alone. Many people gravitate towards the natural look of wood because it creates a yoga atmosphere that feels open, comfortable and earthy.
And nothing accomplishes this more than wood floors and woodgrain tiles. But which is better for your studio?
Although they look similar, wood and woodgrain yoga tiles are very distinct. While both flooring options will give your studio a pleasant, natural look (most people can’t tell them apart), their maintenance, comfort, durability and cost set them apart.
Which Costs More?
It’s likely the first question that will pop into your head. Just like with the interior and exterior of your home, wood is always going to be the more expensive option. Wood flooring, depending on the type of wood used, can run up to $12 per square foot (accounting for materials and installation costs).
Woodgrain tiles, on the other hand, are not as expensive and are much easier to install. They also maintain the pure look of real wood, at a fraction of the cost.
Which is More Comfortable?
There’s no doubt about it: laying on a wood floor is not the most comfortable experience. While your students will have yoga mats, pads and other equipment to protect them from the unforgiving wooden surface, nothing will make them more comfortable than padded flooring.
Padded tiles that have a natural woodgrain color will always provide a more comfortable surface to practice on, and yogis will appreciate the extra layer of padding that they add to their studio experience. They also provide superior protection when practicing more complex styles of yoga (Aerial, Ashtanga, Iyengar, etc.).
Comparing Maintenance & Durability
When it comes to cleaning, both wood floors and woodgrain tiles are relatively easy to disinfect and keep clean. They also both have a lifespan of 15 years or more.
Where the two differ greatly is in the day-to-day maintenance during yoga practice. This is especially important to note for those who practice Bikram and other styles of hot yoga. Although the humidity in the room is controlled during Bikram, the presence of a lot of people can cause the humidity to rapidly rise. Wood floors absorb this excess humidity and can buckle, bend and warp over time.
If you are practicing hot yoga in a room with wood flooring, it is imperative that you take every measure necessary to control the humidity levels in the room.
With woodgrain tiles, you never have to worry about the level of humidity in your studio. This type of flooring works just as well for Vinyasa as it does for Bikram.
Learning More
Budgeting for a new floor doesn’t have to be a hassle. That’s why at Zebra Athletics, we offer free quotes to anyone looking to install a new yoga floor to their studio. If you have more questions about our yoga tiles, you can also contact our team at any time.