Vinyl Dance floors

Dance vinyl is a specialist performance flooring surface designed for dance studios, stages, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces. Unlike standard domestic vinyl, dance vinyl is selected for characteristics such as controlled grip, slip resistance, durability, ease of cleaning and suitability for different dance styles.

The right product depends on how the floor will be used, the footwear worn, the underlying floor construction and whether the vinyl will be permanently installed or used as a portable surface.

There is no single dance vinyl that is the best for every studio.

The most suitable product depends on:

• the styles of dance being taught
• whether dancers will wear ballet shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, heels or sneakers
• the expected level of traffic
• whether the floor is permanent or portable
• the condition and construction of the subfloor
• the preferred colour and appearance
• the available budget

STM Studio Supplies can help compare suitable dance vinyl products and recommend an option based on your studio, performance requirements and intended use. Have a look at our Dance Vinyl Reference Guide for some ideas as to what you might need.

Specialist dance vinyl can be suitable for ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, theatre, general studio training and other performance applications.

However, not every vinyl is suitable for every dance style. Tap, flamenco, ballroom, commercial dance and activities involving heels or hard footwear may require additional consideration. Tell STM which dance styles and footwear will be used so the product and underlying floor system can be assessed correctly.

For many professional dance studios, a sprung floor combined with an appropriate dance vinyl provides a more complete performance flooring system.

The sprung floor and vinyl perform different functions. The sprung floor helps manage impact and energy, while the dance vinyl provides the finished dancing surface, grip characteristics and visual appearance.

The appropriate construction will depend on the building, dance styles, usage level and project requirements.

STM Studio Supplies does not recommend supplying or installing dance vinyl directly onto a concrete slab and will not sell to you if that’s your intention.

Concrete does not provide the resilience or shock absorption normally required for a suitable dance floor system. It can also expose dancers to a hard, unforgiving surface beneath the vinyl. A correctly designed sprung floor, batten floor or other suitable underfloor system should be considered before installing the final dance vinyl surface.

The existing slab, moisture conditions, floor levels and intended use should be assessed before installation.

Dance vinyl may be installed over an appropriate timber substrate, provided the floor is structurally sound, smooth, level, clean and suitable for the proposed installation method.

Floorboards, joints, fasteners, damaged areas and surface irregularities may need to be repaired or covered with an appropriate underlay or flooring substrate. STM should review the existing floor construction before confirming whether it is suitable.

Some portable and smaller dance vinyl installations may be suitable for experienced DIY installation. Permanent installations generally require more detailed subfloor preparation, accurate cutting, seam positioning and an installation method appropriate to the selected product.

Incorrect preparation or installation can cause visible seams, bubbles, movement, unevenness or premature damage. For larger studios or commercial spaces, professional installation is generally the lower-risk option.

Yes. Selected dance vinyl products can be used for touring productions, temporary stages, competitions, events, rehearsals and portable studio setups.

Portable vinyl should be rolled, transported and stored correctly to reduce the risk of creases, edge damage and permanent deformation. A vinyl trolley can make handling larger rolls safer and more efficient.

Some portable and smaller dance vinyl installations may be suitable for experienced DIY installation. Permanent installations generally require more detailed subfloor preparation, accurate cutting, seam positioning and an installation method appropriate to the selected product.

Incorrect preparation or installation can cause visible seams, bubbles, movement, unevenness or premature damage. For larger studios or commercial spaces, professional installation is generally the lower-risk option.

Dance vinyl roll widths vary between products and manufacturers. The roll width affects the number and location of seams, the cutting layout and the quantity of material required.

STM can prepare a vinyl layout based on your room dimensions to help determine roll direction, seam positions, required lengths and likely wastage.

The required quantity is based on more than the room’s total square metre area. Roll width, room shape, alcoves, columns, doorways, seam direction, pattern or colour orientation and installation wastage must also be considered.

For an accurate quotation, provide:

• the room length and width
• a dimensioned floor plan where available
• photos of the existing floor
• the location of doors, columns and fixed obstacles
• the proposed dance styles
• your preferred product or colour
• whether installation is required

STM can then calculate an appropriate roll layout and material allowance.

The preferred roll direction depends on the dimensions and shape of the room, the available roll width, seam placement and the desired appearance.

A more economical layout may use shorter pieces or additional seams to reduce waste. A cleaner aesthetic layout may use longer continuous runs and fewer visible joins but require more material. STM can compare both approaches when preparing a layout.

The seam treatment depends on the vinyl product and whether the floor is permanent or portable.

Portable floors are commonly joined using an appropriate dance floor tape. Permanent installations may require a manufacturer-approved adhesive, welding method or seam treatment. General-purpose tapes and adhesives should not be used without confirming compatibility, as they may leave residue or damage the vinyl.

Remove loose dust, grit and debris regularly using a soft broom, dust mop or suitable vacuum. Clean the surface with a dance-floor-compatible cleaner and follow the product manufacturer’s dilution and usage instructions.

Avoid household polishes, waxes, oils, harsh solvents and products that leave a slippery residue. Spills should be cleaned promptly, and the floor should be allowed to dry before dancing resumes.

1. Daily/Weekly Clean
   • Sadie Suds
2. Monthly/Heavy Duty Clean
   • Dirty Di 
3. Natural Bio Enzyme Clean 
   • Lucky Larry
4. Slip to Grip Additive
   • Rozzie for Floors 
   • Rozzie Spray for Shoes

Dance vinyl should normally be stored rolled rather than folded. Rolls should be kept straight, supported appropriately and protected from crushing, sharp objects, moisture and excessive heat.

The vinyl should be cleaned and fully dried before it is rolled. Avoid storing heavy objects on top of the rolls. Large or frequently moved rolls are generally easier to manage using an appropriate storage and transport trolley.

Rosin should not be used unless the vinyl manufacturer specifically permits it.

Rosin can build up on the floor, alter grip levels, attract dirt and become difficult to remove. Before applying grip-enhancing products, investigate whether the issue is being caused by incorrect cleaning products, residue, dust, unsuitable footwear or the wrong vinyl for the application.

STM have come up with a safe alternative – Rozzie! 

Can I purchase a short length or dance vinyl offcut?

STM periodically has short lengths and offcuts available. These may be suitable for home practice areas, small studios, temporary setups or portable training spaces.

Availability, dimensions, colour and condition vary, so contact STM Studio Supplies to check current stock.

Does STM supply dance vinyl outside Sydney?

STM Studio Supplies supplies dance vinyl and studio flooring products for projects across Australia. Freight, site access and installation availability depend on the product, roll dimensions, project location and scope of work.

Provide the delivery postcode and required dimensions when requesting a quotation so transport and handling requirements can be assessed.

Does STM install dance vinyl flooring?

Yes. STM Studio Supplies provides dance vinyl supply and installation services for suitable projects. STM can also assist with broader studio flooring requirements, including sprung floors and related studio fit-out products.

Installation quotations require sufficient information about the room dimensions, existing substrate, access, location, intended dance use and selected vinyl.

How do I choose between EveryDance, Broadway Reversible and Tarkett dance vinyl?

Each product has different characteristics, applications, colours, installation options and price points. The right choice depends on the dance styles, footwear, traffic levels, desired portability, subfloor and budget.

Use the STM Dance Vinyl Reference Guide as a starting point, then contact STM for advice based on the specific requirements of your studio or performance space.

Can STM provide dance vinyl for events or temporary performances?

Yes. STM offers dance vinyl hire options for suitable events, stages, performances and temporary installations.

When enquiring, provide the venue, performance dates, floor dimensions, access information, installation and removal times, dance styles and whether installation labour is required.

What information should I provide when requesting a dance vinyl quote?

For a more accurate and efficient quotation, provide:

• your name and organisation
• project address or delivery postcode
• room dimensions or a dimensioned plan
• photos of the existing floor
• dance styles and expected footwear
• preferred vinyl colour or product
• permanent or portable installation requirements
• required completion date
• site access details
• whether you require supply only or professional installation

The more complete the information, the easier it is to recommend a suitable system and prepare an accurate material layout.