There is often confusion about what a floating wood subfloor (sometimes called a sprung subfloor) actually is, and why it is essential for safe dance training.
If dancers are practicing directly on concrete, or on any surface attached to concrete — such as hardwood, vinyl, tile, laminate, or carpet — the impact on the body is approximately three times the dancer’s own body weight with every landing, jump, and directional shift.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Shin splints
- Knee and hip joint pain
- Lower back stress
- Hairline fractures in the feet
Hardwood floors installed directly on concrete may look beautiful, but in terms of dancer safety, it is no better than dancing on the concrete itself.
This applies to all dancers — including young children. Growing bodies are actually more vulnerable, not less.
Raised Subfloor vs. Floating Wood Subfloor — Not the Same Thing
A common misunderstanding is thinking that placing 2x4s and plywood over concrete creates a safe floor.
That is called a raised floor, not a floating wood subfloor.
Wherever the wood touches the concrete, the impact transfers directly back into the dancer’s body. This creates an uneven “hard/soft/hard” experience that actually increases injury risk, rather than reducing it.
So What Is a Floating Wood Subfloor?
A floating wood subfloor is a floor system designed so that:
At any point on the surface, if you draw a line straight down, you hit air before concrete.
This layer of air space + energy-absorbing material allows the floor to:
- Flex
- Compress
- Disperse impact safely
- Return energy to the dancer
There are several safe ways to achieve this:
- Closed-cell foam blocks, cubes, or pads
- Foam “L-shaped” shock-absorbing supports
- Basket weave construction, where offset wood lattice layers create lift and flex
- Hybrid systems using both foam and structured wood layers
The guiding principle is:Air everywhere, no direct contact to concrete.
What Happens If You Don’t Have A Subfloor?
You don’t want to open a dance studio without a floating wood subfloor. You can build your own or get a prefabricated subfloor. Floating subfloors are excellent for protecting joints, keeping the dancers healthy, and are absolutely necessary. Putting Marley down over concrete does nothing to eliminate impact shock to the body. Getting hurt because you do not have a floating subfloor is much more likely to happen, so plan ahead.
Do Not Cut Corners
Marley flooring is just a surface that reduces the chance of slipping and adds more control, but it’s not everything. You need a floating subfloor in your dance studio for injury prevention and overall safety. You cannot afford to cut corners or do without. One other option to a floating subfloor is a Marley floor that has a dual-density foam backing built-in. It is designed to be installed directly over concrete because it absorbs both energy and sound. However, it is not recommended for tap dancing. It is called Dancestep Plus™ and is available for homes or studio use from Stagestep.
Stagestep has flooring solutions for every budget that is easy to install and highly effective. Whether you are looking for a permanent subfloor or need something semi-permanent, we have a wide selection. Fill out the contact form to learn more about our dance flooring options.
TO DO
- Read instructions before building or assembling
- If need be, hire a professional to install if you are not comfortable doing the job yourself
- Make sure the concrete slab is sealed against moisture and level
NOT TO DO
- Use foam or rubber tiles under Marley
- Install Marley directly on concrete or a hardwood or plywood base that has been installed directly over concrete
- Use foam substitutes like water noodles or Styrofoam
Why the Wood Layer Matters
A subfloor must also provide lateral (side-to-side) support for balance and alignment.If you simply place a dance floor directly over foam, the dancer will sink into the surface, similar to dancing on a trampoline — unstable and unsafe.
This is why:
You must have a wood layer between the foam and the Marley or wood top surface.
This wood layer distributes weight evenly and supports clean technique.
Why a Floating Wood Subfloor Is Essential for Dance
A properly built floating wood subfloor:
- Reduces physical stress and overuse injuries
- Allows dancers to train longer and with less fatigue
- Supports safe jumping, landing, and pointe work
- Ensures long-term joint and muscle health
- Enhances movement quality and performance ability
Simply put: A floating wood subfloor is not optional — it is a dancer safety requirement.
Stagestep offers:
- Prefabricated subfloor systems for fast installation
- DIY subfloor designs for contractors and studio owners
Contact us to discuss your studio layout, flooring needs, and get a customized quote.
