Floor for proposed new skate facility

Question
Hi Pat,
I would be grateful if you could answer the folloeing question. I am planning on opening a new skate facility next year. I know that aple is probably the best wood to use, however I was wondering is it ok to use a solid beech board? Also, is it advisable to install the floor as a sprung sports floor (i.e. it's laid on wooden batons), so it has a spring or is it best that it's not a sprung floor?
Many thanks,
Regards,
Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,
  I'm sorry it took me so long to answer your question but I'll tell you what I know.
  
  In my area, most of the rinks use Maple for their floors.  I have seen some made from concrete then coated with a polyurethane coating but I'm only aware of one rink that used Beech wood.

  Rinks have what they call "floating floors"  Because wood expands and contracts with weather, this keeps the floors from buckling and warping.  The flooring is not butted up tightly against the side walls to allow for expansion.

  If you are going to use your rink for strictly roller skating entertainment or any type of competition, I would not suggest a floor with any kind of spring to it.  If it were a an all sports facility, the spring would work but not for strictly roller skating.

  Here's a couple web sites that can possibly help answer more of your question.  

http://www.seskate.com/build/

http://www.quadskating.com/rinks/

I will you well with your new roller rink.

Pat