Pool decks can make or break the surroundings of your swimming pool while rendering unique aesthetic elements to your house or housing complex. This is one of the biggest reasons why things like broken concrete or scattered surface materials should never be left to linger on your pool deck for long.

Sometimes, doing something as simple as choosing the right surfacing material can make all the difference, and other times, it might require the right set of skills to extend the aesthetic appeal of your pool deck.

Here are a few pool deck surfacing tips and a brief guide to help you things on the right track, when it comes to resurfacing your pool deck:

What is Pool Deck Resurfacing?

Pool deck resurfacing is a great way to spruce up your swimming pool, by integrating new and interesting elements, which can essentially personalize it. Swimming pool deck resurfacing is the process of revamping the surfacing system of your pool with new material balancing utility as well as aesthetic appeal of your deck. Apart from having enough space, and the right flooring, it is also important to choose the right material for your pool deck surfacing so that it is durable and effective.

Now that you know that pool deck resurfacing can help you make great first impressions, it is also important to know the basics of how to go about it. Here is a breakdown of how pool deck resurfacing can be carried out:

Step 1 – Prepare:

When it comes to pool deck surfacing, the first step should always be to ensure that your floor is prepared and repaired satisfactorily. Before you even think of laying down the surface, you should ensure that you fix all the cracks or any existing damages.

Step 2 – Prime:

Once your floor is fixed and ready for your new surface, the next step would be to prime it. Firstly, you should pressure wash the floor, and then after it is dried, you should apply primer if needed.

Step 3 – Ready Product:

After your prim and proper floor is all set for the new surface, it is a good time to get your surface material ready. For instance, if you are opting for a concrete surface, it is time to mix the product and color, so that it is ready for application.

Step 4 – Overlay and Seal:

Depending on the material you choose, you might need to deploy different kinds of overlays after applying your surface. You can choose to roll, spray or trowel based on the chosen material, till the desired look is achieved. After the overlay is cured, it is time to seal the surface with a powerful sealer. Adding a sealer ensures that you add more protection and resistance.

Now that you are familiar with the process of going about swimming pool deck resurfacing, it would bode well for you to be acquainted with the various kinds of surface materials that you can choose from.

Which Material Should you Choose?

Figuring out the surfacing system is half of the work that goes into resurfacing your pool deck. It is important to choose materials that would not be durable but also utility-friendly and befitting the aesthetic that you are aiming for. Some of the initial considerations that are important at this stage are whether you want the deck to have special features such as slip resistance, or whether they are tailored to your climate.

Here are some of the primary types of surface materials that are used for pool deck surfacing:

• Concrete

  Pool decks have since long utilized concrete for surfacing, due to its durability and versatility. Since it can be poured, stained or stenciled, and easily laid down, concrete is also considered to be a flexible option in terms of design. Moreover, it is a highly cost-effective option and can be customized in terms of color and texture. You can even design the concrete to give it a stone-like appearance which can be a great way to achieve the stone aesthetic without having to spend a fortune.

• Rock/Stone

  If you are going for a rustic and earthy aesthetic for your pool deck, choosing stone or rock for your surface can be a great idea. Limestone due to its cooling effect is a great option if your climate is hot and humid, and Sandstone is a great option for its texture. The cost associated with this surfacing option is usually high and is hence, more common in commercial properties than residential ones. It is preferable to choose stone options that are available in your region, to reduce the cost considerably.

• Tiles

  Ceramic tiles are yet another great option that can be considered for pool deck surfacing for your swimming pool. They can create a look that exudes sophistication and class. With tiles, you can go for the glazed ones, or choose a matte finish to render a more stone-like look and feel. The trick with ceramic tiles is to pick ones that are graded highly for slip resistance, considering they would form the surface of your pool deck.

• Wood

  A wooden swimming pool deck. Not surprising or uncommon, right? Wood as you know is one of the most common materials used for pool decks – residential or commercial. Wooden surfaces fall within the medium to high pricing bracket, considering the fact that they require regular maintenance including sanding, polishing, and cleaning. Wooden decks can provide a unique and organic aesthetic appeal to your pool deck, but also tend to rot easily making yearly maintenance mandatory.

Wrapping up

Creating the perfect pool deck might seem like a cumbersome and complicated task at the outset, but with the right information and technical expertise at your disposal, you can create one that fits your needs and is beautiful. One of the main considerations that you should keep in mind while resurfacing your swimming pool deck is to choose the right surface materials to meet your needs and budget.

Moreover, it is also important to know the basics of how to lay down pool deck resurfacing so that you can be wary of any mistakes in the process and make the right decisions for achieving the pool deck of your dreams.

Modern senior living facilities are constantly striving to do more than merely housing the elderly or accommodate age-related conditions. They are working towards designing comfortable, enjoyable, and safe living spaces for seniors.

Flooring is a critical component of this process. An ideal flooring prevents slips and falls in senior living facilities and reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Simply put, the flooring of a senior care facility greatly influences the well-being of the seniors living in the facility.

The safety of the elderly residents is a huge aspect to consider when selecting a surface for a senior care facility. Here are a few effective tips that will prove to be useful as you set out to design a safe abode for your elder members.

1. Understand How Each Space Will Be Used

The first step is to go around the facility and understand the function of each space. For instance, high-traffic spaces like stairways, the lobby, gym, pool decks, the mailroom, and other social areas demand a durable and anti-skid surface.

Different types of spaces demand different surfaces; unless you have a versatile flooring option like rubber surfacing that fulfills all the safety needs of senior care facilities. Get your staff, residents, and other stakeholders together to understand how each space will be used. This will help you choose a surfacing material that meets the needs of space users.

For instance, the flooring in the public and semi-public areas like the lobby, the library, or the stairway will see a lot of foot traffic and people accessing the space using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. So, you need a surface that will make the space accessible. At the same time, you should opt for a resilient surface that can stand up to routine wear and tear.

Finally, make a note of the areas where the risk of a slip, fall, or accident is high. These spaces will require a surface with high traction and shock-absorbing potential.

2. Pay Attention to the Principles of Safe Flooring for Seniors

Choosing a surfacing that seniors will use is a tricky decision. Consider the below-mentioned principles to invest in a suitable surface for the senior care center.

Consistency

Be consistent with the surfacing. This will allow an easy and seamless transition for elders across the area.

For instance, an elder using a walker may find it tough to transition from a carpeted floor to a tiled area. They may have little confidence in setting their foot on a different surface with a considerable height difference. This may lead to confusion, causing them to trip and injure themselves.

Hence, it’s wise to choose a versatile surface that not just fulfills all your needs but also offers a safe footing for the elders in your facility. Minimize the number of transitions by opting for a consistent surface through the facility.

Also, get rid of saddles, thresholds, and area rugs. These can easily become tripping hazards.

Install a Safety Surfacing in Areas That Tend to Get Wet

Anti-fatigue and anti-skid surfaces are ideal for senior care communities. They come in handy in areas like the kitchen, the mess hall, and bathrooms that tend to get wet. In such areas, you need a surface with good traction to avoid slips and serious injuries.

A surface like rubber will perform well in such spaces as it’s naturally impervious to water and anti-skid. That’s because, rubber has a high coefficient of friction; so, it resists any lateral motion on the surface. Moreover, rubber is super soft under the foot, leading to less fatigue even if the elder is standing for long hours. Hence, rubber surfacing for elderly care centers is a good idea!

Keep Floors Free of Clutter

Besides choosing an ideal surface for the senior care facility, it’s important to keep the floor clean and clutter-free. Make sure items like books, magazines, and wires, that could cause tripping hazards, are cleared from the walkways.

3. Prioritize the Safety Factors When Opting for a Safety Surfacing

Several factors need to be considered when choosing an ideal surfacing for senior care facilities. For instance, the surface should be durable, easy to clean and maintain, skid and chemical resistant, and safe. However, the factors mentioned below shouldn’t be ignored at any cost.

Traction

Slips and falls are a leading cause of fatalities in seniors. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans aged ≥65 years report falling each year and visiting the emergency department for injuries and fractures.

Slip resistance is a huge factor to be considered in facilities designed for seniors. A flooring with high traction is especially important for facilities where the elder residents have limited mobility or are going through physical therapy or rehabilitation. This is the reason why the demand for rubber surfacing for senior care centers is increasing.

Make sure you choose a surface that’s safe with consistent friction. This will give the seniors the confidence of a firm footing at every step.

Shock Absorption

Serious injuries and fractures owing to falls are a huge concern in seniors, especially in health and social care settings. Hence, you need a springy surfacing material that can absorb the impact of a fall.

Opt for a cushiony material that’s not just comfortable underfoot but also has a good shock-absorbing potential. For instance, materials like rubber are known to offer great cushioning underfoot because of their elasticity. Rubber also possesses thermal and sound-insulating properties. All this makes rubber an ideal surfacing option for senior care centers.

On the other hand, ceramic tiles and hardwood floors are not suitable for senior care communities as they have zero shock-absorbing properties.

Hygiene

In seniors, the immune system doesn’t work at an optimal rate. Hence, the aging population is more susceptible to infections, allergies, and other comorbid conditions that affect their overall wellbeing.

Hence, senior care centers should keep hygiene as the top priority, especially in the wake of the pandemic. So, when it comes to flooring, you need a surface that’s inhospitable to pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

A surface like wall-to-wall carpeting may seem ideal for senior care centers. However, carpets are known to be home to a host of pathogens, dust mites, and allergens that could make the senior residents ill.

Make sure you choose a hygienic surface that doesn’t support the proliferation of pathogens and is easy to clean and maintain.

Summing Up

Floors frequented by seniors should not just be functional, durable, and good-looking but also offer them adequate cushioning and comfort. Consider these questions that will help you choose an appropriate surface for your senior care facility.

• Is the flooring slip-resistant?
• Will the surfacing offer adequate cushioning in case of fall?
• Is the flooring easy to traverse on? Will it make spaces accessible to seniors using a walker or wheelchair?
• Is the surface easy to clean and maintain?

If you are planning to resurface your senior care facility, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing. Our surfacing experts will help you make a suitable decision, transforming the facility into a haven for seniors.

Trailers see everything from snow and dust to rain and heavy loads. The last thing you want is the deterioration of the trailer bed that could attract a whole lot of maintenance expenses. The right surfacing can hugely influence the life and longevity of your trailer. This guide will help you choose the most appropriate trailer deck surfacing to maximize the durability and utility of your trailer.

Importance of Trailer Decks

Trailer decks offer years of hauling capabilities. Your trailer carries all the cargo around. Most trailers are great for stacking up building materials like dimensional lumber, plywood sheets, or drywalls. A few others can carry mulch, topsoil, and other loose materials used for landscaping projects. These days, recreational vehicles and mobile homes have attached trailers that can haul dirt bikes, ATVs, or golf carts to a trailhead of a golf course.

Regardless of the cargo, they carry, trailer decks see a lot of wear and tear due to the material loaded. Hence, it’s critical to choose the trailer deck surfacing wisely. Several factors need to be considered when selecting suitable trailer flooring.

For instance, factors like the trailer load and the frequency of loading and unloading play a critical role in determining the life of the trailer.

Let’s look at the different types of trailers and the type of flooring they demand.

Types of Trailers and Their Flooring Requirements

A trailer flooring is probably one of the simplest components that can be replaced, provided you know which one to go for. Each type of trailer has unique surfacing requirements. We have attempted to throw light on them so that you can make an informed flooring decision.

1. Open Trailers

Open trailers experience the harshest environments. The flooring of these trailers is continually exposed to extreme weather conditions and UV radiation. Not to forget, the damage caused by the cargo loading and unloading.

Such trailers need a trailer deck resurfacing that uses a durable and high-performance material like rubber. The surfacing should be weather resistant, the one that will not fade away or rot. For such trailers, the poured-in-place rubber surfacing is your best bet in these trailers.

2. Vehicle Trailers

Vehicle or automobile trailers haul heavy vehicles, race cars, and dirt bikes. Hence, you need a trailer deck surfacing that’s similar to your garage flooring. The flooring should not just durable but also resistant to the chemicals that may leak from automobiles when in transit.

For instance, the surface should be resistant to engine oil, fuel, and car battery acids.

3. Utility Trailers

Utility trailer deck surfaces see a lot of wear from hauling items like furniture, vehicles, and heavy machinery. Durability is a huge factor here as the trailer carries heavy loads that may damage the surface. Here, you require a versatile and durable trailer deck flooring that can stand up to such routine damage.

4. Cargo Trailers

Cargo trailers need to be designed in such a way that it allows easy loading and unloading. You also need a quiet surface that absorbs the impact of the cargo hitting against each other during transportation. Moreover, the surface should be easy to clean and maintain.

Rubber surfacing works best for cargo trailers as they are versatile and possess all the properties mentioned above.

5. Livestock Trailers

Hauling livestock presents novel challenges. You should not just consider the safety of the animals but also their comfort. Besides taking measures to prevent injuries, haulers should be vigilant about maintaining a clean and biosecure environment for the livestock being hauled.

They should ensure a hygienic environment to prevent the spread of diseases among the subsequent loads of animals who can be infected through –

• Feces, blood, and urine
• Feed and water containers
• Insects and parasites
• Live pathogens on surfaces

Hence, the livestock trailer demands a surface that’s easy to clean and maintain, inhospitable to pathogens, springy, offers adequate traction, and skid resistant. Besides, it should also be resilient enough to withstand the wear and tear owing to the hard hooves hitting the floor.

6. RV Trailers

The surface installed in recreational vehicle trailers should not just be comfortable underfoot but also exhibit style and elegance. Since it’s a mobile home where you and your loved one will be spending a lot of time, the flooring should be comfortable, non-skid, and easy to clean. In short, you need trailer flooring that will make your RV trailer feel like home.

Why Wet-Pour Rubber Surfacing Makes an Ideal Trailer Deck Flooring

1. High Durability

Rubber surfaces are perfect for trailer decks as rubber is a tenacious material. It can stand up to the damage caused by hauling heavy cargo, automobiles, and livestock. Thus, it will enable the hauler to deliver goods without having to worry about its effects of friction and foot traffic on the trailer. The surface also works best for open trailers that are subject to harsh weather conditions.

2. Versatile

Regardless of the type of trailer you own, rubber surfacing can fulfill its specific needs. The surface is tenacious and hard-wearing, doesn’t let moisture seep through, and easy to clean and maintain. All these properties make rubber a versatile flooring material that works best for all types of trailer decks.

3. Resistant to Chemicals

Automobile and utility trailers carrying cars and other vehicles may a lot of oil and chemical spills. Being tenacious, rubber surfaces can withstand the damage caused by such chemicals, thus ensuring your trailer is in good condition for many years to come.

4. Skid Resistant

Rubber has a high coefficient of friction when compared to other trailer deck surfacing materials like wood and metal. Hence, it’s highly skid resistant. This property of rubber will come in handy when your trailer’s being used for hauling livestock.

An unstable trailer deck flooring can make the animals nervous during transportation, causing them to trip and injure themselves. Choosing a non-skid surface like wet-pour rubber can offer them enough traction for a safe and comfortable journey. Get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing for more information on safety rubber surfacing for your trailer.

5. Noise Canceling Surface

Heavy machinery and cargo tend to get noisy when being hauled around. Hence, you need a noise-canceling surface like rubber that absorbs the sound echo and prevents the transmission of sound. Hence, rubber surfaces are a great choice for utility and automobile trailers.

6. Impervious to Moisture

Accidental spills are quite common in trailers, especially if it’s livestock or an RV trailer. Trapped moisture can ruin the underlying structural components of your trailer, attracting repair and maintenance costs.

Rubber, being impervious to moisture doesn’t let it seep through to the underlying structure. So, unlike surfaces like wood, you do not have to worry about immediately drying out the area.

7. Inhospitable to Pathogens

Rubber is not an ideal material for the growth and proliferation of pathogens. Hence, it serves as a hygienic surface for trailers carrying livestock, thereby preventing the spread of infections and upholding their wellbeing.

8. Aesthetically Pleasing

Rubber surfacing is available in a variety of colors and patterns. So, installing poured-in-place rubber surfacing will give your trailer a new and attractive look. If you own an RV or a mobile home trailer, you must go for an attractive rubber surfacing that complements the overall appearance of your trailer.

Summing Up

From harsh weather conditions to heavy loads, trailer floors see a lot of routine wear and tear. Hence, it’s important to choose the trailer deck surfacing wisely.

If you are convinced that rubber is an ideal material for your trailer, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing’s team of flooring experts. We will understand your requirements and suggest the most suitable solution for your trailer. Get in touch with us now!

Typically, homes in the US lose a lot of heat produced by the HVAC systems on account of poor insulation. No one likes a cold home. So, most Americans set their thermostat settings high to compensate for the heat loss. This leads to a wastage of energy and an increase in household utility bills.

The US Energy Information Administration shares that heating and cooling costs account for 32% of a household’s electricity consumption. Finding ways to insulate the house can significantly reduce heat loss and slash your heating and cooling bills.

Flooring is a critical component of home insulation that’s missed out by most home improvement professionals. An insulated flooring like rubber works well with other elements like centralized heating, insulated walls, and sealed windows to make a space warm and inviting. This considerably brings down the heating and cooling costs.

Besides, rubber is a versatile flooring material for indoor and outdoor areas as it’s durable, low-maintenance, and safe because of its skid-resistant properties. No wonder, it’s found several applications in the residential setting.

Installing rubber surfacing is the best decision you can make if you are considering warming up your abode. Read on to know why it makes sense to install rubber surfacing when undertaking a home insulation project.

1. Prevents Heat Loss

Rubber is a poor conductor of heat or an excellent insulator. In rubber, the electrons are tightly bound; hence, they aren’t free for heat conduction. The R-value, a term used to describe the thermal resistance, of rubber is high. So, rubber surfaces don’t allow heat conduction, keeping indoors warm and cozy.

For instance, concrete surfaces or tiled floors lose more heat compared to poured-in-place rubber surfaces. Rubber’s high R-value stops heat from escaping an area through the dense surface.

Moreover, if your home has sealed windows (to stop the cold draft), the dead air and the rubber surface work together to arrest the heat conduction, thereby radiating the heat back into the rooms.

Installing rubber surfacing creates a thermal barrier to the cold subfloor, retaining the heat. The surface holds up to extreme temperature variations; hence, considerably less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.

2. Creates a Vapor Barrier

Water vapor not just damages homes (because of issues like mildew) but also ruins the effectiveness of your air sealing and insulation efforts. This can completely disrupt your utility budget. Hence, it’s critical to control the moisture in homes.

Insulation in the form of rubber surfaces creates a vapor barrier and reduces the heat transfer or flow. Rubber is impervious to moisture. This prevents moisture from entering your home and arrests the ensuing heat loss. This property of rubber is especially beneficial for homes with cold basements.

Moreover, because rubber is inhospitable to microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, it maintains a hygienic indoor environment. Rubber surfaces also prevent issues like mildew or mold that can damage the subfloor and the home’s foundation.

3. Keeps the Home Cool in Summers

Besides preventing heat loss and keeping the indoors warm, rubber surfacing also helps keep the indoor temperature pleasant during summer. It’s a known fact that hot air rises, especially through unprotected flooring.

So, if the temperature outside is high, rubber flooring will prevent this phenomenon as it forms a barrier between the ground beneath you and the subfloor. This will keep your indoors cool and comfortable. Moreover, your HVAC will not have to overwork, thus reducing your electricity expenses.

Signs That Your Home Requires Rubber Flooring Insulation

How can you determine if your home is under-insulated? When should you consider installing flooring insulation? Here are a few tell-tale signs that your home needs extra insulation in the form of rubber surfacing.

• Fluctuating temperatures in different rooms
• Rooms get excessively hot in summers
• Rooms are cold regardless of the HVAC being on
• Cold floors
• High energy bills
• Frozen underground pipes

Don’t wait for these signs! It’s wise to proactively consider a rubber flooring installation to keep your home warm and protect it from any damage.

Summing Up

When undertaking a home insulation project, flooring insulation is often overlooked. Unfortunately, most homes in the US have gaps for the heat to escape, one of which is the flooring.

Installing flooring like poured-in-place rubber surfacing can greatly reduce heat loss through floors and go a long way in keeping your indoors warm and comfortable. Moreover, rubber surfaces are durable, comforting underfoot, and easy to clean and maintain. These surfaces are safe for homes with pets, kids, and seniors as they are skid-resistant and provide adequate cushioning in case of a slip or a fall.

If you are considering insulating your home for the chilly winters, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing. Our team specializes in installing insulating rubber surfaces. Call us now on + (1) 303 424 7905. Our team is here to help!

Summers and swimming pools are like synonyms. At this point, we can’t imagine summers without swimming pools. There’s nothing as refreshing as taking a dip in a swimming pool during the scorching heat of summers. A well-built pool along with a well-designed, safe, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable pool deck is all you need to have great and safe summers.

If you actually think about it, people spend more time on their pool decks than in the actual swimming pool. So, having a good pool deck is quite crucial to hang out, socialize, and spend time with your family and friends. Pool decks also determine the overall appearance of your pool.

Hence, when you plan and design your pool deck, carefully consider all the available options before making the final decision. Generally, people end up choosing materials and design for a fancy pool deck over a durable one that requires more maintenance and blows up your budget.

But worry not! We are going to share 6 out-of-this-world pool deck design tips that will help you build a gorgeous pool deck for the summer of 2021.

6 Pool Deck Design Tips to Escape the Summer Heat

1. Adding Water Features

To make your pool and pool deck fancier and more enjoyable, you can add water features like cascading waterfalls, fountains, scones, bubblers, deck jets, and whatnot. By adding these water features, you get to have a better sensory experience as water in motion is relaxing to hear and beautiful to look at.

To decide on the water feature for your pool, consider your pool’s proportion and scale and your budget. You don’t want to overshoot your budget or end up with a monumental water feature while your pool is quite small.

Our readers also liked: 50 Amazing Water Feature Ideas for Your Swimming Pool

2. Blend Nature with Your Pool

If you have a stone or a wooden pool deck, then ask your contractor to add some greenery around it as plants will add quite a visual contrast to your pool deck. You can go one step further by adding flowers, trees, exotic plants to give the landscape around your pool deck a magnificent look.

Trees also provide the necessary shade and cool breeze during summers which means you are going to enjoy your pool a great deal. One other benefit of adding trees to the landscape around your pool is privacy. You can ask your contractor to add trees like a boundary, making your swimming pool and pool deck area a private space.

3. Light it up

What’s more calming than sipping your favorite drink in your pool while there’s a cool breeze dancing with your trees and your pool deck and the landscape around is lit up with these yellowish fairy lights?

By adding lights, you are making it perfect for taking a night swim and frankly, everyone just LOVE night swims. Most importantly, you can host sundowner parties after adding soothing ambient lights around your pool deck.

Here’s how you can go about adding lights to your pool deck area:

• Add lighting in your water features
• Use spotlights or well lights to uplight or downlight your trees and plants
• Use path or hardscape lights to light the path to your pool

If you have an existing pool, lighting up might require a bit of a process where you will have to empty your pool and then install required wires within pool walls.

Our readers also liked: A Beginner’s Guide to Pool Landscape Lighting

4. Tile Your Deck

To add a cool, elegant look to your pool deck, use tiles. It is the easiest and quickest material to install and work with when you are going for pool deck resurfacing. It can be used on any existing surface like wood, concrete, bare ground.

There are many self-adhesive tiles available in the market or you can always use concrete or gout to set them around your pool area.

Tiles are versatile as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. So, get on your creative hats to give your pool deck a unique look.

Best Material to Tile Your Pool Deck

Usually, people prefer brick and ceramic tiles for pool decks. Tiles are the most preferred because of their finished appearance and longevity.

Brick is also a durable material used for pool borders.

For more information, read this detailed article on materials to use for the swimming pool resurfacing.

5. Add a Room or Seating Area on Pool Deck

There’s nothing like relaxing in a well-built, well-lit, and ambient seating area after a swim. By adding an outdoor room or seating area, you are basically bringing your favorite room right to your pool deck. Such a room is a great place to socialize with your friends and families and throw intimate parties.

For building a cozy indoor-outdoor seating area, add a custom fireplace and deep-seating patio furniture. If you love enjoying your meals around the pool area, then make sure to add an outdoor dining area with a table that is large enough to accommodate your extended family or close group of friends.

If your budget allows, you can always add a small gourmet kitchen right next to the dining area to make carrying food easier. Adding a kitchen further enhances your outdoor seating area/room.

6. Build a Sun Deck

Sun decks are the best to have a quiet and relaxing time near the pool. Sun deck is the best place near the pool to unwind, soak in the sun, and cool off after your swim. Lined with rows of luxurious outdoor chairs, a sun deck can give your swimming pool a resort or hotel-like look. You can also have an in-pool sun deck as a poolside lounging area.

To build the right sun deck or an outdoor seating area, picking the right patio furniture is essential. Here are quick tips to pick the right patio furniture for your pool deck.

• List down all your needs
• Try every piece of furniture before buying
• Always go for easy-to-care outdoor furniture
• Have a storage space to store your patio furniture in the off-season
• Match the color of your furniture with your outdoor decor
• Add rugs for more comfort
• Invest in quality furniture

Lastly,

To enjoy your swimming pool and poolside area fully, keep them tidy and clean. There’s nothing more upsetting than seeing a dirty pool when you feel like taking a quick swim in your pool.

If you’re a fitness buff looking to turn your passion into profit, launching your own gym or fitness center is definitely worth considering.

As of 2020, the global gym industry was worth $96.7 billion with more than 184 million gym members in total. What’s more, nearly 64.19 million Americans belong to one gym or another.

So with the right blend of skills, training, and commitment, launching a gym or fitness center can be an amazing business move.

However, just because the industry is juicy and you’re passionate does not mean you should dive in without any planning.

Not to mention the still raging COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the gym and fitness industry — owing to the compulsory closure of such establishments and social distancing guidelines.

But once the world comes back to normalcy, rest assured that the fitness industry will bounce back stronger than ever before, with people wanting to get back in shape and become their best selves.

Thus, owning a gym or fitness center in the post-pandemic world is a sensible and lucrative idea, provided you equip yourself with the right knowledge first.

Here are the basic steps involved in launching your own fitness facility.

Step #1: Tackle the Legal Obligations

First off, you’ll have to take care of the legal hurdles that any new entrepreneur faces when launching a business. This includes:

Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Gyms have to pay taxes to the federal government, which means, like many other businesses, that gyms should have an EIN. This is an easy process, and the application can be filled out online.

Applying for a business license: You need proper licensing to operate your gym legally. Different states have different requirements for which specific licenses are required to own and operate a gym. You’ll find this information via the Small Business Administration.

Registering for taxes: Besides federal taxes, the tax situation at the local level depends upon the location of your gym and can vary based on state tax laws. You’ll have to consult your state and local tax agencies for exact tax registration information.

Registering your business name: Again, as with most businesses, gyms are required to register the name of their business in order to operate legally, and the exact process varies based on the locality.

Getting insurance: Insurance is crucial in the gym business as people are going to be doing high-intensity exercises in your facility, which means injury (and even death) is always a possibility even if thorough safety measures are taken. So it’s wise to opt for liability insurance along with the inclusion of a clause in members’ contracts preventing them from suing in the event of self-caused injury.

These are a few of the initial legal requirements you need to check off before you can get the show on the road.

Step #2: Get Your Accreditation

While you don’t compulsorily need to obtain a professional fitness qualification before starting your own gym, accreditation from groups like The American Council on Exercise or the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association would surely boost your credibility in the eyes of customers and make it easier to get a business loan.

Getting certified as a trainer also allows you to try out such a role in a test environment and make contacts and develop an initial client base that may ultimately become your gym’s first members.

Step #3: Determine Your Fitness Niche

Based on your interests and experience, you can either go for a general-purpose gym or a specialty fitness center.

The latter could focus on a specific fitness activity like yoga, aerobics, pilates, calisthenics, etc. You can offer classes during the week based on different levels of client fitness. You’ll also need to hire certified instructors.

Whereas a traditional gym offers a variety of workout options with strength and cardio equipment, personal fitness coaching, and amenities like a sauna for an additional fee.

Step #4: Have Your Finances in Order

Unless you’re sitting on a good inheritance, you’ll need to find financing for your new business.

Leasing the space for your gym, purchasing equipment, hiring staff, monthly maintenance, and registration fees are some of the cost barriers you need to tackle.

So once you know the type of fitness center you’ll set up, you’ll need to either find investors or get a small business loan.

Either way, you’ll have to provide a well-crafted business plan that clearly explains how the business plans to become profitable, otherwise, the investors or loan providers are unlikely to fund your venture.

Step #5: Find the Right Location

Your gym’s success has a lot to do with its location and is a key aspect of your business plan. Start by conducting thorough market research about your potential customer base’s demographics.

Parking and public transport convenience are important to most gym members, so try and find a location that’s easily accessible by car, foot, and public transport. Also, besides easy accessibility, the best gym locations are in localities where there is demand for a gym that isn’t being filled or the competition with other fitness centers is minimal.

It’s safe to say that a great location is worth paying more money upfront as your business will get more attention and foot traffic, leading to more customers.

Step #6: Source Your Equipment and Staff

Once you have the financing and location decided, your next step is to turn the empty space into an energetic one.

For a typical gym, this requires a ton of equipment. From basic free-weight equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, and a variety of racks to cardio equipment like bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines — stocking up your gym won’t be cheap. Don’t forget isolation machines like Leg press, lat pulldown, chest fly, and so on.

In the case of a specialized fitness center, the equipment costs may be fewer but hiring experienced and certified instructors for leading the classes in a studio space can be just as pricey. Also, you need to ensure all safety precautions are taken in the layout design, including gym rubber flooring to minimize the potential for slip/fall accidents.

When hiring trainers, make sure to look at their qualifications and background. Vet each individual to ensure they’re friendly, open, and personable and possess strong knowledge of anatomy and fitness practices.

Step #7: Market Your Fitness Center

With everything set up, you’re ready to bring in customers to your new facility. Now it’s all down to marketing your new business strategically in order to drive the best possible foot traffic.

It certainly helps to have an initial client base from your initial personal training efforts, but you need to have a well-thought-out marketing plan to continually build your customer base and stay on track for revenue growth.

Being a local business, your marketing plan must ideally include a mix of traditional offline advertising (flyers, posters, newspaper ads, etc.) and online marketing using social media, local Google My Business listing, pay-per-click (PPC) ads on search engines, and more.

You can also promote free guest passes, membership discounts, and other incentives to attract new members.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it. These are the basic steps involved in launching a gym or fitness center. Of course, you’ll face your own unique challenges that aren’t part of the equation. But being into fitness, you’ll be sure to roll with the punches, wouldn’t you?

Oh, and once you get your business plan off the ground and need help with your fitness center’s flooring, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing. Our team of experts would love to hear from you!

Equestrian sport professionals, jockeys, and people in the business of horse-riding instruction invest a lot of resources to ensure that their horses are taken care of. But if the horse doesn’t perform well, they tend to blame the animal.

However, there’s more than meets the eye.

Factors, such as the equestrian arena surface affect a horse’s performance and confidence. This factor is often overlooked. Hence, it’s critical to install and maintain a comfortable arena surface that prevents injuries in horses and allows optimum performance.

Building an effective and safe equestrian arena is more than just creating a perimeter and erecting fences around it. There’s a whole science behind making these spaces safe, durable, and consistent for sports horses.

In this post, we will offer all the information you need to choose an ideal surface for your equestrian arena. Let’s begin with understanding how the arena surface affects a horse’s performance and health.

How Arena Surfaces Impact Sports Horse’s Performance

An arena surface is a place where sports horses spend most of their time. Hence, the surface you opt for should be deformable enough to absorb the energy impact. Further, it should offer enough spring for the horse to move around with ease.

To understand the interaction between the arena surface and your equine partner, let’s look at the three phases of a horse’s footfall.

• Landing Phase

During this phase, the hoof touches the ground and comes to a stop, sliding forward and downward into the surface. This causes the bones in the horse’s leg to collide, causing shock waves and vibrations (concussions). These shock waves are distributed through the surface and the leg.

• Loading Phase

Here, the hoof is carrying the entire weight of the horse and the rider. The fetlock and flexor tendons absorb the shock and the pressure under the frog (the part of a horse’s hoof, located on the underside) stimulates blood circulation through the hoof. The loaded weight changes as per the activity like landing from a jump or galloping.

• Rollover Phase

During this phase, the heel rotates off the surface, pushing the horse into the next stride.

An ideal arena surfacing will support the horse through these three phases while minimizing concussion, absorbing shock, and returning energy to the horse. Any surface that’s too hard, uneven, or loose (dusty or shifting) can steal the horse’s confidence in their strides, eventually landing them at a vet’s clinic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Horse Arena Surface

Arena surfaces are constantly influenced by surface irregularities, compaction, drainage issues, and climatic conditions. A surface that’s too hard and irregular could injure horses, negatively impacting their performance and health.

For instance, an uneven arena surface could lead to tentativeness of footing, thus causing bone, joint, and hoof injuries.

As mentioned earlier, a suitable arena surface should support the horse through all the footfall stages. For this reason, the surface should offer a combination of firmness, cushioning, cupping, rebound, and traction.

1. Firmness

The firmness of a surface determines the level of support and shock absorption it will offer to the horse. A hard and compact surface like packed clay or concrete offers adequate support but will not absorb the shock, causing the horse to modify its stride.

Similarly, a soft surface like dry rolling sand lacks support, leading to damage to the supporting tendon, ligaments, and muscles.

2. Cushioning

The ability of a surface to dampen shock during the loading phase is referred to as cushioning. A hard and compact surface lacks adequate cushioning, thus leading to stress when the hoof is loaded with the horse’s weight.

On the other hand, soft and loose surfaces offer too much cushioning (but no support!). Thus, the horse’s body has to work hard to get support and energy. This results in inflammation and ligament tear.

An ideal arena surface can offer adequate support and cushion, thus providing enough resistance under the hoof and allowing the horse to effortlessly move to the roll-over phase.

3. Cupping

The frog in the horse’s hoof has a big role to play in improving the blood supply to the hoof capsule and up the leg. This process is referred to as the hoof mechanism. The type of arena surface you opt for should support this mechanism.

A hard surface will cause minimal frog contact, affecting the blood supply to the hoof capsule. This causes issues, such as navicular disease and laminitis. A soft surface, on the other hand, will not offer enough resistance to maximize the hoof mechanism.

Opt for a surface that cups into the sole and the frog, thus encouraging adequate blood flow through the hoof capsule and the legs.

4. Rebound

Rebound refers to the return of energy to the horse after the weight is applied. A hard surface will return energy too quickly, causing additional shock that will be taken by the horse, causing injuries.

A soft surface will return energy too slowly, forcing the horse to use its energy to push ahead. This can strain the horse’s respiratory system and injure its muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Hence, you need a springy surface like rubber that rebounds energy at the same rate as it’s applied.

5. Traction

Adequate traction is needed to absorb the shock during the landing phase and get maximum traction during the rollover phase. Too much grip will stop the horse too quickly. It can prevent the toe from rotating on the surface for the rollover phase, straining the leg muscles.

Also, a slippery surface will cause the hoof to slide, lowering the confidence and performance of the horse and increasing the risk of skids.

Besides the above-mentioned factors, an ideal arena surface should be durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Rubber Surfacing: An Ideal Choice for Equestrian Arenas

When we consider the features of an ideal equine arena surface, rubber surfacing seems to fit the bill. Here’s why rubber surfaces are being increasingly preferred for horse-riding arenas.

• Versatility

Rubber surfaces are ideal for a horse arena (regardless of the discipline) as they uphold the horse’s health and performance.

For instance, these surfaces offer secure footing (not too deep or too firm) for dressage horses. They provide a stable surface for jumpers, allowing them to turn quickly without skidding. Similarly, horses involved in arena polo need a surface that allows swift movement and maximum grip. Rubber surfaces are ideal for these arenas too.

Thus, rubber surfacing is a versatile surface option, well suited for all the disciplines mentioned above.

• Excellent Traction

Rubber has a low coefficient of friction and is well-known for the grip it offers. Being active and springy, rubber surfaces allow the hoof to slide and get enough stability. The surface isn’t harsh on the bones and joints of the horse as it reduces concussion.

• Good Shock-Absorbing Potential

Rubber surfaces provide an optimal level of shock absorption and return adequate energy to the horse. This is key to boosting the equine’s performance and reducing the risk of injuries to its bones and joints.

• High Durability and Low Maintenance

Rubber surfaces are resilient to heavy hoof traffic and the wear and tear due to everyday riding. Moreover, the surface requires minimum maintenance. In case of damage, you can always get in touch with a local rubber surfacing installer who will refurbish the area within no time.

Summing Up

Installing a well-engineered arena surface like rubber surfacing is critical for the health and performance of your equine friends. Since rubber surfaces are durable and offer high traction and adequate cushioning, they reduce injuries and boost the horse’s performance.

If you are considering a horse arena resurfacing, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing. Our team specializes in installing rubber surfaces for equestrian arenas. Contact us today for building a safe and durable arena.

America is a nation of pet-lovers! A recent survey by the American Pet Products Association revealed that nearly two-thirds of the US population (85 million families) own at least one pet.

And why not?

Pets make amazing companions! Isn’t it awesome to have a four-legged companion by your side, always! It’s comforting to have someone who’s always looking forward to seeing you?

As a pet parent, you’d do everything in your capacity to make life comfortable for them. Then why not start from the ground up? The flooring of your home plays a critical role in their well-being. A hard flooring, for instance, can take a toll on their delicate paws and leg joints.

On the other hand, their hard claws can easily damage your home’s flooring, especially when they aren’t trimmed regularly. Hence, the surface you install should stand up to such pet-induced wear and tear. Besides, the flooring should be easy to clean with minimum need for upkeep.

Here are a few attributes you should consider when looking for an ideal pet-friendly surfacing.

A – Durability

If you’ve got paws on your property, it pays to install durable and high-performance flooring. Those four-legged furballs can wreak havoc on a flooring that cannot stand up to scratches, heavy foot (and paw!) traffic, stains, and other forms of damage caused by pets.

For instance, dogs and cats possess natural clawing and scratching instincts, causing damage to any surface. Hence, durability should be the first thing to consider when choosing a suitable flooring for a household with pets.

B – Comfort

Pets are so like kids. They love to play and are high on energy. Hence, the surface that they stand and run on all day should be comfortable and absorb the impact of slips and falls.

For instance, choosing a hard flooring like ceramic or stone can injure their paws and cause joint pains in the long term. Hence, it’s advisable to opt for a flooring that upholds the health and comfort of your pets.

C – Traction

Pets, like humans, often lose their balance. In such cases, they should be able to rely on their paws and not slip or skid. Skidding is particularly bothersome for homes with older pets.

For instance, a laminate or high-gloss surface offers little or no grip, making it impossible for pets to move around freely. Pets often feel unsafe on such surfaces. You may even notice a change in their gait as they have to use too many muscles when moving around on such surfaces.

An ideal pet-friendly surface will have a good grip or offer high traction, protecting your pets from injuries.

D – Ease of Cleaning and Upkeep

Pets are adorable; yet, there are so many not-so-attractive qualities that pet parents need to manage to keep their homes in order. For instance, shedding hair, dirty paws, and smelly accidents are common in households with pets.

So, you need to have a surface that’s easy to clean. Imagine having a wall-to-wall carpet in your rooms. Though carpets are soft underfoot and offer excellent grip they aren’t hygienic and practical in homes with pets. So, if you have carpet flooring in your home, it’s time to consider a resurfacing project.

Transform your home into a pet-friendly abode by investing in a surface that’s easy to clean and maintain.

E – Noise Resistance

All pet parents love to see their pets moving around the house. However, at times, the constant pitter-patter of their claws on hard floors can be annoying. It almost sounds like a stampede of elephants when anyone is sleeping or trying to focus on something important.

Hence, it’s ideal to install a quiet surface that absorbs and arrests the transmission of sound waves. The flooring you choose should able to absorb –

• Impact sound: The sounds of things hitting the flooring. For instance, your pet’s claws hitting against the surface.
• Transmission sound: The sounds of conversations, television, or music.

 

Rubber Surfacing: A Pawsome Candidate for Homes with Pets

When we consider the above-mentioned criteria, rubber surfacing seems to be the clear winner. Let’s see why rubber surfaces make an ideal pet-friendly flooring option.

1. They Are Durable, Soft, and Comfortable

Ironically, an ideal pet-friendly surface should be durable yet soft and forgiving in case of a skid or fall. In fact, in most flooring options, soft does not necessarily translate into long-term durability. However, rubber surfaces are an exception here.

Rubber floors can stand up to the routine wear and tear caused by pets while protecting them from serious injuries and joint pains. It’s a pliable surfacing option that’s tough and easy on their paws and feet.

Further, unlike stone or ceramic, rubber surfaces aren’t hard or cold. Pets tend to feel cold in their paws as the blood circulation in this area is lesser than the rest of the body. So, a hard and cold surface isn’t suitable for pets, especially those having arthritic paws.

Pets tend to stay in the room their parents occupy. So, if your room’s flooring is stone or ceramic, your furry pal will lie there, causing their muscles to get stiff and sore. Being soft by nature, rubber floors offer adequate support to pets, allowing them to move around or sit comfortably.

2. They Offer Great Traction

Rubber has a high coefficient of friction, making rubber floors a non-skid surface. The flooring material resists motion; hence, no moving object can slide past the surface easily. Rubber surfaces are non-skid even in wet conditions. Isn’t that great news for water-loving pets?

Install poured-in-place rubber surfacing today, to create a safe and enjoyable environment for your furry companions.

3. They Are Easy to Clean and Maintain

As mentioned earlier, floors that are frequented by pets see a lot of dander, stains, spills, pet messes, and dirt. Hence, cleaning and maintaining the space is a huge task.

Rubber surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. All you need is a mild soap solution and a mop.

Moreover, any flooring with open and wide seams is never a good idea for homes with pets. Seams not just allow moisture and dirt to settle but also promote the growth of mildew and bacteria.

With rubber surfacing, you do not need to worry about letting moisture (spills or urine) linger for too long. Since poured-in-place rubber surfaces are seamless, they do not let moisture seep through to the subfloor.

Finally, rubber surfaces need minimal upkeep as they are resistant to routine wear. Even in case of a scratch or damage, all you need to do is call a local rubber surfacing expert. They’ll inspect the area and repair it in no time!

4. They Possess Noise-Cancelling Properties

Rubber surfacing can soak in sound waves and prevent them from bouncing around the area. This makes the space quieter even when your pet runs around the room.

Summing Up

Only a pet parent can understand how much trouble pets can get into if the flooring isn’t pet-friendly. Selecting a flooring option that stands up to a comfortable life with your four-legged family member can be a tricky decision. However, we are sure that the information shared above has convinced you of how rubber surfacing is ideal for families with pets.

If you are considering a rubber flooring project to transform your home into a pet-friendly haven, get in touch with River Rock Resurfacing. Our team of experts would love to hear from you!