Aacer® Sports Flooring

Technical Precision in Athletic Surfaces: A Comprehensive Guide to Aacer® Sports Flooring Systems

Introduction

Aacer® Sports Flooring, a brand of Infinity Wood Floors, stands as a premier manufacturer of high-performance hardwood flooring systems designed specifically for the rigorous demands of the sports and recreation industry. Headquartered in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, the brand is rooted in a region known for producing the world’s finest Northern Hard Maple. For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, Aacer® represents more than just a surface; it is an engineered system that balances biomechanical performance with environmental stewardship. Their mission centers on precision milling and innovative subfloor engineering to ensure long-term dimensional stability and athlete safety.

Product and System Range

The foundation of the Aacer® product line is Northern Hard Maple (Acer saccharum), a species preferred for its extreme density and fine grain. Aacer® Sports Flooring products are categorized by their subfloor architecture, which dictates how the floor reacts to athletic loads and environmental changes.

• Floating Systems: These systems, such as the AacerCush and ScissorLoc™, are not mechanically fastened to the concrete substrate. They allow for natural expansion and contraction, making them ideal for facilities with fluctuating humidity levels. ScissorLoc™, a patented technology, provides a solid-feel underfoot while maintaining high levels of airflow through the subfloor.
• Fixed Resilient Systems: Combining the stability of anchored floors with the shock absorption of floating systems, these are often specified for high-competition arenas. The AacerChannel™ system utilizes steel channels and clips to secure the floor while allowing for vertical resiliency.
• Fixed Systems: Systems like AacerBase are directly fastened to the slab. While offering less shock absorption, they provide maximum stability and are frequently utilized in stages, dance studios, or multi-purpose rooms where heavy equipment or rolling loads are common.
• Synthetic Options: Beyond wood, Aacer® offers high-quality synthetic surfaces for field houses and tracks, providing a versatile portfolio for multi-sport complexes.

Design and Aesthetic Impact

While performance is paramount, Aacer® systems offer significant design flexibility. The visual characteristics of Northern Hard Maple—ranging from the creamy white of 1st Grade maple to the variegated, character-rich 3rd Grade—allow designers to influence the "energy" of a space. 1st Grade maple provides a uniform, high-contrast canvas for court branding and logos, while lower grades offer a biophilic aesthetic that highlights the natural growth patterns of the timber.

The brand supports contemporary design trends by offering various slat widths and finishes that can be customized to match a facility's branding. In modern architectural projects, these wood systems serve as a warm, organic counterpoint to industrial materials like steel and glass, contributing to a balanced and inviting interior environment.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

For the specification professional, technical data is the deciding factor. Aacer® systems are designed to meet and exceed DIN 18032 Part 2 and EN 14904 international standards. Key performance metrics include:

• Shock Absorption (Force Reduction): Systems are engineered to absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of long-term joint injuries for athletes.
• Ball Rebound: Aacer® ensures consistent ball response across the entire surface, eliminating "dead spots" through precision-engineered subfloor spacing.
• Vibration Control: Patented damping technologies minimize the transfer of vibration, which is critical in multi-level facilities.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Aacer® brand. As an MFMA (Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association) member mill, they adhere to strict environmental standards. Their wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests north of the 35th parallel, where shorter growing seasons produce denser wood. Aacer® holds FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification and offers products that contribute to LEED credits through regional material sourcing, certified wood content, and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes. The Aacer ECO Pad further demonstrates their commitment by incorporating recycled materials into the resilient components of the subfloor.

Professional Application Scenarios

Facility managers and architects typically specify Aacer® Sports Flooring in three primary scenarios:

• Elite Competition Venues: Where TV-ready aesthetics and maximum force reduction are required, fixed resilient systems like UltraFlex™ are the standard choice.
• Educational K-12 Gymnasiums: For these high-traffic, multi-use environments, floating systems like AacerCush offer a cost-effective balance of durability and safety.
• Urban Retrofits: In older buildings with slab moisture issues, the ScissorLoc™ system is often specified due to its superior subfloor ventilation capabilities, which protect the wood from moisture-related warping.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Aacer® Sports Flooring provides a sophisticated intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. By offering specification-ready flooring systems that prioritize athlete safety, design adaptability, and ecological responsibility, Aacer® remains a top-tier choice for commercial and institutional projects. For architects and designers looking to integrate these high-performance materials into their next project, the next step involves reviewing detailed system CAD drawings and performance data. Professionals are encouraged to visit the official Aacer® website to request physical samples, consult with a technical sales representative, or download architectural specifications to ensure the optimal system is selected for their unique facility requirements.

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