• The Complete Guide to Squash Court Flooring Maintenance • December 9th, 2025
A well-maintained squash court floor helps everyone play at their best. With the right routine, you can protect your investment, keep players safe, and make sure your courts are always ready for use. Regular care means fewer injuries, better matches, and much less hassle when it comes to repairs or downtime.
Most UK squash courts use specialist timber sports flooring because it’s tough and designed for the demands of fast-paced play. These floors will last, but only if you keep up with the right cleaning and maintenance, both day-to-day and in the long run.
Almost every club and facility in the UK uses sprung timber floors for squash. These floors absorb impact, give reliable bounce, and protect players’ joints. Correct installation matters, not just for comfort and safety, but for the way the ball moves and the game feels. While most courts use solid timber, some venues have engineered alternatives. Whatever you’re working with, regular care is essential.
Your floors should meet England Squash and EN14904 standards. That means the right level of grip, resilience, and shock absorption, key for player safety and court performance.
Once you know your floor’s material and standards, you can put the right cleaning routine in place to keep it performing at its best
Squash courts see a lot of action, so dust and sweat build up quickly. Staying on top of daily cleaning keeps your floor in good shape and helps avoid problems later.
For daily cleaning, follow these steps:
Sweep or vacuum the whole floor to remove dust and grit, focusing on corners and entry points.
Use a microfibre mop (not too wet) with a COSHH-compliant, pH-neutral cleaning solution for a quick once-over.
Wipe up marks, sweat, and spills right away to prevent slips and keep the court looking its best.
For engineered or synthetic surfaces, check with your flooring supplier or speak to our team for advice.
A regular deep clean helps the floor keep its grip and last longer.
Each week, mop the court with a slightly damp microfibre mop and a sports floor cleaner. Use as little water as possible, timber floors don’t cope well with too much moisture.
Every month, look out for stubborn scuff marks or streaks. Use a soft, non-abrasive pad and specialist cleaning product if you need to, but never use metal scrapers.
Keep an eye out for early signs of moisture damage, soft spots, discolouration, or loose boards.
As part of your monthly routine, run through this quick checklist:
Look for any worn patches or dull spots.
Check for gaps, loose boards, or squeaks.
Make sure line markings are clear.
Monitor humidity levels to avoid warping or moisture damage.
Grip is everything in squash, so act fast if you notice any change in surface feel.
Even with the best cleaning routine, every squash court will eventually need professional maintenance.
Sanding and sealing: If you notice less grip, a dull finish, or deep scuffs, it’s probably time for sanding and resealing. Most courts need this every 7 to 10 years. High-traffic courts might need it more often.
Spot repairs: You can use a repair kit for small dents or scratches, but leave anything larger to a specialist.
Full refurbishment: If you’re dealing with water damage, severe wear, or faded line markings, a full refurbishment will restore your court and help it last for years.
For more details on materials and services, visit our Timber Sports Flooring, or get in touch if you’d like some advice.
Line markings matter just as much as the surface itself. They need to be clear, bright, and match England Squash standards.
Inspect lines regularly, especially after sanding or deep cleans. Re-mark when needed.
Only use approved paints, others can affect grip and durability.
Don’t use too much water. Timber floors will warp or get damaged if exposed to too much moisture.
Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals. Stick with pH-neutral, COSHH-approved products.
Address issues early. Small problems are always easier and cheaper to fix right away.
Make sure everyone uses clean, non-marking indoor squash shoes. Outdoor or dirty shoes, or those with black soles, will damage your floor and reduce grip
A few simple habits will help your squash court last:
Use entrance mats to stop grit and moisture before they get onto the court.
Ask players to change into clean squash shoes right before stepping onto the floor.
Monitor temperature and humidity to prevent timber movement and surface issues.
Keep a log of your cleaning and maintenance checks, spotting patterns early can save a lot of trouble down the line.
The changes in UK weather can have a big impact on your squash court floor. Here’s what to keep in mind throughout the year:
Winter: Indoor humidity often drops when the heating is on, which can cause timber floors to dry out and shrink. Check for gaps and monitor humidity, aiming to keep the court at a steady 40–60%. Using a humidifier may help if your venue tends to get very dry.
Spring & Summer: Warmer, wetter weather can bring extra moisture into the building, especially if people track in rain or if ventilation is poor. Make sure entrance mats are in place and keep an eye out for signs of swelling or “cupping” in the boards.
Autumn: This season can bring fluctuating humidity and plenty of debris from outside. Clean entrance mats more often and look out for early signs of mould or dampness near doors and walls.
Adapting your maintenance routine with the seasons helps keep your court stable, safe, and looking its best all year round.
Most day-to-day cleaning and minor fixes can be handled by your in-house team, but there are times when it’s best to bring in specialist help. Consider calling in the professionals if:
The floor has lost its grip, feels uneven, or looks dull even after regular cleaning.
You notice signs of water damage, like soft spots, warping, or discolouration.
There are deep scuffs or gouges.
Line markings are faded, peeling, or need reapplying to competition standard.
Routine maintenance hasn’t solved the issue, or you’re unsure what’s needed next.
Getting expert support early can often prevent bigger problems and save you money in the long run. For tailored advice or to book a visit, just get in touch with our team.
Looking after your squash court floor doesn’t need to be complicated. With regular cleaning, routine checks, and the right care, you’ll keep your court safe, high-performing, and looking its best for years to come. And if you ever need advice or a professional opinion, we're here to help.
Most courts need sanding and resealing every 7 to 10 years. If your court gets a lot of use, you might need to do it sooner.
Sweep or vacuum daily, mop with a barely damp microfibre mop and pH-neutral cleaner and clean up spills right away.
No. Use specialist, COSHH-compliant, pH-neutral products. Standard cleaners can damage the floor and make it slippery.
Chalk, sweat, the wrong shoes, or using harsh cleaning chemicals are the usual suspects. Deal with issues quickly.
If the floor feels slippery, looks dull, has big marks, or you see signs of water damage, it’s a good idea to book a professional visit. You can learn more on our Sports Floor Maintenance or Sports Floor Refurbishment pages or just get in touch for help.
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