Frequently Asked Questions

What type of floor is best for my dance studio?

The type of marley to install in a studio is dependent on many factors. Gerriets offers floors that range from specialized tap marleys to all-purpose marleys used for various types of dance. Gerriets Dance Floors representatives are here to help, and can send free samples to help you decide!

How do I know which marley and sprung floor to purchase?

That’s what we’re here for! Choosing the right floor can feel overwhelming, but our team makes the process easy. Consider which dance styles the space will be used for, whether the floor will be installed semi-permanently or permanently, and the size of your room. With this information, we can guide you to the best flooring option for your needs.

How much does a dance floor cost?

Because every space is unique, floor pricing varies by type, size, and location. Contact us for a customized quote that fits your project!

Marley Floors

What is a marley floor?

Marley flooring is a roll-out durable vinyl surface that gives dancers the proper amount of grip for practicing and performing. Dancers use Marley in studios and on stages to maintain a consistent surface for every performance. Each Gerriets Marley floor includes an internal fiber layer that helps prevent the vinyl from expanding or contracting with temperature changes, making it easier to roll out, roll up, and store

Why do I need a marley floor?

Dancers need marley floors for safety purposes, along with performance purposes. Marley gives dancers the correct grip to keep them from sliding and sticking to the floor. This allows dancers to give their best performances. 

What marley floors do you offer?

Our line of marley floors gives you options to find the perfect match for your studio. Our main line of marley dance floors includes our VARIO PRO, VARIO MOVE, VARIO MOTION, VARIO BEAT, and VARIO UNI.

What is the best touring floor?

Gerriets VARIO PRO is the best marley dance floor for touring. VARIO PRO 1.2 Reversible vinyl floor is a durable, double-sided dance floor with a non-reflective, slip-resistant surface that lies completely flat in minutes. It is the lightest dimensionally stable marley on the market.

What event floors do you offer?

We carry multiple event floor styles to accommodate different uses and preferences. Our line of event floors includes all of our marley dance floors, VARIO BRILLIANCE, VARIO BRILLIANCE MET, VARIO MET, VARIO GRIP, VARIO TRANSPARENT, VARIO PRINT, and VARIO COLOR. Our line of Marley Dance Floors work great as event floors too if you prefer a matte surface.

How long does marley floor last?

Marley floors last typically 5-10 years, but we have customers who have had their Gerriets’ floors for over  30 years! Gerriets VARIO CARE products are designed to help extend the life of marley floors. It is important to remember that cleaning and maintenance should be performed daily. Do not use any solvent-based cleaners, alcohol, floor sealers, or waxes of any kind on your dance floor. Spot clean any dirt or grime immediately. It’s common for scuff marks to occur on vinyl dance floors. As soon as you notice a scuff, spot clean using a soft cloth and Gerriets VARIO DEEPCLEAN.

Sprung Floors

What is a sprung floor?

A Sprung Dance Floor, sometimes called a floating floor, absorbs shock and softens the impact of dance movements like jumping, rolling, and leaping. Contrary to their name, our Sprung Floors do not have springs, but rather elastomer pads that absorb energy to reduce injury to joints and muscles.

Why do I need a sprung floor?

Sprung floor systems, like Gerriets Ergodance systems, are important because they provide a high degree of safety and comfort to students, performers, and teachers by creating an even, shock-absorbing surface.

What sprung floors do you offer?

We offer 3 different sprung floors to suit your specific needs. The sprung floors we offer are the Ergodance 600, Ergodance 200, and our Original Ergodance. 

Do I need a sprung floor and a marley floor?

Yes! All our marley dance floors are designed to be used in conjunction with a sprung sub-floor when used in a long-term studio setting. The marley by itself has little to no cushion to absorb the repetitive impacts that movement inflicts on the dancer. Marley and sprung floors are each separate parts of a two-part system. The marley gives the proper traction for dance, while the sprung floor gives the proper elasticity and shock absorption to prevent long-term injuries to dancers’ joints and ligaments.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Marley Floors

How do I clean my dance floor?

Regular dirt, dust, and grime build up naturally on any well-used marley floor. Keeping your floor clean not only maintains its appearance but also extends its lifespan. Cleaning frequency depends on the type of dance floor, but in general, we recommend daily cleaning. Avoid leaving dirt, dust, or debris on the surface for long periods to prevent damage and maintain performance quality.

Gerriets Marley Cleaning Brochure has in-depth information on how to clean marley floors, along with the VARIO CARE products we recommend for maintenance.

Installation, Storage & Transport

How do I install my marley floor?

Installation options depend on the type of Marley floor you choose. Some floors work best for permanent or semi-permanent setups, while others are designed for portable use. In many cases, anyone with basic handyman skills can complete the installation using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge. 

Gerriets’ Marley Floor Installation Guide has detailed instructions for all installation methods. 

How do I store my marley floors?

Once ready to remove the dance floor, completely remove all tape and clean the floor as described in the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide. Remove all debris that can become trapped in the floor when rolling. Roll up each dance floor panel on a heavy-duty core at least 4” in diameter and strong enough not to crush or bend under the weight of the floor. While rolling, keep adjusting the edges so they remain straight with no “telescoping” effect. Gerriets VARIO Storage bags were made to store, move, and keep your marley safe between performances!

How do I transport my marley floor?

Gerriets offers multiple options for transporting your marley floors. It is important to make sure that your floors are clean and ready to transport before rolling them onto their core. For storing and transporting multiple rolls of marley, we recommend the VARIO Transport Cart. This method allows the individual roll to hang and not rest under its own weight, which can cause an oval shape from its own weight or other weight on top of it. If transporting only a few rolls of marley, VARIO Storage Bags are a great solution!

What is the difference between Gaffers Tape and Vario Tape?

Gaffer’s tape and marley vinyl tape both serve important roles in studios and on stages, but they are used differently. Installers use gaffer’s tape, a strong fabric tape, around the edges of the floor to hold it securely in place because it sticks firmly and removes cleanly. Marley vinyl tape is used to seam marley flooring and is made specifically for that purpose. Its smooth vinyl surface blends with the floor and creates a safe, flush surface for dancers. While gaffer’s tape can help anchor the perimeter, marley tape is the best choice for taping seams.

Products & Services

Do you offer samples?

Yes! We offer samples for most of our products. Contact us to let us know which ones you’re interested in, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need.

What else does Gerriets offer?

Beyond dance floors, we offer fabrics, projection screens, and technical equipment, supporting theatres, scenic designers, and production teams across the world!