Most dance floors are portable and allow you to transform any room into a dance studio. From weddings to graduation parties, you can find a dance floor to meet your theme for nearly any event. One of the benefits of using a portable dance floor is that you can customize the size of the floor. Knowing the key terms can help you decide what type of dance floor to buy or rent.

Action Steps
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Wood parquet

Wood parquet, made up of thin wood tiles, makes a great surface for a dance floor. The two-inch squares usually offer a repeating pattern that connects the floor in a criss-cross pattern, changing the overall look of the dance floor.

I recommend: WoodFloorDoctor.com explains some of the common aspects of a wood parquet floor. Czar Floors offers pictures of different parquet patterns.

Wood laminate

Some people prefer to use wood laminate in place of actually wood. Wood laminate is synthetic floor covering with a photograph of wood covered in a protective coating. This coating helps reduce damage to the laminate.

I recommend: SICO provides pictures of wood laminate dance floors as well as specifications and other useful information.

Non-wood dance floor

For people who want a modern flair, non-wood dance floors offer just the thing. Vinyl tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to match the dance floor to your theme.

I recommend: Signature Flooring provides photos of vinyl tile dance floors.

Snaplock

Snaplock refers to the ability to snap the pieces of the floor together without the need for tools. In most cases, snaplock flooring utilizes pegs, referred to as male pieces, and loops, referred to as female pieces, to lock the floor together.

I recommend: Snap Lock Industries is a leading provider for snaplock dance floors. Its website shows the installation process and explains the features of snaplock floors.

Sprung dance floor

Sprung dance floors use technology to help protect dancers from hard impact. With sprung technology, manufactures use some type of cushion, or spring, so the floor will give a little under impact. Some people call these floors subfloors or float floors.

I recommend: GreatMats.com provides information on sprung dance floors by ROSCO.

Marley floor

A Marley floor refers to any dance floor made from vinyl or linoleum. The name derives from the original manufacturer.

I recommend: Entertainment Flooring Systems explains the use of the term Marley floors.

For special events and corporate parties, a dance floor is a must-have to keep your guests on their feet and entertained. The right dance floor provider can set up a wide range of dance floors that meet your party's needs and keep your special event hopping all night long.

If you need a dance floor for a specific event, find dance floor information through a party supply company or flooring service. Local party rental companies often offer an assortment of dance floors for rent, and they will usually transport, install and tear down the dance floor for you. Before settling on a dance floor, consider the different styles and surfaces that are available:

1. Intricate wood parquet dance floors have a classic elegance and a refined look.

2. Wood laminate dance floors give you the popular wood-plank look of traditional hardwood floors.

3. Other dance floor options include granite and tiles in an assortment of colors and patterns.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into wood parquet dance floors

The look of a wood parquet dance floor, with it crisscross pattern, is timeless and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for upscale parties. Because wood parquet floors are so popular, you won't have any trouble finding one for your celebration; many party suppliers offer this dance floor staple.

I recommend: In the San Francisco Bay area, A-1 Party Rental Center's rental dance floor directory includes wood parquet floors, in addition to black-and-white and sectional carpet dance floors. For dance floor rentals in the Chicago area, visit Jack's Tents and Productions.

Consider wood laminate dance floor options

Wood laminate dance floors evoke the dance studio with their sleek, long lines. These dance floors are a great choice for events of all sorts, particularly if you're looking for a more classical, refined touch.

I recommend: MLK Enterprises rents portable laminate dance floors for all occasions. Atlanta Fixtures & Sales sells portable laminate floors in a range of sizes and colors.

Explore non-wood dance floor surfaces, such as granite, tile and carpet

If you're not interested in a wood surface for your dance floor, you can go for something a little out of the ordinary. Consider a black-and-white checkerboard dance floor for your '50s-themed party. You can even go with a carpet dancing surface. These alternative dance floors add a little something unexpected to your event.

I recommend: See SnapLock Dance Floors' dance floor list for options such as marble, slate and granite. Stage Spot offers a variety of dance surfaces for different applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you frequently host corporate events, galas or other parties that might call for a dance floor, consider purchasing your own portable dance floor. You can find sectional dance floors in all styles that are easy to store and assemble.