When people think of synthetic sports surfaces, many immediately picture the classic tartan track in a stadium. However, the world of synthetic flooring has become far more diverse—and exciting. Whether for an athletics track, fall protection on a playground, or a hard court tennis surface: modern synthetic systems offer virtually unlimited application possibilities on any sports field.

Not All Synthetic Surfaces Are the Same

Depending on the location and requirements, synthetic sports flooring differs in structure and properties:

• Structured surfaces, such as Rekortan products, are ideal for sports tracks and professional athletics facilities. These surfaces ensure reliable force reduction even under extreme temperatures and meet the highest international standards—such as those of World Athletics. For school tracks and municipal facilities, textured coating tracks are also widely used.
• Smooth surfaces—like those from the PolyPlay series—are typically used for multi-sport courts, schoolyards, or as fall protection surfaces. Here, versatility is key: from basketball courts and handball pitches to small-sided soccer fields, a synthetic sports field surface must meet a variety of demands today.

There are also specific requirements for fall protection on sports and playgrounds: slip resistance, shock absorption, and durability are critical—modern fall protection systems are designed precisely for this. Polytan offers HIC-tested fall protection surfaces from the PolyPlay series that comply with DIN EN 1177.

For jumping disciplines like long jump, precision components such as take-off boards are essential. These can be ideally combined with robust, slip-resistant synthetic surfaces. A highlight for professional athletics facilities is the newly developed Rekortan GEL GT. Like other structured track surfaces, it meets World Athletics standards and is certified for elite-level sports. Its unique gel-based PU technology ensures optimal and stable force reduction even in extreme temperatures—manufactured sustainably from renewable raw materials.

Laykold: The Hard Court for Tennis and Pickleball

Top-tier tennis tournaments such as the US Open or Miami Open have long relied on acrylic surfaces like Laykold. These hard court tennis systems enable fast-paced games with excellent ball bounce characteristics. Laykold acrylic surfaces come in various configurations and are professionally installed by Polytan experts and experienced partners. The Laykold surface can be applied directly to concrete or asphalt or installed in combination with an elastic base layer. Particularly innovative: Laykold Masters GEL – a cushion court system made of over 60% renewable raw materials, which protects joints and reduces fatigue. All Laykold surfaces are universally applicable and available in 17 UV-resistant colors.
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From ISTAF to Schoolyards: Synthetic Surfaces in Action

Whether at international athletics events like ISTAF, the Olympic Games, the Diamond League, or simply on a primary school playground—synthetic sports surfaces are now used everywhere. Color plays an increasingly important role: whereas tracks used to be brick red, today they are often blue or green. Playgrounds are enhanced with colorful, imaginative fall protection designs—including shapes and figures—that spark children's creativity.

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Conclusion: A Variety of Surfaces, Countless Possibilities

Whether as tartan tracks, fall protection, hard courts, or multi-use sports fields—modern synthetic systems cover the entire range of athletic activities. They continue to evolve: offering better cushioning, greater durability, and increased sustainability. Anyone planning a synthetic sports surface today should opt for certified quality and adaptable systems—for more fun, safety, and performance on every square meter.