Choosing the right running track construction company for a new installation or a resurfacing project
Over the last decade, there have been incredible advancements in running track surfaces. These new surfaces have been developed to provide superior grip and exceptional drainage and create a more comfortable feeling for athletes to perform and compete.
When choosing a running track construction company, it is essential to partner with a company with experience and expertise in modern materials. Whether installing a new track or resurfacing an existing facility, you want the very best for your athletes.
This article will walk you through all of the questions you need to ask when choosing a running track construction company. That way, you can be confident you’re making the best decision for your project.
Use our running track cost calculator to get an understanding of the overall costs of a running track construction or resurfacing project. This will come in handy when asking for quotes from running track construction companies.
How to compare running track companies: Checklist
Installing or resurfacing a new track is an exciting venture. A new track can breathe new life into a program and provide athletes with a world-class surface to train and compete on.
But it’s also a significant investment. We’ve put together a list of nine critical questions you need to ask any running track construction company before signing on the dotted line to protect your finances and budget.
1 – What is the company’s experience with installing running tracks?
Suppose you’ve ever worked with a contractor. In that case, you know no shortage of capable companies will take on just about any project.
But when it comes to something as specialized as a running track, you want to be sure you’re working with a company with significant experience with the installation process.
Look for a company that has some history in the industry. How many years have they been installing tracks? Do they have a solid portfolio of projects?
2 – Do they have experience with your type of project?
More specifically, look for a company that has worked on projects similar in size, scope, and complexity to your own.
Suppose you’re a high school, middle school, or just a community track. In that case, you’ll want to find a company with experience working on similar projects.
Different levels of competition have specific requirements for running track surfaces. The company you partner with should have a good understanding of those requirements and be able to provide a surface that meets them. They are your partner throughout the process, and you need to be able to trust their expertise.
3 – What is their geographical availability?
If you do a quick search online for “running track installation,” you’ll find there are companies that specialize in running track surfaces all across the United States.
Of course, it’s not likely you’ll find a company based in your exact city or town – at least not right away. But it is crucial to find a company that has a presence in your region.
You can learn a lot from companies that are based elsewhere. However, when choosing a partner for your project, you need to ensure they understand the local climate—things like temperature swings, humidity, rainfall, and other weather patterns.
4 – 100% US-based or supply chain partly overseas?
Next, find out if they’re entirely based in the United States or if they source some of their materials from overseas.
There’s nothing wrong with working with a company that has an international supply chain. But it’s important to understand where their materials are coming from and how that might impact your project timeline the quality of the finished product.
Find out precisely which parts of the supply chain are based in the United States and based overseas. Then you can make an informed decision about whether or not their business model is a good fit for your project.
5 – Do they cover all parts of the supply chain?
Many companies are solely installation experts. This means the manufacturing will be outsourced to another company.
It makes sense, right? Most contractors will buy lumber, tools, and supplies from third parties to complete the construction of a house or commercial space.
But for running tracks, you can find companies that do it all.
Our experts recommend working with a partner who handles the entire supply chain. For a project of this type, that means:
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Installation
- After-sales
Having one partner for all phases of a project will simplify communication and help to ensure a successful outcome.
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6 – What kind of running track maintenance services are offered?
The work doesn’t stop once your running track is installed.
Finding a partner that offers ongoing maintenance services is an excellent way to ensure your track will stay in good condition for years to come.
Choose a company that offers services like resurfacing, repairs, and line-markings. That way, you can ensure your running track will always be ready for action. While you can certainly perform these tasks in-house, outsourcing is the perfect way to ensure they’re done right – and on schedule.
Pro tip: Learn the costs for these services upfront. Knowing the prices will help you plan and budget effectively – for years to come.
7 – Certifications for running track construction?
Next, you want to know if the company is certified by any professional organizations. In the United States, there are two main certifications that companies can earn:
The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)
The National Track & Field Association (NFTA)
These certifications aren’t required. But they do show that a company is serious about the quality of their work. To earn either certification, a company must meet specific standards for materials, installation methods, and safety procedures.
8 – What kind of warranty do they have?
Lastly, you’ll want to determine what kind of warranty the company offers on their products and services.
A good warranty will cover things like defects in materials and workmanship. It should also cover any problems that might arise due to normal wear and tear.
The length of the warranty is essential, too. A one-year warranty is the industry standard. But you can find companies that offer more extended warranties – up to 10 years or more.
Pro tip: Pay attention to the details of the warranty. Some companies will only cover defects if you notify them within a specific period (30 days, for example). Others will void the warranty entirely if you make any changes or repairs without their permission.
Bonus Tip from Our Experts
Ask for referrals.
The best way to find a good running track contractor is to ask for referrals from people you trust. If you know someone who’s recently installed a track, reach out and see if they’re happy with the company they worked with on their project.
You can also ask your local running clubs or other sports facilities. You can even consult online forums and groups dedicated to running.
These groups are often in the know about who does good work – and who doesn’t.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing a running track contractor, there’s a lot to consider. But if you take the time to do your homework, you can be confident you’re making the best decision for your project – and your budget.
The bottom line is that you want to find a reputable company with experience in constructing running tracks. Look for a company certified by professional organizations, offers a good warranty, and has positive reviews from past clients. With a bit of research, you can be confident you’re making the best decision for your project.
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start your search!
Get a cost estimate for your running track project before you start interviewing potential partners. Our running track cost calculator makes it very quick and easy to get a cost breakdown for new track installation or resurfacing of an existing one.