When choosing a dance pole that is safe to use on carpet, it isn’t the brand, finish type or size of the pole that makes any difference when installing on a carpeted surface. It’s the design of the base of the dance pole that makes all the difference when installing on carpet flooring without causing any damage.
Three main components to watch for when choosing a dance pole for carpet are:
- The diameter of the base should preferably be wider than 5″, the wider the diameter, them more stability the pole will have during use due to its ability to distribute the weight of the dancer better.
- Its best for the dance pole base to have silicone rubber protection, this keeps the pole from slipping and grips the carpet without damaging it.
- Any screws on the bottom of the base design should be flush or “flat” and not protrude out farther than the silicone ring. If they do, the heads of the screws can compress down into the carpet and potentially cause tears or holes in the carpet after installation and regular use.
Portable, adjustable, and removable dance poles which are also known as friction fit or tension dance pole are THE most commonly purchased dance pole for home use where carpet is highly common. However, not all dance poles are created equally (even if they look the same in the pictures) so when it comes to getting a safe dance pole for your carpet, checking for those 3 main components stated above are a must.
If you want to skip the worries and shop dance poles that have already been checked for the 3 components listed above go to polefitnessdancingshop.com for best prices, no worry, no fuss shopping experience.
Tension (also known as friction fit dance poles) are unique pole dancing equipment designed to create a secure connection via tension between floor and ceiling without permanent mounting on the floor or ceiling. For carpeted surfaces, they require special considerations to ensure dancer safety and stability.
However, before we get started with all the details and recommendations, you should know that installing ANY dance pole on your carpet will compress the carpet fibers in a similar way that the legs of your couch will do. Some rubbing or brushing will encourage the fibers of the carpet to stand back up, however each carpet has varying length of fibers so indention’s left behind after un-installation can greatly vary. This isn’t considered “carpet damage” in this article because many types of heavy furniture do the same thing to carpet fibers, it’s part of the life of living on carpet. Just an FYI. We know this can be of special concern for those installing a dance pole in an apartment.
Recommended Dance Pole Features for Carpet:
Adjustable vertical pole parts with stable metal joints. Many dance poles have several main pole parts the screw, lock, or slide together during installation. It’s very important these are sturdy and made of metal only. If they are not, the centrifugal force from dancing around the pole can cause the joint to break.
A solid metal pressure-based mounting system, no plastic parts of any kind. Typically most dance poles will have an adjuster bar mechanism that allows you to adjust the height of the pole during installation to create the tension between the floor and ceiling. This bar must be solid metal so it is strong enough to withstand and hold the pressure tight while using the dance pole. All parts including screws and other locking mechanisms associated should be all metal.
Rubber or silicone base plate that is soft is the very best. We have seen dance pole use a silicone or rubber based material that is hard, therefore slippery. The soft material on the base and dome must be soft and grippy. UPE is a newer rubber type material used on the dance pole dome which is also a great grippy alternative to silicone.
Wider ceiling dome with soft rubber or silicone or a permanent ceiling mounting bracket. The more contact points the dome has to the ceiling the more stable it will be. For heavier body weights and very tall dance poles, a permanent ceiling mount is always best for safety reasons.
Critical Floor Safety Requirements For Dance Poles:
1. Solid sub flooring underneath carpet.
2. If you ceiling height is above 11 ft, a permanent ceiling mount is highly recommend.
3. Sturdy ceiling structure capable of supporting dancer’s weight and resist the dance pole tension like solid wood, ceiling joists, concrete, etc.
Dance Pole Base Plate Design:
Wide, metal, flat base with no protruding screws beyond the rubber or silicone on base. The wider the base the more stable the dance pole will be due to more contact points with the floor.
The base plate should also have rounded edges. Any sharp or “squared” off edge can cause foot injury if stepped on incorrectly while dancing (you don’t want to be worrying about this while trying to enjoy yourself).
Non-slip rubber or soft silicone texture, there are manufacturers that make a harder rubber or silicone that does not grip well and allow slipping so watch out for that part. Below is a video where I demonstrate the slipperiness of hard rubber (its skipped forward and starts playing at 15:27 for the rubber softness and hardness demonstration.)
Adjustable floor leveling mechanisms for uneven floors. A little flexing on the base is ideal as it is common for some floors (especially in older homes) to be a little un-level.
Top Recommended Dance Poles for Carpet:
1. X-Pole XPert Series
– Exceptional patented design creating a more sturdy dance pole to last years while advanced dome and base plate system doesn’t damage the floor when installed correctly.
– Adjustable pressure system to accommodate almost any ceiling height. Highly versatile, especially if you change room, apartments, or locations now or in the future.
– Carpet-specific base plate which is smaller however proven extremely sturdy and reliable for decades. Specifically designed for challenging surfaces.
– Weight capacity: 300-350 lbs
Cost varies from about $399.99 to $899.99 depending on the size, type, and finish type you choose for your dance pole.
Here is a quick video showing the XPert model installed on carpet featured their wonderful base quick lock design:
2. Lupit Pole G2 Classic Series
– Enhanced stability features that include slide together solid metal joints making installation a bit easier than X Pole.
– Wider base plate, however it is not a solid metal however has been proven sturdy during home and competitive use for many years.
– Multiple finish options, but not as many options as an X Pole brand dance pole. They do have a nickel free chrome version that no other dance pole brands carries for those with skin allergies.
– Weight capacity: 300-350 lbs
Cost varies from about $359.99 to $1300 depending on the size, type, and finish type you choose for your dance pole.
3. Pro Quality Professional Portable (as shown how to buy a good one in the video above)
– Best budget friendly pole to get you started without compromising safety.
– Carpet installation with wider base and soft grippy silicone.
– Multiple height adjustments with sturdy metal screw together joints.
– Weight capacity: 300-440 lbs
Cost varies from about $76.99 to $300 depending on the size, type, and finish type you choose for your dance pole.
Regular Maintenance:
Weekly stability checks
Tighten all mounting hardware
Inspect base plate for wear
Check ceiling dome or bracket connection
Never exceed pole’s weight capacity
Warning Signs:
Visible pole movement during static holds
Base plate sliding or rocking
Ceiling bracket separation
Unusual noise during movement
Final Recommendations:
Prioritize professional-grade equipment
Invest in proper installation
Continuously monitor pole stability
Always follow the manufacturer installation instruction included with your purchase.
If you are thinking about installing on a floor surface that is NOT carpet, we have more information for other floor services including tile laminate and more found here:
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