Combat Robot Arena Floor: Materials, Setup, and RSL Standards
One of the questions we get most often about the arena is the floor—specifically the texture of it. Builders notice it right away. It affects grip, control, and how bots move across the arena. It’s one of those details that seems small, but has a big impact on how matches feel.
At Robot Smashing League, we’ve tested different approaches over time, and we’ve settled into a system that balances durability, cost, and ease of maintenance. The setup itself is straightforward—but the details matter.
What Does RSL Use for Arena Floors?
At Robot Smashing League, we use:
- 23/32 in. cabinet grade plywood (4’ x 8’ sheets)
- Flat black interior paint applied with a roller to create texture
- Modular panels that can be flipped and replaced
This approach provides a balance of:
- Consistent performance
- Low cost
- Fast/Easy turnaround between events
Arena Floor Materials: What We Use
For our arena floors, we keep things simple and repeatable. We typically use:
23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Cabinet Grade Plywood Panels (available at most Home Depot locations)
This works well because:
- Standard sizing makes layout and replacement easy
- Readily available materials can be sourced locally
- Cost-effective, which matters since floors take heavy damage
- Durable enough for repeated impacts
We try to use cabinet grade when possible since it has fewer internal voids, but it’s not always available. The key mindset is this:
The arena floor is a consumable. Most panels are built to last a single event—and that’s okay.
Modular Floor Design
Using 4’ x 8’ sheets creates a modular system instead of one large surface. That gives you flexibility:
- Easier transport and handling
- Ability to rotate panels (top and subfloor) to even out the floor
This approach keeps setup and maintenance simple without overcomplicating the build.
Extending the Life (A Little Bit)
Realistically, there’s not much you can do to significantly extend the life of a floor panel. That said, we do one simple thing:
We paint both sides of the panels from the start.
After an event, instead of replacing everything, we can:
- Flip the panels over
- Get a second use out of the clean side
This typically gives you:
- Two events per panel instead of one
Beyond that, replacement is usually the better option than trying to repair heavily damaged sections.
Arena Floor Paint and Texture
We get asked about arena floor paint all the time. The product matters—but the application technique matters more.
In the past, we experimented with mixing sand into the paint to add texture. Over the last year, we’ve simplified things and now use:
Glidden Flat Black Interior Paint + Primer (available at most Home Depot locations)
This reduces complexity and makes the process faster and more repeatable. We also use a Knit paint roller.
As Casey put it:
“You can kind of see the texture that the roller leaves.The key is all in the technique. You have to give it the landlord special—heavy amounts of paint done quickly and haphazardly.”
That “landlord special” approach is intentional. A heavier, faster application leaves a slight texture that helps with grip while keeping the process fast and repeatable.
We’re not trying to create a perfect finish. We’re trying to create something that works—and can be done quickly.
Why Arena Floor Texture Matters
The texture of your arena floor directly affects:
- Bot traction and grip
- Driver control
- Weapon effectiveness (especially control bots)
- Match consistency
Too smooth, and bots struggle for traction. Too rough, and movement becomes inconsistent.
The roller-applied texture provides a reliable middle ground.
Marking the Arena Corners
Clear corner markings help with match visibility, judging, and overall presentation. Our process is simple:
- Measure and mark 18” in from the corner on both sides
- Run tape between those marks
- Press the tape firmly to minimize paint bleeding
Then apply paint:
- Blue corners: usually only need one coat
- Red corners: typically require two coats
This keeps markings consistent across events without adding unnecessary setup time.
Final Thoughts
Arena floors aren’t meant to last—and that’s okay. Building your floor with replacement, maintenance, and real-world use in mind will save time, money, and frustration over the long run.
A good arena floor:
- Provides consistent performance for drivers
- Holds up through repeated matches
- Is easy to replace
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t a perfect floor—it’s a reliable one.