Frequently Asked Questions

AK Athletics Customer Resource Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about products, ordering, installation, care, shipping, customization and policies, then follow the related links for more detailed help.

Start With a Question, Then Find the Right Resource

Answers on this page are intentionally brief. Open a category, search for a topic or use the related resource links to reach product guides, installation instructions, maintenance information, shipping details, policies and helpful articles.

Have an Order-Specific Question?

Contact our team with your order number, product details and photos when applicable.

Contact Us

Before Using or Installing an Item: Inspect it carefully. If something appears incorrect, damaged or defective, contact AK Athletics before using, installing or altering it.

Ordering, Quotes & Payment

Quick answers about quotes, website orders, purchase orders and changes after an order is placed.

How do I request a quote?

Submit a quote request through the website or contact our sales team. Include the product, quantity, measurements, delivery location and any project details you already have.

Do I need a quote for every order?

No. Many standard products can be purchased directly online. Custom products, larger quantities and facility projects typically require a quote.

Can schools and government organizations use purchase orders?

Yes. AK Athletics accepts school and government purchase orders. Review the purchase-order information or contact our team for assistance.

Can I change my order after placing it?

Contact AK Athletics as soon as possible. Changes requested within the first 24 hours may be easier to accommodate. After that, availability depends on the order and production status.

Can I cancel my order?

Orders canceled within 24 hours are eligible for a full refund. After 24 hours, cancellation depends on whether production or customization has started. Shipped orders cannot be canceled.

Choosing the Right Product

Use these answers to narrow your options before reviewing specifications or requesting a quote.

How do I choose the right padding for my space?

Start with the surface or structure you need to cover, the activity taking place nearby, the required dimensions and whether the product will be used indoors or outdoors. Our team can help compare standard and custom options.

What is the difference between a column pad, I-beam pad and pole pad?

Column pads generally wrap square or rectangular structures, I-beam pads cover an exposed beam face, and pole pads wrap round or cylindrical structures. Identify the structure shape and the sides that need coverage before measuring.

How do I choose a wrestling mat for a home training space?

Consider the available floor area, type of training, mat thickness, storage space and how often the room must serve another purpose. Measure the full room and note doors, columns, vents and other obstacles.

Do you sell equipment for home gyms?

Yes. Options include wrestling mats, folding mats, wall padding, balance beams and other equipment suitable for home training spaces. Product selection depends on the available room and intended activity.

Which removable wall mat should I buy?

Compare the mounting method, intended activity, wall dimensions, need for removal and storage expectations. Review the available removable wall-padding options before choosing a configuration.

Product Guides & Downloads

Find specifications, downloadable guides and product-focused planning information.

Where can I find product specification sheets?

Visit Product Guides for downloadable specification information organized by product family.

Where can I find all downloadable documents?

The Downloads page will provide a complete document library for product guides, measuring instructions, installation resources, care information, shipping checklists and forms.

Are custom product sizes available?

Custom sizes are available for many products. Availability depends on the product, application and measurements. Send the project details to our team for review.

What information should I review before requesting a quote?

Review the product guide, confirm the approximate quantity and dimensions, gather photos of the space and note any custom requirements. Exact needs vary by product.

Measuring, Installation & Setup

Find the correct measuring, mounting and setup resource before beginning a project.

Where can I find measuring and installation guides?

Visit Installation & Mounting for product-specific measuring, layout, mounting and setup resources.

Can I install removable wall padding myself?

Many removable wall-padding systems can be installed by facility staff using the correct measurements, mounting materials and instructions. Review the full guide before starting.

How do I install wood-backed wall pads?

Confirm the wall layout, mounting surface, pad placement and hardware before installation. Follow the product-specific instructions and contact AK Athletics when the wall conditions are unusual.

How do custom cutout kits fit into a wall-padding installation?

Cutout kits are used around outlets, switches or other wall features. Confirm the obstruction location and follow the instructions for the correct kit type before cutting or installing the pads.

How should outdoor stadium wall pads be installed?

Outdoor installations require careful measuring, surface preparation, mounting planning and consideration of weather exposure. Use the outdoor installation guide for the complete process.

Do wrestling mats require professional installation?

Most roll-up wrestling mats can be set up by coaches or facility staff following the provided instructions. Measure the room, plan the panel layout and secure connections with the appropriate mat tape.

How do I measure for a column, I-beam or pole pad?

Identify the structure shape first. Measure every relevant side for a column, the exposed face and height for an I-beam, or the diameter and height for a round pole. Include photos and note obstructions.

Cleaning, Storage, Maintenance & Repair

Use product-specific care information and contact AK Athletics when damage or wear needs a closer review.

Can I use the same cleaning process for wrestling mats, wall padding and landing mats?

Cleaning methods may differ by surface and product. Use the correct cleaner and care instructions for each item rather than assuming one process applies to every product.

How should roll-up wrestling mats be stored?

Clean and dry the mats completely before rolling them. Store them in a clean, dry, protected area and avoid placing heavy equipment on top of the rolls.

Why does wrestling mat tape matter?

Proper mat tape helps keep mat sections connected and reduces movement at panel seams. Use tape intended for wrestling mats and replace it when it no longer holds securely.

Which accessories help with wrestling mat maintenance?

Common care accessories include mat cleaner, mat tape, repair products and storage equipment. Select products that match the mat and the type of maintenance needed.

Can a damaged wrestling mat be repaired?

Small, isolated surface damage may be repairable when the surrounding surface and foam remain in good condition. Widespread damage, compressed foam, moisture or repeated failures may require replacement or further review.

How long should a wrestling mat last?

Service life varies with usage, cleaning, storage, maintenance and overall condition. Inspect the surface, foam, seams and repair history rather than relying only on the mat’s age.

Shipping, Lead Times & Delivery

Understand production timing, shipping methods, tracking and freight receiving responsibilities.

Are production lead time and shipping transit time the same?

No. Production takes place before the carrier transit period. Estimated production lead times are listed on product pages, and delivery time begins after the completed order ships.

Where can I find the estimated lead time for a product?

Current estimated production lead times are listed in the applicable product-page description. Lead times are estimates and may change with production volume, material availability or other circumstances.

How will my order ship?

The shipping method depends on the order’s size, weight and quantity. Smaller orders may ship by FedEx Ground or USPS, while large or oversized products generally ship by freight carrier.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes. Tracking or freight carrier information is emailed when the order leaves our facility.

What should I do before signing for a freight delivery?

Inspect every box and item before signing. Document visible damage on the delivery receipt, take clear photos and compare the shipment with the confirmation information provided by AK Athletics.

What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged?

Inspect the product before use or installation, photograph the product and packaging, and contact AK Athletics promptly. Reporting deadlines differ by shipping method, including concealed freight damage and parcel damage.

Does AK Athletics offer international shipping?

AK Athletics currently ships within the 48 continental United States. International shipping is not available at this time.

Can I pick up my order?

Pickup may be available for eligible orders. Customers must wait for the ready-for-pickup notice, schedule the pickup and arrive with an appropriate vehicle and equipment to secure the order.

Returns, Cancellations & Warranty

These summaries are provided for quick navigation. Review the complete Customer Policies page for full terms.

Can I return a custom or personalized product?

Most products made with custom sizes, colors, logos, lettering or other personalized features are not eligible for return. Review the full return policy before ordering if eligibility is important to your decision.

Which products may be eligible for return?

Return eligibility depends on the product and its condition. Eligible items must be new and unused, requested within the stated period and approved before being returned.

What should I do if an item is incorrect or defective?

Contact AK Athletics within 30 days of delivery with the order number and clear photos. If the issue is visible before use, do not use, install or alter the item.

What does the limited warranty cover?

Products manufactured by AK Athletics include a one-year limited warranty against defective materials when properly installed and used for their intended purpose. Coverage begins on the delivery date and is subject to the complete warranty terms.

Does the warranty cover normal wear or improper storage?

No. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, handling or storage damage, misuse, neglect, accidents, vandalism or product alterations.

How do I submit a warranty claim?

Provide a written description, a copy of the original invoice and supporting photographs. AK Athletics reviews each claim individually and may repair or replace a qualifying product.

Custom Printing & Branding

Find quick answers about artwork files, proofs, color and preparing graphics for printed products.

Which artwork file types are preferred?

Vector files such as AI, EPS, PDF and SVG are preferred for logos and lettering because they can be enlarged without losing sharpness. High-resolution PNG, TIFF and PSD files may also work for suitable imagery.

What is the difference between raster and vector artwork?

Raster images are made from pixels and may appear blurry when enlarged. Vector artwork uses paths and curves, allowing logos and text to scale cleanly for large-format printing.

Is AI-generated artwork the same as an .AI vector file?

No. “AI-generated” describes how an image was created, while an .AI file is an Adobe Illustrator file format. An AI-generated JPG or PNG is still a raster image unless it has been properly rebuilt as vector artwork.

Can AK Athletics design a logo or recreate my artwork?

AK Athletics does not provide full logo design or extensive artwork recreation. Limited production-ready adjustments may be possible when a good-quality existing file is supplied.

Can you print from a screenshot or image found online?

Online images and screenshots are often too low in resolution for large-format printing. Submit the highest-quality original file available so the design team can review it before production.

Why can printed colors look different from my screen?

Screens display color with RGB light, while production printing uses CMYK ink. Some variation is normal, especially for very bright, fluorescent, metallic or specialty colors.

Can you match Pantone colors?

Providing a Pantone reference can help target a brand color, but products are printed using CMYK process printing. Some Pantone colors cannot be reproduced exactly within the CMYK color range.

What should I check before approving an artwork proof?

Review every word, name, number, dimension, color, orientation, logo, cutout and placement detail. The approved proof becomes the production reference, and changes cannot be made after production begins.

How do I plan a custom wrestling mat design?

Start with the mat dimensions, panel layout, colors, logos and intended use. Provide clear, print-ready artwork and review the complete proof before approving production.

Website & Customer Support

Use these links when you are not sure which page, guide or department can answer your question.

I cannot find the product or resource I need. What should I do?

Visit the Customer Resource Center or contact our team. We can direct you to the correct product, guide, policy, article or custom option.

Can I speak with a real person before ordering?

Yes. The AK Athletics team can help with product selection, project details, custom options, quotes and order questions.

Where should I send measurements, photos or artwork?

Send project information through the contact or quote process requested by your sales representative. Include your name, organization, product, measurements and clear photos so the team can review the request efficiently.

Which resource page should I use?

Use Product Guides for specifications, Installation & Mounting for measuring and setup, Maintenance & Care for cleaning and storage, Shipping & Lead Times for delivery questions, and Customer Policies for complete terms.

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Still Need Help?

Talk With the AK Athletics Team

Contact us when you need help selecting a product, locating a guide, understanding an order or finding the next step for your facility.

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