The Floor is Yours: Let’s Talk About Gym Flooring

An example is the Rubber Equipment Mat, made from a high-quality rubber that doesn’t absorb moisture, making it resistant to bacteria growth (and whatever nightmarish Demogorgon grows out of spilled shaker bottles). The 3mm (1/8”) Rubber Equipment Mat also works great to keep your equipment from slipping; this mat fits perfectly under the REP Dumbbell Mat and features texture on both sides to keep the mat and equipment solidly in place.

If you want to do heavier lifting, you’ll prefer a thicker 3x4’ Floor Mat that’s ¾" or 19mm thick. (That’s the typical standard thickness for a commercial gym floor.) These have texture on the bottom to keep it from slipping, but no texture on the top so it’s comfortable on your skin when you do floor work. The 4x8’ Floor Mat is also ¾" thick with similar texture – but these suckers are hefty, weighing nearly 100lbs each.

Foam is still shock-absorbent, but heavy or aggressive use can cause gauges in the material over time. It tends to be cheaper, but it’s harder to keep clean, due to the pores, and it won’t last as long as thick rubber. However, if you’re looking for a soft space for bodyweight workouts, yoga, core work, and light weights, foam should do the trick.

An example of a foam mat is REP’s Exercise Mat. It’s lightweight and easy to move around, and it’s made with thick 1.5” (38mm) internal foam. An even thicker foam mat is the 4-Fold Fitness Mat, made from 2.5” (64mm), medium-firmness foam. This mat features four different 2x4’ sections, so you can fold it up and store it even in small spaces. It’s less of a gym floor and more of an added cushion on top for you to practice your handstands and yoga.

Gym Flooring Rolls vs. Gym Flooring Tiles

When choosing between rolls and tiles for gym flooring, consider your space, installation preferences, and the type of workouts you'll be doing. 

Rubber rolls are great for larger spaces since they provide seamless coverage and are easy to install in open areas. They're typically more affordable for covering big spaces and offer solid protection for heavy equipment like barbells and squat racks. 

Rubber tiles, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and customization. They’re perfect for smaller or irregular-shaped rooms and allow you to easily replace damaged sections without tearing up the entire floor. Tiles are also ideal if you plan to move or expand your gym later. 

Ultimately, if you want efficiency and uniformity, go for rolls. If you need versatility and ease of replacement, tiles are your best bet. 

What Gym Flooring is Best for a Garage or Basement?

When deciding between rolls and tiles for your gym flooring, it's important to think about your space, installation ease, and the type of training you'll be doing. 

Rubber rolls are perfect for large, open areas like a garage gym. They offer seamless coverage, making them ideal for heavy lifting zones, and provide solid protection for equipment like barbells and racks. Rolls are also more cost-effective for covering larger areas, especially in a garage where you might have more square footage. 

Rubber tiles, on the other hand, are great for basement gyms or smaller, irregular spaces. They’re easy to install and replace, which is helpful in basements where moisture or odd layouts might be a concern. Tiles are also ideal if you plan to expand or rearrange your setup later. 

For a garage gym, choose rubber rolls for uniformity and easy cleaning. For a basement gym, opt for rubber tiles for better customization and moisture control. Both options provide excellent durability and shock absorption, so it ultimately comes down to the specific needs of your space. 

INSTALLING GYM FLOORING

It’s not complicated to lay down your flooring, whether it’s a mat, roll, or a tile, although the larger mats and commercial rolls can be surprisingly heavy and may require multiple people to move them. The Commercial Rolled Flooring weighs 200lbs per 25’ roll, and even the 4’x6’ Floor Mats weigh 88lbs per mat.  

The tiles (like the Rubber Floor Tiles and Gray Fleck Puzzle Tiles) are generally the easiest to install, especially in a basement or small space where you don’t have a ton of space to maneuver. Tiles are lightweight (8lbs each) and small (24”x24 to 29x29”). However, they’re thinner and therefore not quite as tough than the heavier, pro-level mats. 

Tips for installing your gym flooring 

The base matters: If possible, it’s best not to lay rubber flooring on top of soft carpet, as that can create some instability. Ideally, remove the carpet or make your gym on a bare or flatter surface. 

Some people recommend putting a layer of paper between hardwood and gym mats to further protect your floors. In addition, you can add a subflooring if you are putting gym mats directly on top of concrete that could have moisture. 

If you want to lay a mat on top of vinyl flooring, make sure the material of your floors won’t have a bad reaction with the rubber. Rubber can react with chemicals in some vinyl and create stains. 

Secure it: You can also secure your flooring and prevent unwanted movement or gaps with either special flooring glue or double-sided tape. If you know the flooring will be a permanent piece of the room you are installing it in, you probably want to use glue. If you're looking for less-permanent setups, opt for the double-sided tape. 

Before using either adhesive, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of dust, dirt, oil, and loose material. Any cracks or holes in the flooring should be filled. The surface should be smooth and level to ensure proper adhesion.  

Double-Sided Floor Tape allows you to stick your gym flooring without making it too permanent – ideal for leased or spaces and temporary solutions. Tape is super easy to use: 

• Peel the backing off the tape to stick it to the base floor.  

• Peel the top layer off.  

• Simply place the tiles, mats or flooring on top.  

• You’re done. There’s no drying time.  

Double-Sided Floor Tape is designed to adhere perfectly along all edges and seams for a smooth surface. When you’re done, it’s no problem to remove the flooring and tape cleanly without leaving residue or damaging underlying surfaces. 

Rubber Flooring Glue is the best bet for a more permanent adhesive. With this adhesive, your flooring isn’t going anywhere for a long time. Although it takes a little more finesse than tape, Rubber Flooring Glue is not difficult to use. There’s no mixing, no priming, and it cures fast. This glue is simple to trowel, too.  

• You’ll need a notched trowel for the adhesive. We recommend a 1/16” square (1.5mm) notch trowel. 

• Apply the glue to the base floor and you have 30 minutes to roll out the flooring on top for best results.  

• If the adhesive begins to skin over before you get the flooring all laid out, you may need to apply a new layer to ensure a fresh, wet surface for the flooring.  

• Work in smaller sections to manage the working time and avoid this issue. 

• Apply the glue at temperatures above 60°F and below 90°F.  

• One gallon will cover 90SQFT (just shy of a 25’x4’ roll of flooring). 

Learn more about installing gym flooring here. 

CARING FOR GYM FLOORING

Just like you wipe down your equipment and clean your barbell (for the love of Thor, please say you clean your barbell!), it’s important to care for your floors. Sweep or vacuum up any loose dust, chalk, or dog hair if you have a gym doggo. Regularly sanitize your mat using a gentle solution that is compatible with your mat’s material. A simple disinfectant wipe from the grocery store provides a quick wipe-down, although better yet are wipes specifically designed for gyms.

In a pinch, you can also use rubbing alcohol or peroxide diluted in water (2:1). But don’t let liquid sit on your mat for a long period of time.

Read more: How to Clean Your Rubber Gym Floor  

How to Protect Your Floors