How To Install StayLock Tiles Over Tile, Concrete or Carpet

By Paige Cerulli Created: July, 2017 - Modified: April, 2023

If you’re looking for a quality home gym flooring that you can install over carpet or concrete, then StayLock Tile Orange Peel Colors might offer the solution you’re looking for. These tiles feature a durability similar to rubber, but they also offer anti-fatigue cushion to help maximize your comfort. With a lifespan averaging 20 years, these tiles are highly durable. They’re also resistant to many oils and acids, plus they’re waterproof, perfect for installation in a variety of locations.

These tiles are suitable for home gym flooring, aerobic flooring, and ergonomic flooring purposes, and they’re easy to install, too.

Installing Greatmats StayLock Tiles Over Carpet or Concrete

Installing StayLock tile over carpet and concrete is easy. Each tile measures 12 by 12 inches and weighs just 1.5 pounds. This makes them simple to lift and transport, and one person can accomplish the installation entirely by themselves. The compact tile size is ideal for home installations where you might have to carry the tiles through narrow doorways or stairwells.

You’ll need a straight edge, a tape measure, and a sharp utility knife to cut the tiles to fit. You can install them over any hard, flat surface, carpeting included.

These tiles already have a forgiving surface that makes them comfortable, but some customers want to optimize that cushion. If you’re installing these tiles over concrete, you might want to lay a 3 mm rubberized underlayment underneath the tiles for increased shock absorption. This is optional and you can lay these tiles directly on top of concrete or another hard, flat surface.

These tiles can be installed in a wall-to-wall or an island installation, depending on the space and the type of installation you prefer. Border strips are available for island installations.

Before you install the tiles, clean the floor so you remove any dirt and debris. Next, begin in one corner of the area to be covered. The tiles have interlocking tabs on their edges, so you’ll need to align the tabs and push them together by hand. If you have trouble getting the tiles to snap together, you can use a rubber mallet. In most cases, you'll get the best results by rocking the tabs into place with your thumbs.

Work your way out, connecting tiles one by one as you go. If you need to fit the tiles around an obstruction, like a pole, or get them to fit tightly against a wall, you can cut them as needed. Measure the space between the tile and the object, then use a straight edge to guide your cut. Creating repeated shallow scores can help to get the best quality cut.

If you decide to create an island installation, then optional border and corner ramp pieces can help to create a finished look. These edges also mean there’s no sudden step-up edge onto the flooring, which helps to prevent trips and falls.



If you’re installing your flooring in a spot that might collect water, like in a basement, the tiles have a slightly raised design that will allow the water and air to flow beneath them.

You might run into a situation where you need to remove the tiles, such as if the area floods or you need to relocate the floor. You can accomplish this by disconnecting the tiles and removing them.
One of the major advantages of installing flooring tiles is that you can remove just one or two tiles that might become damaged or worn. Being able to remove and replace just these tiles can save you money and time over what you might face if you had installed a larger single piece of flooring.

Maintaining Your StayLock Tiles

StayLock Tiles are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, which makes them ideal for home gyms where you don’t have lots of time to dedicate to cleaning and maintaining your flooring.

If your tiles need to be cleaned, you can use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. Avoid any cleaning solutions that contain bleach.

Can you install StayLock Tiles over hardwood?

Yes, you can install StayLock Floor Tiles over hardwood. The tiles can help to protect the hardwood from wear and damage caused by heavy traffic or the use of exercise equipment.

What's the benefit of installing StayLock Tiles over carpet?

Installing StayLock Tiles over carpet creates a more durable surface. These tiles are strong and can withstand heavy items being placed on them. They can support the weight of most exercise equipment, and can help to keep carpeting from being worn down by high traffic.

What's the benefit of installing StayLock Tiles over concrete or tile?

Concrete and tile are naturally hard, cold surfaces, and they’re not conducive to workouts. StayLock Tiles provide both cushion and fatigue relief, making the concrete or tile floor much more comfortable for athletes. These tiles can increase the versatility of your existing flooring without requiring you to pull up that old flooring, since they can be installed right on top. With the surface being raised slightly above the cold concrete, you'll be pleased to enjoy the thermal benefits as well.