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How Firm Should Rubber Exercise Flooring Be?

By Lisa Hobbie Created: July, 2022 - Modified: October, 2023

Effective rubber exercise flooring offers shock absorption, comfort, and protection to a subfloor, while still delivering the ideal firmness to provide for freedom of movement. Rubber flooring generally has a Shore A hardness rating between 47 and 90, with 90 being the hardest.

Knowing which level of firmness to choose depends on the purpose or purposes the rubber exercise flooring will provide. If you select rubber mats or tiles to only support heavy weights and exercise equipment, you may want a greater level of firmness than you would select for flooring on which you’ll do floor exercises or cardio workouts.

Rubber Exercise Flooring with Different Levels of Firmness and Thicknesses

Each of these products would look great and perform really well if used as rubber flooring in a weight or workout room. They represent a variety of thicknesses and levels of hardness, and each of them offers a variety of features and benefits that make them among the best.

Plyometric Rubber Gym Roll


Plyometric Rubber Gym Roll

Plyometric Rubber Gym Roll is a product designed to deliver a sure footing for aerobic, HIIT, or Plyometric workouts. Designed for intense athletic workouts, it offers shock absorption and cushioned support.

These gym rolls deliver friction, so they will stay put when working out on them. They will absorb sound and offer protection from injury. They are ⅜ inch thick with a Shore A 47 hardness and are perfect when used as plyometric flooring, dance studio subflooring, athletic flooring, or aerobic flooring.

At this hardness, it’s not generally recommended for weight rooms.



Sterling Athletic Rubber Tile


Sterling Athletic Rubber Tile

Sterling Athletic Rubber Tile offers a versatile solution for indoor or outdoor workout areas. They are of professional quality with an interlocking design and top-notch manufacturing.

If used outdoors, this flooring can be for patios or decks or to create a fitness space for athletes. It’s also perfect for indoor gyms, locker rooms, weight rooms, and fitness studios.

Each tile is 2x2 feet and 1.25 inches thick, with a Shore A 60 hardness.



Interlocking Center Mat Cobblestone 3/4 Inch x 4x6 Ft.


Interlocking Center Mat Cobblestone 3/4 Inch x 4x6 Ft.

Interlocking Center Mat Cobblestone 3/4 Inch x 4x6 Ft. offers a rubber puzzle mat solution for home or commercial gyms. They easily and quickly interlock and work well in commercial gyms and fitness centers.

These rubber flooring tiles are made of recycled rubber material, and they absorb vibration, impact, noise, and shock. They are ¾ inch thick and have a hardness level of Shore A 68.

They perform well as high-performing weight mats and are among the best firm gym mats for sale anywhere.



Rubber Flooring Rolls 1/4 Inch Regrind Confetti


Rubber Flooring Rolls 1/4 Inch Regrind Confetti

Rubber Flooring Rolls of 1/4 Inch Regrind Confetti are super affordable and perform well over solid surfaces like concrete or wood. They are made of second-run material, so they’re available at a lower price than other rubber rolls.

The flooring has little color flecks throughout, giving it a unique appearance. It is MAS Certified Green, made in the USA from recycled rubber, and available in 4-foot wide rolls.

The rolls are ¼ inch thick and come in any roll length from 25-100 feet long. They have a material hardness of Shore A 65.



Sundance Mat 4x6 Ft x 3/4 Inch Straight Edge Standard


Sundance Mat 4x6 Ft x 3/4 Inch Straight Edge Standard

Sundance Mat 4x6 Ft x 3/4 Inch Straight Edge Standard is a robust rubber exercise flooring solution that is durable enough for everything from equine use to weight rooms and fitness centers.

They feature a non-slip pebble top that provides traction, anti-fatigue benefits, comfort, and insulation. They are ¾ inch thick and have a material hardness of Shore A 75.



Spectation Gym Floor Straight Edge Rubber Tiles


Spectation Gym Floor Straight Edge Rubber Tiles

Spectation Gym Floor Straight Edge Rubber Tiles are extremely firm and designed to be used in fitness centers, ice arenas, schools, locker rooms, golf courses, and more.

These heavy-duty vulcanized rubber tiles offer outstanding shock absorption and feature a non-porous hammered finish. They have a backing that is composed of 35 percent, pre-consumer recycled rubber material, and they are spike and cleat-resistant.

This product comes in 1-meter squared tiles with a thickness of 9mm and material hardness of Shore A 90.

Rubber Exercise Flooring For All Applications

Greatmats offers the best exercise flooring products which range in size, thickness, and hardness. The featured products range in hardness from a Shore A 47 to a Shore A 90, and if you need help knowing which hardness would best suit your needs, just reach out to the amazing staff. You can also ask about the numerous other exercise flooring solutions available, from plastic to foam and vinyl.

Together, you can decide which product is perfect for your exercise space.