How to Install Gym Turf and Choose the Right Option

Whether you’re creating a sled training facility or looking to upgrade your home gym, artificial gym turf offers many advantages. It’s durable and retains its eye-catching look year-round. Familiarizing yourself with the installation method for the product you choose ahead of time can help you to prepare and ensure the installation goes smoothly. Gym turf tiles are typically the easiest to install. They are also easier to move around. Artificial turf rolls can be large and heavy.

We will walk you through the basics of installing gym turf but always read the instructions for the specific product that you plan on buying.

How to Install Gym Turf Rolls

Subfloor Preparation

To effectively adhere the turf to your subfloor, you need to prepare that flooring first. Thoroughly clean it by sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the surface to remove any dirt or contaminants that could interfere with a good adhesion.

Prepare Your Turf

Before you put down your turf, it’s also important to prepare the turf appropriately for the best results. Give the turf at least 24 hours to relax before you install it.

This relaxation period lets the turf expand to its true size, and it can help to prevent it from shrinking or expanding once you’ve installed it.

This is also a good time to check the turf for color consistency, style, and texture. Make sure that the product is what you want before you install it.

Ideally, the room should be above 70 degrees during installation.

Subfloor should be a hard, flat surface. All cracks that are over 1/8 inch wide or protrusions over 1/32 inch should be filled or leveled. The subfloor should be clean and dry.

Begin the Installation

When you install your turf, it’s often best to start in the middle of your room. Use a chalk line to create straight lines and ensure the turf is oriented appropriately.

Once you’ve found this center line, butt your turf together so it connects. When using turf rolls, put some weight (at least 30 pounds) seven feet from the center line in both directions. This weight helps to stabilize the turf.

As you install each roll, you’ll need to use a glue or adhesive product that’s appropriate for the product, and that’s approved by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that using adhesives that aren’t approved may void any manufacturer warranty.

Each product will have its own directions when it comes to seam connections. Be sure to refer to the specific instructions for the product that you’re using.

Installing Gym Turf Tiles

Our RageTurf UltraTiles and RageTurf dbTiles install with Quad Blok Connectors using a glue-down installation method. Glue is required to be placed on the Quad Blok Connectors. Then the turf tiles are placed over the connectors.

Our RageTurf Rally Interlocking Tile does not require glue. The interlocking tiles can be connected together much like interlocking rubber gym tiles.

Choosing the Right Turf Product

You’ll only get good results from your installation if you choose the artificial turf that’s right for your needs. The product that you need for use in a home gym may differ from what’s appropriate for a large-scale gym installation.

To determine the gym turf that’s right for your needs, you’ll need to weigh multiple factors.

Rolls versus Tiles

Turf is available in both roll and tile products. Each has its pros and cons.

Tiles are smaller and easier to manage, often making for a simpler installation.

Rolls are a better choice for large-scale installations, but they’re heavy and require multiple people to help with the installation. They also typically require off-loading from the shipping truck by hand.

Appearance

When you think of gym turf, you probably envision the classic green color - but that’s not the only shade that you can choose from. If you’re looking for a more distinctive look, think about blue, black, or even red gym turf. Choose a color to match your brand!

If you have questions about our gym turf products, contact our Greatmats customer service team today. We’re always happy to answer questions, provide shipping quotes, and help you to determine which product is best for your needs.