How Thick Should Gym Flooring Be?

Rubber flooring is a top choice for both home gyms and commercial gyms, offering unmatched durability, cost-effectiveness, and functional benefits. Its insulating properties provide a warmer feel underfoot compared to harder surfaces, and it effectively dampens sound—ideal for high-activity areas.

Choosing the right rubber flooring thickness is essential for creating a safe, effective workout space. The appropriate thickness depends on your gym’s specific needs, such as the type of equipment used, the weight of dropped items, and overall foot traffic.

How to Choose the Best Rubber Flooring Thickness

Selecting the right rubber flooring involves considering factors like:

• The types of activities being performed


• The types of equipment being used


• The weight and frequency of dropped items


• The desired level of soundproofing and cushioning

Many people ask us, “How thick should gym flooring be?” Below, we break down thickness recommendations to help you find a good match for your space.

Suggested Rubber Thicknesses & Corresponding Activities

* This is a general guide. Certain products are designed in ways that are exceptions to these recommendations. Please check individual product specs before purchasing or give us a call!

1/4 inch Thick Rubber Mat Roll:

Best Use: under heavy equipment, high traffic, free weights up to 50 lbs.
This product is great for areas where heavy equipment such as treadmills or elliptical machines will be used. It will do great job of protecting both the machinery and your floor from being scratched. It is also durable enough to withstand dropped weights if they are VERY light. You will also find 1/4 inch thick floor mats in high traffic areas such as aisle ways. At 1/4 inch, you'll most often find rubber flooring as a rubber mat roll.

8mm or 3/8 inch Thick Rubber Matting:

Best Use: standard home and commercial, weights rooms where 50-120 lb. free weights are used, but not intentionally dropped
There was a time not long ago when 3/8 inch rubber was the standard thickness used in most home gym and commercial facilities. However, the standard is starting to shift towards 8 mm. This is due to the fact that 8 mm is less expensive as well as slightly lighter than 3/8'' material. Because it's a little lighter, the shipping costs for 8mm are less than 3/8 inch. This becomes more noticeable as you begin to buy larger quantities. From a performance standpoint, the difference between 8mm and 3/8 inch thick rubber mats for gym use is negligible.

Either 8 mm or 3/8 inch rubber is great for weight rooms where free weights between 50-120 lbs. will be used on a regular basis.

1/2 inch Thick Rubber Flooring:

Best Use: facilities where 120 lb. weights are used, but not intentionally dropped
Half inch thick rubber mats is adequate for facilities where weights over 100 lbs. will be used but not deliberately dropped on a regular basis. This thickness of rubber flooring can be found in tiles, rolls and even 4x6 rubber stall mats.

3/4 inch -1 inch Thick Rubber Mats:

Best Use: powerlifting, facilities where 100 lb. weights are intentionally dropped regularly, deadlift, clean and jerk
This thick rubber flooring is generally reserved for areas where powerlifting will done. These thicknesses are usually more than most people need unless there is a great deal of regular dropping weights of more than 100 lbs. (Such as in deadlift or clean-and-jerk areas.) This thick rubber matting is almost always in rubber tile or 4x6 rubber stall mat form. One of the main differences between the 3/4 inch and the 1-inch thick rubber mat options is that at 3/4 inch, you have a lot of options of vulcanized rubber, which is more durable than non-vulcanized rubber.

1 inch & Thicker Rubber Mats:

Best Use: powerlifting, facilities where 100 lb. weights are intentionally dropped regularly, deadlift, clean and jerk, these generally include a support structure, more cushion, sound absorption
At 1 inch thick and thicker, non-vulcanized rubber mats become more predominant. These will generally have some support structure on the underside, offering more cushion and/or sound absorption. It also makes them no longer reversible in most cases.

Finding the Right Rubber Flooring Thickness at Greatmats

Choosing the correct rubber flooring thickness is essential for creating a safe and functional gym environment. Whether you need a thin mat for light equipment or thicker flooring for intense powerlifting, understanding specific requirements for free or dropped weights in your home gym or commercial gym will help you make the best choice. Investing in the proper thickness will protect your equipment, reduce noise, and ensure a durable surface for heavy use.

Explore Greatmats’ wide range of rubber flooring options to find the perfect fit for your space.

Call us to discuss your gym space, and we'll help you find the best product!