Rubber Gym Flooring Options and Gym Floor Mats, Rolls and Tiles

Rubber Gym Mats and Tiles

For rubber tiles that are easy to install by one person in many flooring types or on top of short hair carpeting, then consider a gym rubber floor tile. Interlocking rubber gym flooring tiles are highly versatile and come with color flec options. Straight edge rubber tiles can be 1 inch thick and thicker for the most durable indoor gym floor mats option. Rubber paver tiles connect together using different interlocking systems and adhesives to create a stable surface.

You'll find rubber paver floor tiles available in thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.75 inches. These rubber floor tiles are sold in both black and full color flec options. These product lines offer ramped border edge options.

Rubber Gym Floor Interlocking Tiles

Interlocking rubber tiles with puzzle style edges are popular for gym floors in 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch thicknesses, because rolled rubber is not commonly available in thickness over 3/8 inch. Interlocking rubber floor tiles have a high density rating and are designed to last for years under taxing environments. Smaller interlocking rubber tiles are more manageable, especially when installing the flooring alone. Our 2x2 foot and 3x3 foot rubber gym floor tiles feature waterjet cut interlocks and will fit together very tightly.

With gym tiles, expanding the floor is not an issue. No adhesive is needed to install interlocking rubber tiles. For wall-to-wall installations simply cut the tiles to fit using a sharp utility knife. When installing an island installation, consider tiles that feature ramped edges.

Since these rubber gym tiles have a modular design, the weight of each individual tile is reduced. This lighter weight per tile makes the tiles more manageable, and just one or two people can perform the installation on their own. To install the tiles, all you have to do is line them up and push their seams together like puzzle pieces. The tiles connect securely and won't pull apart while in use. Because rubber gym flooring tiles are smaller, they're conveniently sized and easier to handle than larger rubber flooring options. When choosing rubber tiles, make sure that you order tiles that are thick enough to withstand the amount of traffic and use that your gym will see.

Rubber Gym Floor Mats

Rubber gym flooring mats make a versatile option that can be used in any gym surface. Rubber gym flooring mats tend to be more affordable than interlocking tiles of the same thickness, meaning that you can potentially save money if you're able to use rubber mats instead of interlocking tiles. Rubber gym mats usually measure 4x6 feet in size. They have straight edges and can be dry laid because of their significant weight. These gym floor mats come in a variety of different thicknesses, and are often used in Olympic lifting areas because of the excellent shock absorption the thicker mats provide. We recommend 3/4 inches thick mats in these higher impact areas.

Rubber gym mats are both dense and heavy; a 3/4-inch-thick 4x6-foot mat can weigh more than 90 pounds. The weight means that you'll likely need multiple people to help with the installation. Our 4x6-foot rubber mats are available in 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch thicknesses, with the thicker mats offering more shock absorption and protection. The mats are usually black. Some mats may have a stronger rubber smell than others, depending on how they are manufactured.

Gym Flooring Types

Gym flooring is now available for weight room and equipment gyms and for basketball and volleyball court floors. Rubber is the preferred weight room floor as it will absorb shock and vibration and reduce noise from weights dropping in racks on or the ground. Modular court tiles are popular for private school basketball gym court floors and middle school gyms that need a fast DIY floor installation. Greatmats offers a very large variety of rubber gym flooring options in rolls, rubber tiles and rubber gym floor mats from most of the manufacturers in the USA.

Rubber Gym Floor Density

Consider the different rubber densities when selecting the product that's right for you. Plyometric rolled rubber is a lower density rubber flooring. It has a little more cushion than traditional rolled rubber and is popular for use with plyometric exercises. Gyms often use plyometric rubber in areas where the workouts will include a lot of jumping.

Rubber Gym Floor Thickness

Rubber flooring comes in many different thicknesses, and 3/8 inch or 8 mm tends to be the most popular thickness in rolled rubber for gym floors. These thinner rubber floors are most suitable for home gyms and light commercial facilities where weights are not being dropped. For free weightlifting areas and gym floors that will see heavy use, we recommend 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch thick rubber gym flooring to adequately protect the subfloor. These thicker options provide better shock absorption. The heavier the weights and the more often that they're dropped, the thicker the flooring you will need in order to properly protect your subfloor.

If your gym floor mat has mostly foot traffic or machines, a thinner rubber floor can be fine.< Most weight rooms need a thicker floor to provide enough protection and shock absorption, especially if weights will be dropped.

Sound and Vibration Reduction Rubber Gym Mats

Most gyms are built with a concrete subfloor, but concrete isn't really ideal for a gym. Rubber mats can create a buffer between the concrete and the athletes, and helps to soften the impact that affects athletes' bones and joints. Because rubber is so dense you may not be able to feel a difference by just walking on the floor. Gym rubber floors sound reduction features dampen sounds in gyms, making the space a quieter environment that's more enjoyable for athletes, trainers, and staff.

While rubber gym floors reduces shock and protects your body from the concrete floor, its shock absorbing properties also help to protect the subfloor from the impact of dropped weights.

CrossFit Rubber Gym Flooring

Most CrossFit gyms opt for rubber gym floors because it helps to absorb shock and is also highly durable. Additionally, rubber flooring is slip resistant, and offers sound and thermal insulation for a more comfortable gym environment. Rubber flooring helps to reduce the stresses and impacts that intense workouts have on the body, especially when a lot of jumping is involved. The flooring is both firm and forgiving so athletes don't lose output during heavy lifts because of a floor that is too heavily cushioned.

CrossFit facilities often use rubber gym 4x6 ft mats for weightlifting areas. The highly durable mats help to absorb the shock of dropped weights. Rubber mats help to protect CrossFit subfloors from dropped heavy weights, and the thicker 1/2-inch mats offer particularly good shock absorption. For areas where burpees, push-ups, handstands, and other exercises are conducted, consider our smooth surfaced rolled rubber flooring. This rolled rubber makes for a surface that is more forgiving when an athlete's skin comes into contact with it.

Weight Room Gym Flooring

Rubber flooring that is installed in weight rooms will see more demanding use than your average flooring located in other areas of the gym will see. Most rubber gym flooring is guaranteed for at least 5 years, but also has an expected lifespan of 10-15 years. Weight room rubber floors are available in many thick rubber gym mat options. Rubber weight room gym floors are easy enough to install that you may be able to perform the whole installation on your own. For larger installations, rolled rubber can be a more economical choice.

Home Gym Flooring Options

For home gym flooring, consider the durable Pebble Gym Floor Mat that offers durability with the benefit of being lightweight and easy to install. The high density foam mats for home gyms are strong enough so that they can be used beneath heavy exercise equipment at home. Made of a high-density EVA foam, the mats may become indented by a heavy piece of home equipment.

Rubber Gym Floor Installation and Care

Rolled rubber can be dry laid for simplicity, but when your installation covers more than 400 square feet, it's recommended that you use a glue down or tape down installation for rolled rubber flooring. Our rubber gym flooring and mats are designed to be easy to clean. It's important to keep rubber flooring clean of dirt in order to preserve their lifespan. For rubber, use a neutral pH floor cleaner.

Top 6 Best Features of Rubber Gym Floors

1. Durable flooring can withstand both home and commercial applications, and will last for years.
2. Versatility - gym rubber floors comes in a wide variety of thicknesses, sizes, color choices, and installation types.
3. Affordability - rubber is one of the most inexpensive types of gym flooring.
4. Sound dampening properties make your workout environment more enjoyable for you and your athletes.
5. Shock absorbing - rubber gym mats are a more forgiving surface than a concrete subfloor, and athletes are sure to feel this difference.
6. Environmentally friendly - most gym floor mats are made from recycled rubber, so it's an eco-friendly option

Does rubber gym flooring have a strong smell?

Vulcanized gym rubber flooring can have a strong odor, especially when it's installed in an indoor space. For indoor installations, you may want to use non-vulcanized rubber, which has a milder smell, like a rolled rubber.

What is the cheapest rubber gym floor?

Rolled rubber is the most economical option, especially when you're performing an installer in a larger room or area. Regrind and confetti rolled rubber are usually the most affordable rolled rubber options.

How thick should rubber gym flooring be?

Rubber is available in a number of different thicknesses, but the thickness really becomes a concern when you're using the flooring in areas where heavy weights will be dropped, such as in Olympic free weight lifting facilities. If you're working with significant weights, then be sure to choose rubber mats that are at least 3/4 inches thick. The thicker the flooring, the more shock absorption and protection it can offer to your subfloor.

How do you cut rubber gym floor?

Install rubber gym flooring, as needed cut to fit with a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to guide your cut. To make a cut, you'll need to make a series of shallow scores until you cut all the way through the flooring. If you're working with thicker rubber, then place a 2x4 board underneath the mat. Position the board so that it's on the edge of your cut, and the rubber that hangs over will help to open up the cut. This process makes it easier to make your cuts.

How To Clean Rubber Gym Floor Mats

1. Vacuum with a rotating brush vacuum.
2. Use a nylon mop with warm water and a mild neutral pH cleaner for stubborn areas.
3. Mop thoroughly to prevent residue build up.
4. Petroleum-based cleaners or those containing a wax agent should not be used.