What are Gym Floors Made Of?

Gym floors take a lot of abuse. They need to be able to handle constant foot traffic, heavy weights, and occasional spilled drinks or dropped weights. For these reasons, gym floors must be made of materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. But what exactly are gym floors made of?

A few different materials are commonly used to make gym floors. One popular option is rubber flooring. This type of flooring is durable and shock-absorbent, making it ideal for areas where people will be doing a lot of jumping or lifting heavy weights. Let's take a look at the different types of materials that are commonly used in gym flooring.

What Gym Floors Are Made Of?

Most gym floors are made of concrete or screw-fixed plywood as the subfloor. The concrete or plywood is then covered with a synthetic material, such as urethane, rubber, or vinyl. The covering protects the floor and provides an even surface for activities.

 

 

Some gym floors are made entirely of synthetic materials, such as urethane or rubber. 

Gym floors must be able to withstand heavy use and abuse. They must be durable, easy to clean, and slip-resistant. The type of flooring you choose will depend on the activities that will take place on the floor and your budget for the project.

Rubber Flooring

A gym floor must be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, which is why rubber flooring is such a popular choice. It is also slip resistant and has some give to it, so if someone falls, they are less likely to get injured. Different thicknesses are available depending on how much traffic the floor will get. Here are a few benefits of rubber flooring:

• Durable: Rubber can take a lot of abuse, which is perfect for busy gyms.

• Slip Resistant: Sports flooring must be slip-resistant to protect athletes from injury.

• Easy to Install: Rubber tiles are simple to fit

• Sound Absorbing: Rubber flooring can help reduce noise in busy gyms

• Comfortable: A sports floor should be comfortable to stand on for long periods of time

• Safe: Rubber flooring is less likely to cause injuries if someone falls

If you're looking for a durable, safe, and comfortable flooring option for your gym, rubber flooring is a great choice.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are popular for gyms and sports centres because they're durable and easy to maintain. They can also be refinished if they start to show wear and tear. If you're looking for a wood floor that will last, Maple hardwood is a popular option because it is known for its hardiness and durability. Here are other benefits of hardwood floors:

• Easy to clean

• Durable and can withstand a lot of traffic.

• They can be refinished if they start to show wear and tear.

• Have a classic look that many people love

 

 

If you're considering maple hardwood floors for your gym, be sure to talk to a professional about installation and care. Hardwood sports flooring is quite specialist and to install a sprung floor system you will need an installation specialist.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a PVC floor system and is point elastic where the impact of weight/contact stays in one place rather than distributed across the floor. It's a popular choice for sport facilities, dance studios and multi-purpose halls with various uses because it's low-maintenance, multi-functional and easy to clean. Vinyl is available in tiles or sheets, and it comes in a variety of colours and designs. You can even get vinyl that looks like wood or stone.

 

Although vinyl flooring is popular for sports halls, it is not particurly suited to gyms.  Powerlifting and heavy equipment can damage vinyl flooring and it will not provide much protection for the user against impact.

Vinyl floors are:

• Low maintenance

• Easy to clean

• Wide in variety of design choice

• Great for sports and dance studios

Foam flooring

Foam floors are installed in tiles or mats. They're made from EVA foam, which is a soft, flexible material. Foam floors are popular in specialist gyms and studios because they're comfortable to perform on and provide cushioning for impact activities. Foam floors are also easy to install and can be used over any type of flooring.

 

Foam floors are:

• Comfortable to stand on

• Provide cushioning for specific sports such as MMA, Boxing and Gymnastics

• Easy to install

• Can be used over any type of flooring

• Available in different sizes, colours

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gym Flooring

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your gym, there are a few things you need to take into account. The type of flooring you choose will depend on the kind of activities you plan on doing in your gym and your budget. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best gym flooring for your needs.

Material and Type

You first need to consider the material and type of flooring you want. There are a variety of options available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. You'll need to decide what's most important to you on a gym floor. Do you need something that's easy to clean? Or do you need something that can withstand a lot of wear and tear? Perhaps you need something slip-resistant, or some give to it to protect your joints.

Activity and Use

Another thing to consider is the activity or activities you'll be using the flooring for. If you're going to be doing a lot of weightlifting, you'll need something that can handle the heavyweights and won't damage your equipment. If you're planning on using the space for cardio workouts, you'll need something to support equipment such as treadmills, rowers and bikes.

Thickness and Dimensions

Thickness is also crucial when choosing gym flooring or sports flooring such as vinyl and wood. You need to make sure the flooring is thick enough to protect your subfloor and equipment but allow for high performance. The dimensions of the flooring are also important. Make sure you measure the space you have available before you start shopping, so you know what size tiles or rolls you need to buy.

Cost and Installation

Finally, you need to take cost and installation into consideration. Some Gym flooring can be expensive, so you'll need to set a budget before you start shopping. You'll also need to factor in the cost of installation. Some types of flooring are easy to install yourself, while others require professional help.

Keep these factors in mind when choosing the best gym flooring for your needs, and you'll be sure to find something that's perfect for your space.

Final Thoughts

Gym floors are a crucial part of any athlete's training regime. The right flooring can make all the difference in terms of safety, comfort, and performance. When choosing a gym floor, it's important to consider your options to find the best fit for your needs.

The standard choice for most fitness gyms is rubber while sports gymnasiums opt quite regularly for wood and vinyl.  Once you have decided what type of material to go with, you can then make an informed decision on the style and format of flooring.

You may also be interested in reading:

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Garage Gym

Rubber Flooring V Foam Flooring: What is the Best Choice for Me?