The home gym industry has seen dramatic shifts in recent years. Home Gyms were previously the domain of the privileged, but nowadays, many people use their basements, garages and spare rooms as places to work out.
Many homeowners choose not to go to a commercial gym since they can access various fitness resources at home from complete gym rig set-ups to yoga workouts areas and PT studios. At the very foundation of this, quite literally is home gym flooring. Despite where you create a gym at home, the space should be fit for purpose and proper home gym flooring is essential for that space to work effectively.
In this article, we will guide you through the main types of home gym flooring available as well as the main benefits and drawbacks of each including the key factors to consider for all types of home gym locations.
Table of Contents
8. Home Gym Flooring Thickness Table
10. Reasons for Home Gym Flooring
Main Types of Home Gym Flooring
With so many home gym flooring options on the market, it can be difficult to know what is best for your specific home gym space and requirements. Let’s look at the main types of home gym flooring available:
Rubber Gym Tiles
Rubber gym tiles are a robust and hard-wearing floor solution which come in multiple thicknesses and sizes. Widely used across the fitness and leisure industry, rubber is popular because of its superior shock absorbent properties and ability to withstand repetitive use and high impact exercise. Rubber tiles do an excellent job of protecting the user from injury while exercising as well as protecting the floor and environment from damage. They are simple to keep clean and low maintenance because they are naturally resistant to moisture, dirt and bacteria meaning there is little chance of damage and costly repair.
Rubber tiles are the ideal option for home gym flooring because they are simple to install DIY and can be easily fitted permanently or loose-laid. Homeowners are able to reconfigure their home gym as many times as they want with little disruption or upheaval. Most products come with a simple installation video which allows users to fit the tiles by themselves and cut down on labour and fitting costs. High quality products will come with a product guarantee of approx 3-4 years which protects them from premature crumbling, fading and wear.
Most rubber gym tiles come in standard Black or Grey as these colours work well with brightly coloured gym equipment, however there are also options for flecked coloured designs to add some character to your home gym flooring space.
Thickness is an important factor to consider when choosing a rubber tile for your home gym flooring. Rubber gym tiles tend to start at 11mm and work upwards to 50mm. The less denser options are designed for light to medium exercise and as the thickness increases they are suitable for high impact activities and heavier weights. See our Home Gym Flooring Thickness List in this article for a breakdown of thickness options and the recommended activities.
Rubber Rolls
Rolled rubber or rubber roll is essentially another rubber flooring format which comes in sheets usually available in different widths and thicknesses. It is a durable and cost-effective home gym flooring option that provides maximum protection against slips, falls and body injury from impact while shielding your underfloor from damage.
Rubber roll is a popular option for cardio and functional areas of a commercial gym as it covers a wide space while supporting heavy gym equipment such as bikes, trainers and treadmills.
When would you use Rubber Roll instead of Rubber Tiles?
This comes down to the size and shape of your property as well as personal preference. If you have a larger or wider open-plan space then using a roll of rubber as opposed to tiles can minimise waste and create a very seamless and uniform look which some people prefer.
Both Rubber Roll and Rubber Tiles can easily be cut to size to fit around corners and edges so it is often down to budget. A rubber roll may be more cost-effective for your space if it is quite an extensive area although rubber rolls in general are more expensive than rubber tiles.
Installing rubber roll is more challenging than fitting tiles so this is worth considering when making a decision for your home gym flooring. It is heavier to handle, requires adhesive and will need a second person to assist in the installation. If you are not a confident DIYer then it may be beneficial getting a specialist fitter to do it for you.
Rubber rolls are available in thicknesses ranging from 4mm up to 12mm. The thicker roll options are more suited for higher impact workouts and weights and the lighter end of the spectrum is best for low intensity activities and for supporting equipment.
Interlocking Rubber Tiles
Home gym flooring is made even easier with interlocking gym tiles. This style of rubber tile looks like a standard rubber mat but comes with small, hidden inserts which lock each tile together. They are designed to make the installation process quicker and easier while adding extra stability so that the tiles remain in position.
Interlocking gym tiles come in 2 thicknesses of 20mm and 30mm, a popular choice for home gym flooring as it accommodates medium to high impact exercise and up to 200kg weights.
This type of tile is usually more expensive than standard gym tiles and has an extra soft, velvety touch and appearance with various colour and design varieties. If you are looking for a strong aesthetic and a deluxe, high comfort feel to your fitness space then an interlocking option is a good choice for home gym flooring.
Rubber Puzzle Mats
A rubber puzzle mat is a type of rubber tile with a jigsaw profile. Each tile can be interlocked together for an easy installation process. They come in thickness options ranging from approx 6mm to 12mm offering choices for all types and levels of exercise as well as a range of plain and flecked colour options so you can match your home gym flooring to your gym decor style.
It is a popular choice for home gym flooring because of the simplicity of the fitting as well as the range of thickness options which have high protection and anti-fatigue properties.
Coloured Rubber Gym Tiles
Sometimes adding a touch of block colour can lift the aesthetic of a gym space and bring it to life. Coloured rubber home gym flooring tiles are available in popular shades of Red, Green or Black and can be switched up to create a checkerboard design or bespoke pattern.
These heavy duty gym tiles come in 30mm and 40mm thicknesses and are also suitable for outdoors. They have self-drainage channels on the underside where moisture can easily pass through. Ultra durable and tough, these rubber gym tiles accommodate medium to very high impact gym activities and are simple to fit.
Tatami Foam Puzzle Mats
Another home gym flooring option worth considering is Tatami foam mats. Like the rubber mats of the same name, they are puzzle shaped for simple, interlocking installation. The top layer has a Tatami texture which prevents slipping and offers some traction for specific activities such as Martial Arts and Gymnastics. These EVA closed cell foam tiles are also suitable for fitness workouts, Yoga and Pilates because they are shock absorbent and provide high comfort and body protection as well as safe-guarding against damage to the subfloor and surrounding areas.
These tiles can be set up in a home gym in any configuration as well as glued directly to the floor for a more permanent set-up. A very affordable home gym flooring option, Tatami foam tiles are less expensive than rubber flooring options but may not be suitable for spaces where very heavy weights are used. These tiles come in 20mm and 40mm thick options with a selection of reversible colours to choose from.
Synthetic Gym Turf
You may have heard or seen artificial grass being used in outdoor playing fields and sports. Synthetic gym turf is a similar material which comes in rolls or tracks for use in gyms and more increasingly as home gym flooring. Good quality gym turf has the look and feel of authentic grass but is made from heavy duty fibres which are made to endure continuous use and repeated impact. For your home gym flooring, you may want to consider brightly coloured gym turf as the range comes in a variety of colourways which can add some flair and personality to a gym space. This type of material is mostly used for activities such as interval and circuit training, crossfit as well as sled pulling and sprinting.
Prices vary for synthetic gym turf from basic flat options at the lower end to more expensive 3G and 4G options which are thicker and more authentic looking that have a longer lifespan. The material is easy to install and can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.
Home Gym Flooring Thickness Table
Below is a list of commercial and home gym flooring types, their approx thicknesses and recommendations of use.
Rubber Gym Tiles
11mm - Low intensity exercise, low weights
15mm - Low/Medium intensity exercise - max weight drop - 110kg
23mm - Medium/High intensity exercise - max weight drop 140kg
33mm - High intensity exercise - max weight drop 200kg
43mm - High/Very High intensity exercise - max weight drop 250kg
53mm - Very High intensity exercise - max weight drop 300kg
63mm - Extreme intensity exercise - max weight drop 350kg
Rubber Roll
4mm - Low intensity exercise
6mm - Low intensity exercise, light weights
8mm - Low intensity exercise, light weights
10mm - Low intensity exercise, light weights
Coloured Gym Tiles
30mm - High intensity exercise - max weight drop 200kg
40mm - Very High intensity exercise - max weight drop 250kg
Interlocking Gym Tiles
20mm - Medium/High intensity exercise - max weight drop 140kg
30mm High intensity exercise - max weight drop 200kg
Rubber Puzzle Mats
6mm - low intensity exercise, light weights
8mm - Low intensity exercise, light weights
Tatami Foam Tiles
20mm - Medium/High intensity exercise - max weight drop approx 110kg
40mm - High intensity exercise - max weight drop approx 140kg
Synthetic Gym Turf
Sprint & Sled Tracks - 13mm - 4 Sizes - High intensity exercise
3G Grass - 25mm - High intensity exercise
4G Grass - 50mm Very High intensity exercise
Low Intensity - Bodyweight exercises, Yoga, Pilates, Toning & Conditioning, Cardio machines such as Treadmills, Spin Bikes, Elliptical Trainers, Rowing Machines, Free Weights with max weight drop 110kg
Medium Intensity - Free Weights with max weight drop 140kg, Resistance Training, HIIT, Interval Training, Martial Arts Training
High Intensity - Free Weights with max weight drop 250kg, Crossfit, Bodybuilding, Martial Arts Training, MMA, Boxing, Court Sports such as Football, Rugby, Basketball, Futsal, Volleyball, Tennis
Very High Intensity & Extreme Intensity - Free Weights with max weight drop 300kg, Gymnastics, Some MMA, Olympic Weight Lifting, Parkour, Cheerleading
Common Home Gym Locations
Homeowners have become quite creative when it comes to locating their home gym. From living room nooks and wide hallways to state of the art garage gyms and summerhouse gym spaces. Here we look at the different locations of gyms at home and where home gym flooring fits in:
Garage & Basement Gyms
One of the popular places to build a gym is the garage. Garages more often than not sit redundant and full of household clutter or tools so making good use out of this space makes sense if you want to make workouts at home part of your routine. Garages can be draughty, cold and sometimes wet. Vibrations and noise from gym equipment and weights can travel outside and be disruptive to neighbours or other family members. The most important qualities your home gym flooring should have if located in a garage should have the following:
Insulation & Sound Reduction qualities
Moisture Resistance
Durability
Modular Gyms
Modular gyms are popping up all over the country in the form of summerhouses, garden sheds and specialist multi gym units. These modern constructions are usually heated although not always which can make a modular or outdoor gym cold and uncomfortable to work out in during the cooler months or too hot in warm seasons. As the gym is isolated from the rest of the home you want to consider low maintenance options that don’t require constant attention or upkeep. Likewise, you want the home gym flooring to withstand certain weather conditions such as extreme cold and frost. Key factors to consider with your home gym flooring for these gym types are:
Insulation
Heat Tolerance
Low Maintenance
Spare Room Gyms
A Spare Room is the ideal space for a Home Gym. Easily accessible and usually well ventilated and insulated, a room dedicated to fitness is a great idea. One of the small drawbacks of exercising in a spare room of the house is the potential noise. Loud noise from gym equipment and operating machines can disturb other family members if there is not proper insulation to dampen sound. Likewise, in terms of home gym flooring, a simple installation and easy clean solution is beneficial. Here are the main things to consider for a Spare Room Gym:
Simple Installation
Easy Cleaning
Reasons for Home Gym Flooring
There are loads of reasons why investing in quality home gym flooring is important. Here’s why it is best practise to have adequate home gym flooring when working out at home.
Safety & Protection
The number one reason for installing home gym flooring is safety. It is essential to have a good defense against bodily injury when performing exercise whether it is low impact or high intensity workouts. Home gym flooring cushions impact, absorbs shock and protects your joints, ligaments and muscles from stress and fatigue. It also protects your gym equipment and subfloor from damage.
Comfort & Cleanliness
Imagine working on a dusty concrete garage floor. If you are committed to home exercise enough to build a home gym then you want to make sure you are consistent with your workouts and routines. That is where comfort comes in. If you have a comfortable and easy to clean floor surface, you are much more likely to continue with your fitness goals and keep motivated. Home gym flooring provides a comfortable and efficient space to work out making it easier to stick to your routine.
Aesthetic Environment
With so many designs and colours to choose from, home gym flooring can transform a dull space into something quite special and unique. Not only is it practical, it gives your gym a professional, polished look which can enhance your overall environment and boost your energy levels.
Multi-Functional
Home gym flooring is super versatile. It accommodates all types of fitness and gym activities but it can also support other uses. It can provide a safe and comfortable play or gaming space for kids as well as being useful for multi-purpose garages with tools and heavy machinery. It is easy to clean and resists moisture in spaces with oil and grease such as garage or shed workshops. Perhaps your space is used for multiple functions and home gym flooring is versatile enough to tailor to these purposes.
Conclusion
It is reasonable to say that home gym flooring plays quite a large role in a successful home gym space. Home gym flooring provides vital protection from both body injury and damage to subflooring and equipment. It also makes a home gym comfortable and operational with simple maintenance and cleaning. Whether you have a garage gym or work out in the spare room, proper gym flooring is essential to get the most out of your fitness space and stay committed to your goals. Using our tips on the best home gym flooring options should narrow down what floor types work best and help you decide on the most suitable solution for your specific space.
You may also be interested in reading:
Why Should I Opt for Interlocking Floor Mats?
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