What Are the Primary Materials Used in a Gym Floor?

Learn About the Best Materials for Gym Flooring

Gym Floor Materials

Dedicating a space in your home to exercise is a great way to maintain the drive to stick to fitness goals. From weightlifting to high-intensity interval training to yoga, a home gym takes any fitness quest to the next level.

Whether you are starting with new construction, repurposing an existing space, or renovating an area in your basement, it is best to start from the ground up by making sure you select the right gym flooring for your needs.

Typically, the flooring that already exists in the home is not ideal for exercise. Wood, carpet, vinyl, and laminate can splinter, shred, dent, and may be slippery. So what is the best gym floor material? Because everyone's needs are unique, the best gym floor material entirely depends on its purpose. In general, however, suitable flooring for home gyms includes interlocking foam and rubber floor tiles and mats, rolled rubber, plyometric rubber, plastic tiles and carpet tiles. Each kind of material carries their own benefits compatible with a variety of fitness and sports.

In order to hone in on what kind of home gym flooring might be best for you, start your planning by asking yourself a few questions.

Equipment

What kind of fitness equipment will you be putting on the floor?
Will you be moving equipment around?
How heavy is the equipment you are going to be using? Will it be lighter weight like dumbells, or several hundred pounds like treadmills and ellipticals?

Types of Exercise

What kind of exercise will you be doing? Yoga... Zumba... Weightlifting?
What kind of high impact movements will your exercise require?
Will you be dropping dead weights?
Will your back or stomach be in contact with the floor?

Portability

Would you like the floor to be a permanent installation, or should it be temporary?
Are you a renter or planning to move, or is this a dedicated exercise space for the long term?
Do you need something that can be easily carried and stored?
Pre-Existing Environment
Is it wet or dry?
What is the existing floor - carpet, wood, concrete, or something else?

The answers to all of the above questions will be a factor in choosing the best gym floor material for you. You can keep all of these in mind as you learn more about the different types of gym floors.

What Are the Primary Materials Used in Gym Floors?

As mentioned above, the primary materials used in gym floors tend to include foam, rubber or PVC plastic, and even special carpet.

Rubber

If you are primarily interested in weightlifting or exercise machines, rubber is the best gym floor material. Unlike most foam, rubber is tough enough to protect the floor underneath from heavy equipment like treadmills and weight racks and from dropping weights. Rubber will not compress or warp when used under still or moving heavy weight equipment. It is relatively affordable, very durable, and pretty easy to install.

Powerlifting Floor Mats

One challenge that does come with rubber is that it tends to be one of the heavier best gym floor material options. However, it can also be a benefit, as the weight makes it stay in place, so adhesives are less necessary. Tiles are lighter weight but rolled rubber results in fewer seams.

Another benefit is that rubber will deaden sound, whether from a noisy elliptical machine or dropping weights. Rubber is also easy to keep clean, with regular vacuuming and a damp mop. With proper care, rubber will perform effectively for decades.

Rubber Tiles

One example of rubber tiles is the American-made Geneva Interlocking Rubber Tile. The 3x3 foot tiles are popular for home gyms and easy for homeowners to install. Although tiles can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses, users most commonly choose an 8 mm thickness for a home gym. Tiles are made and shipped from Wisconsin. Geneva tiles are made from a combination of recycled scrap rubber and virgin rubber, keeping millions of pounds of tires out of landfills. That means tiles may contribute to LEED building points in five different categories. These tiles have low odor and carry a 5-year manufacturer's warranty

Rolled Rubber

Although tiles are the lightweight option, rolled rubber floors tend to be less expensive. Rolls come primarily in 4-foot widths, with lengths from 10 to 25 feet, and up to 200 feet. Again, the 8 mm thickness is available, along with 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Using rolled rubber will result in fewer seams, giving your space a custom look, and can be laid over concrete, ceramic tile, or any smooth, hard surface.

Best Commercial Gym Flooring

Rubber Horse Stall Mats as Home Gym Flooring

Serious bodybuilders and powerlifters commonly choose to use horse stall mats as their home gym flooring alternative. Horse stall mats are designed to protect the joints of horse weighing a thousand pounds or more, so what are a few dropped weights? In addition to their extreme durability, horse stall mats tend to be an economic option and readily available locally, which minimizes shipping costs. This is helpful since the weight of rubber raises shipping costs.

One thing to always have in mind about rubber horse stall mats is the fact they often emit a strong odor, somewhat akin to rotten eggs or asphalt. Although this does not bother horses, certain humans can be quite sensitive to the smell, especially in smaller, indoor spaces. Make sure to take steps to deodorize mats before installing them and also maintain proper ventilation once they are installed.

Stall mats can also vary widely in thickness. It can be hard to find two mats that are exactly the same, even after digging through a whole stack of mats at the farm supply store. The uneven appearance of seams can be unattractive. Thinner mats may not protect the floor or your weights completely from drops during Olympic lifts, so many powerlifters and bodybuilders also use plywood underlayments in addition to stall mats.

Plyometric Rolled Rubber

While rubber is durable, it doesn't add much cushion for aerobic activities like zumba, cardio activities, tumbling, grappling or floor exercises. The one exception is plyometric rolled rubberwhich can be a good, affordable option, offering enough cushion for a safe cardio workout, whether it is HIIT, P90X, Tae Bo or ''Sweatin' to the Oldies.''

This highly shock absorbent material is available in 4 foot wide rolls starting at lengths of 25 feet. 3/8 inch, 1/2-inch, and 8 mm are standard thicknesses. Plyometric has a greater cushion than standard rubber products because it is less dense. Yet, that does not decrease its durability. At Gym Rubber, plyometric rubber rolls come with a five-year guarantee but are bound to last for much longer.

Foam

Types of Gym Flooring

Foam is the best gym floor material for fitness that requires padding and protection for the body and a variety of cardio exercise as well. Foam is not a good choice for serious weight lifting as it will dent, may not decompress, and may cause weights to bounce back, which could be dangerous. However, foam won't break the budget for a simple home gym with a few machines, light weights, where you want to do cardio activity or yoga.

Foam tends to be less expensive than rubber, but it is also less durable. That being said, you can find dense foam that gets close to the consistency of rubber. Since it weighs less, however, it is also cheaper to ship, easier to install, and is durable enough for many home applications. Foam is also the simplest option for temporary installations. Foam puzzle tiles, for example, can easily be laid down for workouts and picked back up and stored at other times.

Foam mats are readily available at big-box retailers, mainly in black or mixed packs of bright primary colors. For thicker, more durable mats in a wider range of single colors, check the big box stores websites or a specialty flooring company like Gym Rubber by Greatmats.

Foam flooring is available in different hardnesses. What's available at your local retailer will probably be soft - a standard hardness best for multi-use areas. High hardness foam tiles are better for karate and aerobic activities, specifically standing and kicking drills. There are softer martial arts mats for home Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), judo and grappling with a durable tatami no-burn surface that provides grip for groundwork with enough cushion for takedowns and throws. If you want to put heavy weight equipment like a treadmill over foam, it is typically necessary to use a special mat under the equipment to prevent the foam from being damaged.

Plastic

Best Gym Flooring

Plastic is one of the best gym floor material options for basements or carpeted areas. Plastic flooring can both protect subflooring and offer cushion at the same time. Unlike foam or rubber, certain plastic tiles can be used on top of existing carpeting without the risk of the tiles separating or sinking into the carpet pile at the seams.

For intense aerobic workouts like P90X, Crossfit, and Hip Hop Dance, soft PVC gym floor tiles can provide superior cushioning and durability. PVC tiles are perfect for these sports, as they allow athletes to remain sure-footed and stable, while still lessening the shock of high-intensity impacts. Plastic tiles are also tough enough for light and medium weight lifting. Plus, it is the best gym floor material for quick and easy maintenance. They dry quickly, do not grip to dirt, and do not absorb water, which makes them super easy to clean and disinfect. are easy to clean and disinfect.

StayLock Bump Top tiles are an example of plastic gym flooring that is durable like rubber, with the cushion of foam. These tiles are made from soft PVC and are flexible and pliable, yet non-absorbent. The underside of each tile has little feet that elevate the tile above the floor surface, providing cushion but also airflow beneath the tile, an important feature if you are using them in a damp basement area.

Gym Carpet

Carpet can be a tricky one. As mentioned before, most types of carpet are not suitable for a home gym. Carpet can be ruined when exposed to moisture, and it more easily takes on odors. However, as long as you choose wisely, it turns out that carpet is actually one of the best gym floor materials when space versatility is desired. If you do not want to be bothered with picking up and putting down an exercise floor but you cannot commit an entire room solely to exercise, carpet tiles make a good compromise. The right carpet tiles will offer cushion, warmth, and stability with the convenience of modular flooring. Gym carpet tiles will have a dense ply so it also enough stability for exercise. The surface of gym carpet tiles is more durable than residential carpeting, and damaged tiles can be replaced.

Learn More

There are a lot of gym flooring options on the market. Take some time to think about how you will train. Find a reputable retailer like Gym Rubber by Greatmats, and ask questions. Do your own research, read product reviews, and make sure you order some free samples to get an actual feel for a product.

For more on this topic please review our Gym Flooring product page.

Best Horse Mats for Home Gyms

This may sound like the start of a bad joke, but it turns out there's actually a legitimate answer: Horse stall mats make excellent gym floors. It may sound unlikely, but there are several reasons horse stall mats can be perfect for home gyms. 

First and foremost, horse stall mats yield a durability that stands up to the test of time and extreme use. They are designed to withstand large, sustained loads, so heavy exercise equipment is no problem. Further, home gym mats need to offer stability and support to the limbs and joints of users - just like horse stall mats must support healthy bones and joints in horses. Next, horse stall mats offer enough grip to prevent animals and handlers from slipping and falling, even in moisture-prone environments. This quality is essential in home gyms as well, as traction is key for safety while working out. Finally, horse stall mats tend to be low maintenance and easy to clean, which translates perfectly to a gym environment. 

For even further proof, flooring experts from Gym Rubber by Greatmats picked out the five best horse mats for home gym settings.

Horse Mats for Gyms

 

1. Horse Mats for Home Gym: 
2x2 ft. x 3/4 inch interlocking black punter top 

Some horse stall mats are simply too large and heavy duty to make sense in a home gym. This is not the case for Interlocking Black Punter Top tiles. The smaller size and low-key installation process of these tiles make them awesome horse stall mats for home gyms. These tiles can be laid down in a garage, a basement or any other room in the house for an instant gym floor. Each tile is 2 x 2 feet in size, which makes it easy to custom fit into any space. Tiles can be used to construct a home gym island in the middle of the room, or they can easily be put in for a wall-to-wall installation. 

These horse stall mats for home gyms are 3/4 inch thick and made of tough, quality rubber. Tiles are designed to take the repeated punishment, perfect for withstanding the dropping of heavy weights. Athletes will always remain sure-footed on these tiles, as the pebble top surface provides just the right amount of traction. Interlocking Punter Top tiles connect together swiftly and without hassle, yet are so tight-fitting they are nearly seamless. Even after being uninstalled and reinstalled time and time again, the tiles stay just as tight as the first day. 

2. Best Priced Horse Mats for Gyms: 
4x6 ft x 1/2 inch straight edge pebble top

Horse Stall Mats for Gym 

For the best horse mats for home gyms at a killer value, consider Straight Edge Pebble Top mats. These mats are some of the most affordable horse mats on the market. That being said, they are still super high quality. Tiles are created from a top-of-the-line rubber that is designed to last you with very little maintenance. Because the mats are long-lasting and low-key to take care of, they make the initial investment the only one you will have to make. There will not be any unexpected maintenance costs popping up in the future. It only takes sweeping or damp mopping to keep these horse stall mats for a gym looking fresh and clean. At only $1.75 per square foot, that makes the overall cost of these tiles incredibly hard to beat. 

In addition to low cost, these tiles provide a well-rounded package. Tiles support health and safety as they provide both comfort and stability underfoot with 1/2 inches of rubber. Meanwhile, the pebble top surface texture provides just the right amount of traction for exercise. No special tools or adhesives are needed to install these mats. All it takes to install is an easy dry lay on any hard, flat surface. 

3. Pre-sized Horse Mat Kits for Gyms (West Coast): 
Horse Stall Mats Cascade 3/4 Inch 12x12 ft kit 

Horse Stall Mats Cascade kits make creating a home gym from horse mats an easy and affordable process. These custom kits ship from Oregon and service the entire West Coast with low shipping rates. That means that for those in the west, Horse Stall Mats Cascade are some of the best horse mats for home gyms. These horse mat kits for gym floors come in a total of nine tiles to create a 12 x 12 foot floor. The mats ship straight from Oregon to service all of the West Coast. 

Cascade mats are produced from 100 percent recycled rubber content, which makes them an environmentally conscious choice. With that recycled rubber comes unmatched resilience. They are specifically designed to deliver maximum durability while still providing comfort. Cascade stall mats are made in the USA and carry a 15-year warranty. Each one is precision cut to make every installation a perfect one. Installation is recommended on a hard, flat surface. 

4. Pre-Sized Kits Horse Mats for Gyms (Central USA): 
Horse Stall Mats Custom Kit Sizes 

For those that live in the Central USA, Horse Stall Mats Custom Kits are the best horse mats for home gyms in terms of customizability and shipping. These horse mats for gym floors come in a standard of 4x6 ft x 3/4 or 1/2 inch rubber interlocking mats that are then cut down to match the specific needs of your custom gym area. Based on your measurement and design, Gym Rubber by Greatmats will have the horse mats cut down for a perfect fit. 

To ease the planning process, Gym Rubber by Greatmats offers an easy-to-use online floor planner. This tool allows you to enter your actual dimensions in order to provide a scaled image of what your space will look like with horse mats for home gyms. Once the plan becomes reality, the custom cut makes these mats a breeze to install. This product is made in the USA and features a 12-year warranty against manufacturing defects. However, Horse Stall Mats Custom are rated to last at least 20 years or more in an equine environment, which means they will likely last even longer in a gym. Mats yield safety and comfort underfoot. 

5. Horse Mats for Heavy Lifting: 
4x6 x 3/4 Inch Straight Edge Punter Standard

Horse Mats for Home Gym

Flooring experts say that for serious lifters, Straight Edge Punter Standard is the best horse mat for home gyms. These mats are the straight edge version of the very popular Interlocking Punter Top Stall Mats (product #1). They offer serious strength, durability, and stability under even the heaviest of weights and weightlifting equipment. In addition, mats provide the bounce back desired by weightlifters and athletes. Punter Top Standard mats present supreme slip resistance for safety while exercising. 

These horse mats for gym floors ship from all over the country and Greatmats will give you the best possible shipping rate. Installing mats does not require more than simply laying mats out on the floor. Like other horse mats for home gyms, these are completely waterproof and easy to take care of. Damp mop with hot water, using two buckets to keep the mop clean. If using a cleaner on rubber, always use one that is pH neutral. Otherwise, chemicals can erode the rubber. 

Final Note 

Do be aware that most rubber products arrive with a strong odor. Rubber horse stall products tend to yield a particularly strong stench. Make sure to set your home gym up with proper ventilation before installing horse mats. You can also follow some of Gym Rubber's other tips for removing odor from rubber flooring, which can be found in the Customers Guide. If this (or anything else) is a concern, you can also check in with Gym Rubber's customer service. They can help you choose horse mats for gym floors certain to suit every one of your needs.