Comparing Rubber Gym Flooring - Rolls, Mats, Interlocking Tiles

Rubber has been chosen as the preferred flooring material for commercial gym and home weight room flooring for decades. Because it's such a popular flooring option, there are a wide range of sizes, thickness, designs, and densities. Read on below to learn about the differences between the rubber flooring option.

rubber floor mat roll

Gym Traffic

The first consideration to make when choosing gym flooring is to think about the amount of traffic and abuse the floor will need to withstand. If you have a weight training facility used for competitive college or pro athletic teams, bodybuilding and powerlifting, it will need to be thicker and much more durable that those used in most home gyms or senior centers.

Rubber has built a reputation for protecting the subfloor through impact absorption, reducing vibration and cutting noise from machines and free weights. It is capable handling heavy exercise equipment and foot traffic. Rubber flooring is a popular choice because its very durable, simple to clean, and is often times made from recycled rubber. It can also be recycled at the end of its life.

gym floor mat

Rolled Rubber

The thickness of rubber flooring is going to have the most noticeable impact on the overall durability of the flooring installation. A 1/4- to 3/8-inch rubber floor will suffice for light to moderate use while heavily-used areas will require a thicker rubber surface match that lifespan. In areas where weights will be dropped, 1/2- to 1 1/2-inch rubber flooring is better equipped to handle the impact without damaging the subfloor. While most thick rubber flooring will outlast a 15-year warranty under standard use, regularly dropping kettlebells, dumbbells, and barbells will decrease the lifespan of even the best flooring.

rubber rolls, mats & tiles

Rolled rubber is the most economical flooring option for weight rooms (per square foot) for larger installations, and it also leaves the fewest seams. However, due to the nature of its size and weight (often coming in 25-50 foot long rolls), installation can be difficult without help. Thickness options are also limited - generally to 1/2 inch or thinner.

rubber gym floors

Rubber Floor Mats

Rubber floor mats, often sold in 4x6 foot sizes, offer another economical option with the capability of a thicker surface than rolled rubber flooring. Rubber floor mats, also often used as horse stall mats, range from 3/8 to 3/4 inch thicknesses. While the mats are very heavy and don’t move very easily, these straight edge mats will slowly started to inch apart from each other over time. They are often used as supplemental padding in areas where heavy weights will be dropped during olympic lifts.

Interlocking Puzzle Mats

Interlocking, puzzle-style tiles offer convenient installation and a tight, durable fit without shifting. These tiles are commonly only used in smaller rooms because their higher cost per square foot and the fact that they are easy to custom fit to an irregularly shaped space. The smaller 2- to 4-foot tiles (1/4 to 3/4 inch thick) are easier to manage, especially if installed by a single person.

For cardio areas, where shock absorption is less of an issue, thinner rubber flooring will suffice just fine.

gym floor rubber mats

Alternatives to Rubber

Some customers report enjoying the comfort and warmth or carpeting for cardio workout areas, but we warn against it as stains and bacteria can be hard to remove from carpet areas.

Foam and plastic materials can also be used for weight room flooring. Like carpeting, however, great care should be taken when or if you decide to use these materials. Foam mats will become indented from heavy objects, so it’s important to make sure there is proper weight distribution.

PVC Plastic flooring, such as StayLock tiles, is rugged enough to handle heavy weight equipment and offers cushioning similar to foam, but typically carries shorter-term warranties than rubber weight room flooring.

We offer a perfect flooring solution for every use space, whether it be a commercial gym or a home user in their basement. There is a weight room flooring option out there to fit anyone's needs.

Interlocking Rubber Tiles vs. Rolled Rubber Flooring Blog

If you're considering new rubber flooring for your home or business, one thing to consider is the difference between interlocking rubber floor tiles and rubber rolls. Both flooring options have their unique benefits and are best suited for specific scenarios. Rubber floors, mats and tiles are either made from a virgin rubber material, synthetic rubber material or a recycled content material and in some cases a combination of more than one rubber type.

interlocking vs rolled rubber

Home Gyms

For use in most home gyms, Greatmats recommends interlocking rubber tiles. This is because the tiles can be easily installed and don’t require any adhesive or tape to put them down. Because of this, they can also be easily removed and re-used in another room or home. Seams are typically very tight so the floor will appear to be one solid piece with no edges to trip over.

These tiles can be custom fit to any size room with only a simple utility knife.  (We recommend that you let your rubber flooring acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours before cutting to size.) Rubber floor tiles are offered in a range of thicknesses and colors. Greatmats' knowledgeable customer service representatives are available to help find the perfect flooring for any space.

virgin rubber floor tiles

Commercial Facilities

In commercial facilities, you can also use interlocking rubber tiles although you may want to go with a thicker tile than you would for home gym use. Interlocking tiles are well-suited for use cases where the flooring needs to be relocated repeatedly. They are ideal if you are leasing your building, for example. Because interlocking tiles are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors, we can help you to find the right tiles to meet your needs.

Rubber rolls are typically less expensive but they have different requirements. All rubber rolls need a glue or tape-down installation to create a safe workout floor. Because of this, rubber rolls are a more permanent flooring solution than tiles.

rubber mat flooring

While some rubber flooring is known for its strong smell, this product is low odor. This can be important if you are using this flooring in a smaller room with low ventilation. You will find that the material binder in the rubber makes all the difference. In flooring where the rubber binder is sulfur, the rubber mats will often have a strong rubber smell. When the binder is urethane, the smell is very low.

One thing to note when considering rubber rolls is that they are not waterproof. They should be used in places where the flooring will remain dry. If your rubber flooring does get wet, you'll need to hand dry it if it has already been installed. Because of this, we recommend use rolled rubber for use in dry places such as weights rooms and supply rooms, but not wet areas such as laundry room and bathrooms.

rubber flooring rolls

Playgrounds

Playground rubber flooring is also available in an interlocking rubber tile. Greatmats offers a wide variety of different styles and fall height ratings. Playground flooring adds an extra level of cushion and protection for children in outdoor settings. It is a safer and cleaner playground flooring option when compared to both wood chips and rubber crumbs, as both of those options can be dug out, pushed aside, or thrown around.

If you have any questions regarding any of our products, please don't hesitate to call or send us a message. Our friendly customer service representatives are happy to help you.

gym flooring

Best Home and Commercial Gym Flooring Options

When it comes to flooring for your home or commercial gym floor, there are some things to consider. If rubber flooring is being considered, think about if it is important to have the flooring be low-smell. For home gyms, we generally recommend a low-odor option. This is because, if you have forced air and decent insulation, that smell can disperse throughout your home and be a nuisance for some time. Some rubber flooring has a strong “new tire” smell, but it’s not determined by whether or not the rubber flooring is made from recycled rubber. The binding agent (usually sulfuric or urethane based) will determine the power of the odor.

Home and Commercial Gym Flooring

If rubber or foam tiles seem to be the best option, We typically recommend a smaller sized tile option (such as our Interlocking 2x2 tiles).For a larger area, we will usually quote you a larger tile size (Geneva 3x3). This is because, in a smaller area, you will typically find yourself wasting less product when cutting for a wall-to-wall installation if your tiles are smaller. For use in a larger facility, the larger tile size is nice as it leads to fewer seams in the floor.

best commercial gym flooring

Breaking Down Rubber Gym Flooring Options

Time for new gym flooring? Decided on rubber, but unsure of the type of rubber flooring? Rubber is a popular flooring choice for both use in homes and commercial gyms. It will last for decades of use. It is an environmentally friendly product, often incorporating recycled rubber. Plus many rubber products are made in the United States, making this a great green building choice. Also, as many rubber products are made in the United States, rubber is a great choice for use as a green building choice. It is tough as nails, durable, and long lasting. In the right thicknesses and densities, it can stand up to heavy machines, dropped weights and the toughest fitness workout

Rubber Gym Flooring Options

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Durability

If the main purpose of the flooring is to support weight lifting or exercise machines, rubber is one of the best options due to its high density. Unlike other products such as foam, rubber is tough enough to protect the floor underneath from heavy equipment like treadmills and weight racks, and from dropping weights. Rubber is wear resistant and won't be compressed by heavy exercise equipment, or damaged by moving equipment. It is also suitable for high impact workouts. Rubber is extremely durable, affordable, and easy to install flooring material.

Pros and Cons of Heavy Rubber

The drawback with rubber installation is the weight. Rubber tile are lighter and thus easier to install, but rolled rubber results in the floor having fewer seams once installed.

Because rubber is heavy, it tends to stay in place, so adhesive is generally unnecessary except for some double sided carpet tape around the the perimeter of your space. The tape holds the rubber in place to prevent rubber. Please note that the rolls of rubber are heavy, and will require at least two people to safely move them.

cost of rubber gym flooring

Rubber will expand and contract due to temperature. A more permanent option is using adhesive, but this is more complex and best done by an experienced installer.

Effects on Sound

Rubber is sound dampening, another benefit that makes it a popular choice for gyms. It helps reduce all gym sounds whether from a treadmill or dropped weights. Rubber is a common underlayment material for just that reason.

Cleaning

Water resistant, rubber is also easy to clean, with regular vacuuming and a damp mop - especially with smooth surfaced rubber products. If properly cared for over its lifetime, rubber can be used for decades.

Rolls

If affordability is the main consideration, rolled rubber is the least expensive flooring option. Rolls come primarily in 4 foot widths, with lengths from 10 to 200 feet. 8 mm thick rolls are available, along with 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Some rolled rubber is multilayered, including a base or underlayment layer. For others, you may want to purchase an additional underlayment. Rolled rubber flooring installations have fewer seams once installed, giving the space a learn and elegant look. Rolled rubber can be laid over concrete, ceramic tiles, or any other smooth, hard surface. Rubber flooring, including rolled rubber, can be made from virgin, synthetic or recycled rubber materials, or combinations thereof.

Greamats.com, an online specialty flooring retailer, offers a wide range of rolled rubber flooring from several different factories across the continental United States. This gives you the option of choosing the factory closest to you, reducing shipping costs, and saving you money.

gym flooring cost

Rolled rubber comes in Solid Black or a multitude of flecked options in over a dozen colors. Some product lines offers the choice of color mixed in, ranging from 10-90% color mix. Confetti, which is a black base with a mix of multi colored flecks is another popular choice because it is priced less than other color options which have a color guarantee. Regrind rubber, which includes small flecks of whitewall tires, is an economical option if cost is more important than appearance for a flooring installation.

Interlocking Tiles

For a lighter weight option, that is easier for one or two people to handle, try a rubber interlocking tile.

When considering rubber tiles, one option that is ideal for Midwest customer is the American-made Geneva Interlocking Rubber Tile. The 2x2 foot size is popular for home gyms and easy for homeowners to install. These tiles are available in several thicknesses, with 8mm being the most popular choice for home gyms, and thicker ones for commercial applications.

Geneva Rubber Tiles are manufactured with a combination of recycled scrap rubber and new virgin rubber, thereby keeping millions of pounds of waste rubber out of landfills each year. These tiles have low odor, a 5 year manufacturer's warranty and qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points in five different categories.  

The best option for East Coast customer is a Rubber Puzzle Tile from Eureka.These 23x23-inch tiles are available in several different color flecks, have a non slip surface, and are commercial grade quality.

If colored tiles are a better fit for the space, West Coast customers can explore the options that Color Plus Rubber tiles offer. These tiles come in nine different colors to give any space a vibrant look and feel.

rubber exercise flooring

Budget Rubber

Bodybuilders who are also looking for an economical option flooring option often turn to horse stall mats as an extremely durable and low cost gym rubber floor option. They are designed to protect the joints of horse weighing a thousand pounds or more, so they can handle a few dropped weights. In the pro column, these are affordable, and readily available locally, which eliminates shipping costs. As rubber is a heavy floor material, shipping can be a significant cost when purchasing what would otherwise be a relatively cheap flooring option.

One of the downsides of using horse stall mats in a gym is that the mats weren’t designed for use in an indoor gym. Horses who aren't too picky about odor. Stall mats can have a strong odor, somewhat akin to rotten eggs or asphalt. Customers have reported success in washing the mats or airing them out in the sun. Others can't get rid of the smell and end up returning them. Stall mats are also heavy (100 pounds each) and can be cumbersome to move, especially down narrow basement stairs. Mats also vary widely in height - it can be hard to find two mats that are an exact even height, even after digging through a whole stack of mats at the farm supply store. The unevenness of the mats can lead to large seams between mats, a look that some find unattractive. For extra help dispersing the impact weight and protect your floor from things such as deadlift drop backs, some bodybuilders or powerlifters also use plywood underlayments in addition to stall mats.

Rubber is durable because of its density, and because of that it doesn’t add much cushion to aerobic activities. Standard rubber isn’t an ideal material for zumba, cardio activities, tumbling, grappling, or floor exercises.The one exception is plyometric rolled rubber which can be a good, affordable option, offering enough cushion for a safe cardio workout, whether it is HIIT, P90X, Tae Bo or Zumba. This flooring material is great at absorbing shock and is available in 4 foot wide rolls, starting at lengths of 25 ft. 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch and 8mm are standard thicknesses. While less dense than standard rubber, plyometric rubber still comes with a 5 year guarantee.

rubber gym flooring rolls

For any further explanation about topics discussed in this article, or any flooring needs, feel free to contact Greatmats' knowledge customer service representatives. They are available to help in choosing the best flooring for an individual project, space, or budget.

How to Clean Rubber Floor Mats

1. Vacuum with a beater brush for routine cleanings.
2. For more stubborn grime, a nylon mop with warm water and a mild neutral pH cleaner works best.
3. To reduce the rubber odor, try Pinesol or Simple Green.
4. Be sure to mop up all residue.
5. Do not use petroleum-based cleaners or those containing a wax agent.