Why would I want an interlocking floor?

When it comes to flooring, materials, designs and installation types have a seemingly endless supply of forms and varieties. Interlocking floor tiles and mats are becoming an increasingly popular form of specialty flooring. Now, an interlocking floor can also come in a large variety of interlocking forms, with it be a snap together tab-n-loop style tile, puzzle mat, dowel connector system, a combination of these designs, or completely different for of interlocking system.

Interlocking Floor

Regardless of the kind of interlock system these flooring tiles have, almost all of them provide similar benefits to one another that simply are not available with large flooring rolls of straight edge mats and tiles.

One of the biggest benefits of interlocking floor tiles and mats is the fact that that are easy to transport. These tiles are conveniently sized and much lighter weight than rolled versions of similar flooring materials. The smaller size of each tiles allows for the flooring to be installed with less people.

intrlocking gym floors

Another benefit to the smaller sized flooring segments is the reduction of waste. For island installations, there is virtually no waste. For custom wall-to-wall installations, most interlocking floor tiles can easily be cut or altered regardless of how irregularly the room may be shaped.

Installation is probably the biggest advantage of all. Interlocking tiles fit tightly together without adhesives. Depending on several characteristics of the tiles, such as their interlocking system, the material they are made of, and what their intended use is, it may be best to glue down some kinds of interlocking tiles as they might separate under heavy, prolonged use. Others are designed specifically with heavy use in mind and will maintain their hold even under strong duress.

interlock gym floors

Most interlocking floor tiles can be either pushed together by hand, by stepping on the seams or using a mallet. Uninstalling the floors is just as easy, assuming no adhesives are used. If a section of the interlocking floor does become damaged, only the affected tiles will need to be replaced instead of replacing large mats of entire rolls of flooring.

interlock gym flooring system

This type of flooring is very popular for portable installations, such as trade show or event flooring, and in areas where floors may need to be lifted periodically, such as in basements, hotels or banquet centers. Interlocking flooring comes in many materials, including plastic, rubber, and foam. Some interlocking tiles even have a carpet or vinyl top, and a flat or raised base.

interlock gym floor

Home Gym Flooring - Rubber vs. Foam

When it comes to flooring for your home gym, the most popular options are rubber and foam. Both flooring materials are good options, but they each serve different needs. Your priorities and how you'll be using the space should help to determine which product is best for your application.

Rubber v.s. Home - Home Gym

Rubber is the best choice and most popular option for home gym flooring. It is also inexpensive, easy to install, and incredibly durable. Rubber is most commonly found in areas where weights or exercise equipment will be used. It doesn't add much by way of cushion for aerobic activities such as jumping or bounding. (An an option, Plyometric rubber does work well for aerobic option as it is less dense than normal rubber and subsequently offers more cushion)

Home Gym Flooring Ideas

As a rule, rubber is more challenging to install than foam simply because of the sheer weight involved. Rolled rubber rolls are heavier than a single rubber tile or mat, but rolled rubber once installed will lead to fewer seams in the installed floor. Rubber flooring does NOT need adhesive for installation in your home gym - no matter what the purpose. However, a double sided carpet tape can be used around the perimeter and at the seams for a rolled installation. Most tiles can be installed without any adhesives, although some rubber tile products use a dowel connection system.

Flooring for Home Gym

Foam is typically cheaper than rubber because it is lighter than rubber. Foam flooring comes in a variety of densities and thicknesses. Foam gym flooring is more geared toward home gyms where cardio exercises, floor workouts, tumbling, or grappling will be done. Foam will not be as durable as rubber and will not hold up well from weights being dropped, or exercise equipment being put on top of the foam. As foam is lighter it usually is easier to install than rubber, as well as less expensive to ship.