Gym Flooring Buyers Guide & Considerations

A comprehensive guide to flooring your gym space 

Designing the ultimate workout space lays the foundation for fitness success. This is equally true for both individual fitness enthusiasts and gym businesses training their clients. Arguably the most important factor is the very surface your equipment is going to sit on; the right gym flooring. But, with the hundreds of options out there, how are you supposed to know exactly which to use?

Luckily, we've designed a gym floor guide with tips, information, and guidance to help you make an informed decision. So, before you go on a spending spree kitting out your workout space, read on and make an informed decision right from the start. 

Things To Consider

Gym requirements 

When selecting the best gym flooring for you, it's important to consider the type of exercise you'll be doing. Different activities require different types of flooring. For instance, if you plan on doing a lot of weightlifting, you may want heavy-duty rubber flooring. Olympic lifting? It’s a good idea to research suitable weightlifting platforms. On the other hand, if you're setting up a home yoga studio, flooring offering softer cushioning is more suitable.

Popularity of the space

You should also evaluate the amount of foot traffic your gym is likely to see. If you're running a commercial gym with a lot of members, you'll need more durable flooring than if you're setting up a home gym with limited use.

Special requirements 

Take note of any special requirements based on your fitness routine. If you're planning to set up a CrossFit box, you'll need flooring that can handle heavy impact and has excellent durability. Conversely, a dance studio may require flooring with the right amount of slip resistance. 

Converting a used space

If you plan on using your gym space for multiple purposes, like a workout area that doubles as a home office or storage space, make sure you’re not opting for flooring that is hard to clean, maintain, or cover when necessary.  

Gotta look good, too

If you’re building a gym, you might as well make sure it looks great, too. Make sure colours, patterns, and different textures complement each other. Black-coloured gym flooring is popular as it’s easily paired with most equipment. The same goes for blue or grey-flecked gym flooring as they’re easy to match with neutral colour schemes.

Longevity  

Finally, think about the long-term. Anticipate any changes or expansions to your fitness routine in the future, and invest in versatile flooring that can adapt to evolving workout preferences. While it's important to consider cost, remember that quality and durability are long-term factors that can impact the overall value of your investment. Balancing upfront costs with the longevity and performance of the flooring is key.

Gym Flooring Types 

Rubber tiles

Rubber tiles are popular because they’re multi purpose, durable and shock absorbent. They don’t require a complicated installation process as the weight is designed to hold their position on the floor. 

Rubber gym tiles are typically suitable for:

• Traditional weight training
• High-impact exercise (weightlifting, battle ropes, sprints, gymnastics)
• Low-impact exercise (skipping, yoga, pilates, bodyweight workouts)

Weightlifting drop mats 

For even the heaviest slams, all good weightlifting drop mats are designed to absorb impact and noise with EVA foam and durable vinyl covers.

Gyms use drop mats for weightlifting as they’re typically suitable for exercise requiring the intentional dropping of weights, like:

• Dead ball, dumbbell, or barbell slams 
• Olympic lifting

Weightlifting platforms 

Platforms typically provide a dedicated space for weight lifting, separate from your standard gym space. Sitting within a steel frame, platforms are made up of both bamboo timber insert sections and high-density rubber tiles.

Weightlifting platforms are typically suitable for exercise requiring heavy, repeated lifting, like:

• Barbell compound lifts (for example, deadlift)
• Olympic lifting

Considerations For Commercial Gyms

More foot traffic, more wear-and-tear

Got high foot traffic? Choose long-lasting flooring materials that can withstand the constant use of heavy equipment and the movement of large numbers of people.

Working hard can be a noisy business

One of the most common customer complaints in Australian gyms is noise. Minimising noise is essential to maintain a comfortable and distraction-free workout environment. Flooring options with sound-absorbing properties to reduce impact noise can prevent this. 

Safety first

• Slip resistance Opt for flooring with slip-resistant properties to prevent accidents, especially in areas prone to moisture or sweat.
• Shock absorption Choose gym flooring that provides adequate shock absorption to protect joints and reduce the risk of injuries where high-impact exercises are common.
• Fire safety in addition to your gym's other fire safety features do your research on fire-proof rubber gym flooring to prevent safety issues.

Maintenance

Choose flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure a hygienic workout space, especially in commercial gyms.

Think about the long-term 

While budget is important, consider gym flooring as a long-term investment. High-quality, durable gym flooring may have a higher upfront cost than cheaper options, but you'll save money in the long run by requiring less frequent replacement.

Our expert tips 

💡Expert Tip #1: Creating a level surface

A flat foundation not only improves your gym’s look and feel but its function, too. A stable environment for workouts starts with bump-free, flat surfaces.

💡Expert Tip #2: Using proper underlayment

Depending on the type of flooring you choose, consider using an appropriate underlayment to improve shock absorption, reduce noise, and provide additional support.

💡Expert Tip #3: Securing interlocking tiles correctly

If you’re using interlocking tiles, make sure there’s a snug fit between tiles to create a seamless surface, prevent tripping hazards, and maintain the floor's integrity.

💡Expert Tip #4: Investing in transition strips

If you have multiple flooring types (e.g., you have both gym tiles made of rubber and vinyl flooring), use transition strips to create smooth transitions between different surfaces. This helps your gym look professional and prevent tripping. 

💡Expert Tip #5: Establish different workout zones

Define zones for different exercises, like a dedicated weightlifting area, or a cardio space. This optimises your gym layout and allows for targeted flooring choices in each zone.

💡Expert Tip #6: Regular cleaning and maintenance

Establish a routine for regular cleaning and maintenance. Sweeping, mopping, and spot cleaning are essential to keep your gym floor in top condition. 

💡Expert Tip #7: Monitoring for wear and tear

Periodically inspect your gym flooring for signs of wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to extend the lifespan of the flooring and ensure a safe workout environment.

💡Expert Tip #8: Don’t be afraid to accessorise 

Add accessories like mirrors, storage solutions, and fitness equipment. Ensure that these additions complement the flooring and contribute to the overall efficiency of your space.

To wrap it up 

Selecting the right gym flooring is step one in creating a functional, safe, and visually appealing fitness space. Before purchasing, make sure you’ve mapped out the gym and what it will look like, its popularity, types of exercise, and cleaning frequency. Making an informed decision from the start saves you time, your money, and provides a far superior workout experience. 

Explore the diverse range of gym flooring options available in the market and invest in a solution that aligns with your fitness goals and style preferences.