How to Install and Maintain Gym Flooring

Installing gym flooring is a crucial step in creating a functional, safe, and comfortable workout environment. Whether you’re outfitting a home gym, garage gym, a basement workout space, or even a commercial facility, proper installation and maintenance will ensure your flooring lasts and performs well over time.  

Here’s how to do it right. 

Installing Gym Flooring 

For gym flooring installation, whether it’s mats, rolls, or tiles, isn’t overly complicated, but some types of flooring can be surprisingly heavy. For instance, Commercial Flooring Rolls can weigh 200lbs per 25-foot roll, and even 4’x6’ Floor Mats weigh 88lbs. These larger, heavier pieces may require more than one person to move and position. 

For smaller spaces like basements or areas where maneuverability is limited, tiles are often the easiest to install. Rubber Floor Tiles and Gray Fleck Puzzle Tiles, for example, are lightweight (around 8lbs each) and compact (24”x24” to 29”x29”). However, keep in mind that tiles are generally thinner and not as durable as heavier, professional-grade mats. 

Tips for Installing Your Gym Flooring 

1. Prepare the Subfloor

Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing any gym flooring. Remove any debris, dust, or moisture that could affect the adhesion or stability of the flooring, whether you’re installing over hardwood, concrete, or other surfaces. 

Allow your gym flooring to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for 24-48 hours before installation. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after installation, ensuring a snug fit. 

Measure the room and plan your layout carefully, taking into account any obstacles, such as columns or doorways. This will help you cut the flooring precisely and minimize waste. 

4. The Base Matters:

When laying gym flooring, avoid placing it directly on soft surfaces like carpet, which can cause instability. Ideally, install your flooring on a bare or flatter surface. If you’re installing over hardwood floors, consider adding a layer of paper or foam underlayment to protect the wood from potential damage. For basement or concrete installations, a subfloor may be necessary to prevent moisture issues. 

To prevent movement or gaps, you can secure your gym flooring with either special floor glue or double-sided floor tape. If your setup is permanent, Rubber Flooring Glue is a great choice. It provides strong adhesion and long-lasting security. For temporary or semi-permanent installations, Double-Sided Floor Tape is ideal, offering easy application and clean removal without residue. 

Begin installation from the center of the room and work your way outward. This ensures a balanced and symmetrical finish, especially in larger spaces. 

Use a utility knife with a sharp blade to cut the flooring to fit around edges, corners, and other obstacles. Always measure twice before cutting to avoid mistakes. 

For materials like rubber or foam that expand and contract, leave a small gap (about ¼") between the flooring and the walls to allow for movement. 

If installing rolled or interlocking tiles, ensure the seams are tightly secured to prevent gaps or movement. Use seam tape or adhesive where necessary to reinforce these areas. 

After laying the flooring, use a heavy roller to flatten the surface and ensure proper adhesion. This step helps eliminate air pockets and ensures the flooring bonds securely to the subfloor. 

Once the flooring is installed, avoid heavy traffic for 24-48 hours to allow the adhesive or tape to set fully. This ensures your gym flooring is secure and ready for use. 

How to Install Gym Mats on Hardwood (and Other Surfaces) 

When installing gym flooring over different surfaces, such as hardwood or concrete, it’s important to take precautions to prevent damage.

For hardwood floors, using a barrier layer, like paper or foam underlayment, helps protect the wood from potential scratches or stains. If you’re installing rubber mats directly over concrete in a basement or garage, consider adding a subfloor to manage moisture and enhance cushioning.

Additionally, when laying a mat on top of vinyl flooring, ensure that the rubber won’t react negatively with the vinyl’s chemicals, as this could cause stains. 

Avoid using floor glue to secure your flooring on top of hardwood, as it may damage the wood. 

How Thick Should Your Gym Flooring Be?

 

When choosing the right thickness for your gym floor, it's essential to consider the type of workouts you'll be performing.  

Commercial Flooring Rolls support heavy lifting and intense workouts, and are available in three thickness levels: 8mm, 9mm, and 12mm. The 8mm flooring is ideal for a standard gym setup, providing ample protection for general use. If you expect to occasionally drop bumper plates, the 9mm option offers added durability. For Olympic weightlifting or HIIT facilities where dropping weights is more common, the 12mm flooring is perfect, as it can withstand both bumpers and iron plates, ensuring maximum protection and longevity. 

Securing Your Flooring with Adhesives 

Double-Sided Floor Tape: 

Step 1: Clean the subfloor thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. 

Step 2: Apply the tape along all edges and seams of the area where the flooring will be placed. 

Step 3: Peel off the backing from the tape. 

Step 4: Place your tiles, rolls, or mats on top of the tape. 

Final Step: Your flooring is ready for use immediately, with no drying time required. 

Benefits: This tape is particularly useful in leased spaces or temporary setups, as it allows for easy removal without leaving residue or damaging underlying surfaces. 

Rubber Flooring Glue: 

Step 1: Use a 1/16” square notch trowel to apply the glue to the base floor. 

Step 2: Roll out the flooring on top of the glue within 30 minutes for best results.

Step 3: Work in small sections to manage the glue’s working time effectively. 

Final Step: Ensure the application temperature is between 60°F and 90°F. One gallon of glue typically covers approximately 90 square feet. 

Benefits: Rubber Flooring Glue is ideal for more permanent installations, providing strong adhesion and long-lasting security. 

Maintaining Gym Flooring 

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your gym flooring and keeping it in top condition. Here’s how to keep it looking and performing its best: 

• Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your gym flooring regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can cause wear over time. For rubber flooring, use a mild detergent mixed with water to mop the surface, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the material. 
• Spot Cleaning: Address spills or stains immediately to prevent them from setting in. Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner to wipe up any liquids or sweat. 
• Avoid Heavy Weights on Tiles: If you’re using rubber tiles, try to avoid dropping heavy weights directly onto them, as this can cause dents or damage. Consider using a mat or extra layer of protection in heavy lifting areas. 
• Monitor for Wear and Tear: Over time, your gym flooring may start to show signs of wear, particularly in high-traffic areas. Keep an eye out for cracks, tears, or other damage, and replace sections as needed to maintain safety and aesthetics. 
• Protect Against Moisture: In areas like basements, where moisture can be an issue, make sure to keep the environment dry. Use a dehumidifier if necessary and ensure your subfloor is properly sealed to prevent water damage. 

Why Quality Gym Flooring Matters 

Investing in quality gym flooring is about more than just aesthetics. Proper flooring protects your subfloor from damage, dampens noise, provides comfort during workouts, and safeguards your equipment from wear and tear. With REP’s wide range of gym flooring options, including the new Commercial Flooring Floors and Gray Fleck Puzzle Tiles, you have the tools to create a workout space that’s not only functional but also optimized for your specific needs. 

Bottom Line 

Whether you’re setting up a gym in your garage, basement, or a commercial space, installing and maintaining your gym flooring properly is crucial to creating a safe and effective workout environment. By following these tips and choosing the right flooring, you’ll set the foundation for a workout space that meets your needs and stands the test of time. 

Learn More

• The Floor is Yours: Let's Talk About Gym Flooring
• REP's Flooring Collection
• What Type of Flooring is Best for Your Home or Commercial Gym?