One of the most overlooked aspects of a home gym is its floor; at least until everything else in the gym is sorted out.
However, it plays an extremely important role in the overall functionality and aesthetics of the space.
Use our detailed guide on gym flooring types to make an informed decision.
Why Install A Gym Floor?
A gym floor is a part of the gym that is utilized the most but hardly ever appreciated.
The material and construction of the floor of your home gym will determine whether your gym will be safe from wear and tear from heavy equipment.
Moreover, the right gym flooring offers a slip-resistant, durable, and cushioned surface for your workout sessions.
No matter where you decide to build your home gym, there are certain factors that you need to consider before you decide on the best flooring material.
Your exercise specifications and needs, in addition to the way you plan to use the room, can help you determine which type of flooring would work best for you.
Living in an apartment? Then check out our home gym guide for apartments.
Do you have a concrete floor and are wondering what other options you have? Read the below section to know more.
I Have A Concrete Floor, What Are My Options?
If you have concrete floors in your home, you should know that concrete is considered to the simplest, cheapest, and most durable of all gym flooring options.
While a concrete gym floor is least likely to be damaged or wear out by regular usage, it comes with the most problems. With concrete flooring:
- A lot of dust is generated
- You don’t get the traction you desire
- There is no impact-reduction
- Sound isn’t absorbed
- Your gym doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing
- The chances of the floor becoming chipped are higher
- You will have to apply a coat of non-skid coating or anti-slip paint to avoid any slipping accidents
- The risk of injury is much higher
With all the drawbacks mentioned above, it might be best to choose an alternate material for your gym floor.
Following are some of the best home gym flooring options explained in detail:
Types Of Home Gym Floors
Rubber
Rubber flooring is one of the most popular home gym flooring types. It is used in a wide range of settings including weight rooms, fieldhouses, gyms, and more.
Not only is rubber flooring durable, easy-to-maintain, and resilient but it is also available in a wide range of designs and colors to fit any type of space and decor.
While rubber flooring is a sturdy and long-lasting option, it may cost more than some of the other options on our list. The investment, however, might be worth your while.
This is because rubber floors are known to be water-resistance and withstand a high volume of foot traffic.
The former feature keeps the floor from being damaged by moisture or spills and the latter increases the lifespan of the floor.
Pros
- Maintains its original dimensions
- Resists static
- Absorbs sound
- Free of PVC
- Heavy impact resistance
- Moisture and water resistance
- Chemical and cigarette spill resistant
- Resistance to scratches and scuff marks
- Uniform color
- Resistance to mildew, mold, and stains
- Provide more cushion as compared to other flooring types
- Improved comfort
Cons
- Expensive
Foam
Foam is one of the most comfortable options for workouts that are floor-based such as pilates and yoga. It offers incredible shock resistance that makes it ideal for HIIT workouts.
However, foam lacks the support needed for heavy equipment or weights and often leaves dents over time.
If you are looking for easy-to-install and cheap home gym flooring then it doesn’t get any better than foam!
Pros
- Foam flooring is soft and makes lounging, and performing pilates, yoga and other low-impact activities much more comfortable for athletes
- Because foam flooring isn’t very dense, it is comparatively easy to handle and light in weight, and can be installed, rolled up, and moved easily
- The shock-absorbent feature of this flooring offers your joints a soft landing every time you tumble during a workout session
- It can be easily cleaned using a damp mop, and disinfecting solution or gentle soap
- It is available in a wide range of styles and colors
- It is ideal for individuals looking for a cost-effective option
Cons
- It is impressionable and therefore, any gym furniture and equipment left on the flooring for a long period of time will cause permanent indentations
- The softness reduces durability
- Tears easily
Check out our guide to the best home gym floor mats.
Vinyl
When it comes to home gym flooring, vinyl is a very practical choice as it is not prone to extreme wear and tear, it gives a chic look and offers immense comfort.
Since vinyl is moisture, mold, and mildew resistant, it is ideal for basement gyms. It can even handle repeated applications of harsh cleaning chemicals to wipe up sweat and blood.
While vinyl flooring is practical and long-lasting, it can tear and puncture easily.
Pros
- Vinyl flooring is easy to install. Most vinyl plank flooring options come with a simple click-lock method of installation and can be free-floated over a pre-existing subfloor without the use of adhesive
- It comes in numerous designs and styles that are specially manufactured to mimic the look of popular flooring options such as cement, natural stone, wood, and more
- Vinyl flooring is a budget-friendly option. It often costs between 2 and 5 dollars per square foot range
- It can handle moisture much better than wood flooring
- Vinyl plank flooring is extremely easy to maintain and clean. It can be mopped, swept, or vacuumed using mild detergents
Cons
- Vinyl flooring can get dented easily by dropped items or heavy furniture
- While vinyl is durable, it is not organic and hence, it is not biodegradable
- The vinyl plank floors that do not come with the click-lock method of installation and are glued instead can become quite difficult to remove
Carpet
Carpet is a popular choice for home gym floors. It is easy to maintain, soft on the joints and many homes already have it installed.
Carpet offers stability and good traction for cardio workouts and it can hold up against people weight training on it.
It is recommended to clean the carpet in your home gym on a regular basis in order to prevent unpleasant odors and bacteria.
Pros
- Carpet is a multipurpose option, relatively inexpensive, fairly easy to maintain and clean, and comfortable to touch
- Low-pile carpets are specially optimized to be used in areas where intense exercise sessions take place
- Carpet tiles are sturdy enough to last for several years, soft enough to offer a comfortable surface to exercise upon, and available in a wide array of designs and colors
Cons
- Carpets can stretch and damage over time under regular and strenuous usage
- Carpet flooring can hold moisture, which might require you get it professionally cleaned every few years
Wood
Wood flooring is ideal for giving a home gym a professional appearance. Thanks to its fitness-friendly and shock-absorbing properties, it is suitable for almost all types of exercises.
While wood flooring comes with a lot of benefits, it is also prone to scratches and splinters. Moreover, it can also cause slipping accidents.
Pros of Wood Flooring
- Wood flooring helps reduce injuries with its excellent shock absorption abilities
- It is reliable, attractive, and cost-effective
- It can easily be cleaned using a mop
- It offers a natural, warm feel and look
- Wood flooring can be resurfaced, which allows individuals to enjoy a different look every 8-12 years
- It comes from a biodegradable, renewable source
Cons
- Wood flooring is vulnerable to humidity and moisture
- It can easily be dented and scratched by extensive foot traffic
- Quality wood flooring is expensive
- The wood surface causes the sound to bounce off, causing the noise to amplify in your home sports facility
Bottom Line
Before you make your final decision, remember that investing in good-quality home gym flooring will be worth it!
We hope that with all the aforementioned information in our guide, you now know which type of material to choose for your home gym flooring.
Good luck!
