Gym flooring has to protect the subfloor and users from damage. Dropped weights, plates and functional fitness activities are hard going on floors. Incorrect flooring will increase the risk of injury and need to be replaced much sooner.
There are three main types of gym flooring:
Vinyl
Vinyl is a hard surface used in treadmill and cable crossover zones. These floors are not designed for power lifting, but they are extremely grippy, providing a perfect foundation for cable crossover machines and functional racks.
Vinyl can be marked up for different sports or to create workout boundaries. It can also be marked up with warning graphics to keep clear and so on.
Rubber rolls
Rubber rolls are 10mm to 14mm thick and are used in gym zones that require more protection for the subfloor. This surface is softer than vinyl and more springy underfoot. It’s best-suited to studios and transition zones.
Rubber rolls can be installed anywhere as a multi-use surface. They are best for large spaces that need a seamless flooring solution.
Rubber tiles
Rubber tiles are 30mm to 40mm thick and are designed for power lifting and free weight zones. The thickness of this flooring provides the best protection to the subfloor. It absorbs impacts to stop weights and plates from bouncing.
Rubber tiles are best for small gym spaces and free weight zones. The tiles aren’t seamless, but they are available in a range of colours.
Sled lanes
Sled lanes can double up as running tracks. They are made from needle-punched polypropylene which mimics a very fine felt. This material is hard-wearing and can be cut in any shape to suit your gym no matter the layout.
Sled lanes are usually installed over a vinyl or rubber roll floor. The vinyl itself provides a texture for sleds and protects the rubber or vinyl floor.
Which gym flooring is best for you?
Large multi-use spaces should be covered with rubber roll flooring unless you have cable crossovers, in which case vinyl is a better choice.
For free weight zones, we recommend rubber tile flooring. Rubber tiles provide the best protection for the subfloor and gym user. For powerlifting zones, you can also get impact protection slabs that are 80mm thick.
For help choosing the right gym flooring, give us a call on (0)1706 260 220 and our sports surfaces specialists will help.
