Commercial-grade rubber flooring can be a confusing decision when opening a new gym or upgrading your existing facility. Although some people will say that “rubber is rubber” and there is not much difference between the different types of rubber sports flooring, experience shows that rubber gym flooring varies greatly in performance, quality, appearance, maintenance and lastly , but obviously no less important, cost!
Many gym owners, regardless of whether this is their first gym opening or their 10th opening, will work with a set budget where they need to purchase equipment, complete location upgrades, pay employees, and spend as much as they can on marketing. The result of all these costs often doesn’t leave much in the flooring budget. So how do you ensure you get the best gym or weight room flooring for your money? By gathering the correct information on the different types of rubber flooring available and having the right source of supply, it will make a big difference in the performance and cost of your flooring.
So how do you make the right choice for your gym or weight room flooring? You can get started by following the 5 suggestions below.
1. Learn about the types of rubber gym flooring available. Since there are so many different types available, spend some time researching gym flooring online and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Determine the thickness that is right for you. If you’re going to be using the flooring in a free weight area, you’ll want something a little thicker and very sturdy. If you are going to use it only in a spin room, you can use a material that is thinner as it will not take the same hits as a free weight area. Rubber flooring is available in 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ thicknesses. The standard for most large commercial gyms is 3/8″ thick.
3. Color is the next decision to be made. A general rule of thumb for weight room rubber flooring is that the higher the color content, the higher the cost. Solid black is always the least expensive as it is often recycled material. You can add a nice look to your floor by using one with a black background and 10% or 20% speckled color content, such as gray or blue.
4. Rolled rubber flooring or interlocking tiles are the next option. Rolled rubber comes in 4′ wide widths and will give you a more uniform look and is generally better for large areas. Interlocking tiles are ideal for smaller high schools, personal training studios or gyms, and Do IT Your Self projects. No adhesive is required for these tiles and they stick together easily.
5. If using rolls, you will need to determine if you need to install using a full coat of adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or loose ply. This will be determined by the size and use of your gym. Be sure to consider any liability issues when laying loose flooring, as there is a chance the rubber will move and create a tripping hazard.
6. Configuration. Will you hire a professional installer or make it a DIY project?
7. Service. To seal or not to seal, that is the question. Depending on your use and the look you want to achieve will determine whether or not you should seal. Sealing needs to be repeated from time to time, but it gives the floor a nice look and makes cleaning easier.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing a rubber flooring for a health or fitness center. Doing your homework ahead of time and allowing yourself some time to make your decision could make all the difference in purchasing the right athletic floor for you.
