What do you put under rubber flooring?
When setting up a gym or outdoor surface, many skip a key step: what’s underneath the rubber floor. Ignoring this can lead to flooring that shifts, wears out fast, or doesn’t do its job.
Under rubber flooring, you should use a clean, level, and dry subfloor—usually concrete or asphalt—with optional underlayment for added support, moisture control, or acoustic insulation.
If you want your rubber flooring to last and function properly, choosing the right base is as important as choosing the flooring itself. For the full range of solutions, check out Lanhefloor’s gym rubber flooring and rubber roll options.
Is concrete the best subfloor for rubber flooring?
Concrete is common and strong, but not always ready-to-go.
Yes, concrete is the most recommended subfloor for rubber flooring because it’s stable, flat, and supportive—but it must be clean, smooth, and dry before installation.
Dive deeper: Why concrete works well—and what to fix first
Concrete subfloors are widely used for both indoor and outdoor rubber flooring setups. They’re strong enough to support heavy gym equipment and resilient to foot traffic, making them ideal for weight zones and functional training areas. But not all concrete surfaces are installation-ready.
Before installing rubber tiles or rolls on concrete, you need to check:
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Fix If Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | Dust and oils affect glue adhesion | Use industrial cleaner |
| Moisture | Moisture ruins adhesive and causes mold | Apply a moisture barrier |
| Cracks and Unevenness | Uneven surfaces create gaps or trip hazards | Use self-leveling compound |
| Surface Smoothness | Sharp points can damage rubber backing | Grind or resurface |
Rubber tiles like our Tiny Granules Tile or Composite Rubber Tile are glued down, so surface prep is essential. If you’re using Interlocking Rubber Tiles, you can skip adhesive but still need a level base to prevent joint shifting.
Can I install rubber flooring over wood or vinyl?
Yes, but you need an extra layer to prevent damage.
Rubber flooring can be installed over wood or vinyl if you use a protective underlayment like a moisture barrier or foam padding.
Dive deeper: When you need underlayment—and which type to choose
Wood and vinyl subfloors are more sensitive than concrete. Rubber flooring, especially thick tiles used in weight zones, can stress softer materials. That’s where underlayment helps. It acts like a buffer, protecting the floor beneath and boosting comfort.
Here’s how different underlayments help:
| Subfloor Type | Underlayment Needed | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Moisture barrier or foam | Protect wood from moisture & heavy impact |
| Vinyl | Hardboard or rubber sheet | Prevent discoloration & indentation |
| Concrete | Optional acoustic pad | Reduce sound & vibration in multi-level areas |
Our Rubber Rolls, used in cardio and yoga zones, can be loose-laid or glued with tape over wood or vinyl if the surface is even and dry. But to avoid problems long-term, I always recommend adding a thin underlayment when installing over soft materials.
What goes under outdoor rubber flooring?
Outdoors, the prep is different. Moisture and movement matter more.
For outdoor rubber flooring, use compacted crushed stone or asphalt as the base, with proper drainage to avoid water pooling.
Dive deeper: Outdoor base layers that protect and perform
When installing outdoor tiles or poured-in-place EPDM granule floors, the base must handle rain, sun, and constant pressure. We recommend two common bases:
| Base Type | Use Case | Installation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted stone | Playgrounds, trails, patios | Use layers of crushed gravel compacted flat |
| Asphalt | Sports tracks, parks, walkways | Offers a solid, even surface for bonding |
Outdoor rubber tiles like our Bone-Shaped Rubber Tile or Hexagon Rubber Tile are often installed dry-laid or with optional glue on compacted stone. For poured-in-place EPDM granules, like those used in playgrounds, a fine-levelled stone base plus binder provides the best long-term result.
You can explore our outdoor rubber floor solutions for more ideas.
Conclusion
Always prepare the right base before laying rubber flooring—whether it’s concrete, wood, or stone. That’s the foundation of a safe and long-lasting floor. For more real-life installations, check out our project cases or visit our main site for full product options.