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, knowing what to put under rubber flooring is as important as the surface itself. For full systems, check out Lanhefloor’s gym rubber tiles 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.
Why Concrete Works and What to Check
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.
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 |
For Tiny Granules Tiles and Composite Rubber Tiles, surface prep is essential. Even for interlocking rubber tiles, a flat base avoids joint issues.
Can I Install Rubber Flooring Over Wood or Vinyl?
Yes, but you need an extra layer to protect soft floors.
Rubber flooring can be installed over wood or vinyl if you use a protective underlayment like a moisture barrier or foam padding.
When and Why You Need Underlayment
Wood and vinyl subfloors are sensitive to moisture and impact. Using underlayment extends life and improves performance.
| 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 in multi-floor buildings |
Our rubber rolls are suitable for use over smooth wood or vinyl when laid with proper underlayment and tape. Need installation help? Read our 10 pro tips for rubber floor installation.
What Goes Under Outdoor Rubber Flooring?
Outdoors, what you put under rubber flooring must deal with weather, movement, and drainage.
For outdoor rubber flooring, use compacted crushed stone or asphalt as the base, with proper drainage to avoid water pooling.
Best Base for Outdoor Rubber Floors
When using outdoor tiles or EPDM granules, the surface underneath must drain well and hold up in heat, cold, and traffic.
| Base Type | Use Case | Installation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted stone | Playgrounds, trails, patios | Use crushed gravel compacted flat |
| Asphalt | Sports tracks, walkways | Solid, ideal for bonding surface |
Need ideas? Browse our outdoor rubber floor solutions or real project cases for inspiration.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering what to put under rubber flooring—remember: a clean, level, and stable subfloor is key. Whether you’re working on concrete, wood, or asphalt, preparing the right base makes all the difference in durability and safety.
Want even more flooring tips? See common installation mistakes or how to remove rubber mat smell.
🌐 Visit us: www.lanhefloor.com