What Flooring Do Commercial Gyms Use?
Choosing the right flooring is crucial for any commercial gym. The floor must be durable, safe, and suitable for each workout zone. From free weight areas to yoga rooms, each space has specific needs.
Commercial gyms commonly use rubber flooring—rubber tiles in weight areas and rubber rolls in cardio and stretching zones—due to its shock absorption, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Rubber Tiles for Weightlifting Zones
Rubber tiles are thick and dense, designed to handle extreme impact from dropped weights.
- ✅ Best for: Free weight zones, deadlift platforms, barbell areas
- 🔩 Thickness: 20–50mm
- 🧩 Types: Composite Rubber Tile, Tiny Granule Tile, Puzzle Tile
- 🛠️ Installation: Interlocking or glue-down, easy to replace per tile
👉 Explore more: Gym Rubber Tile
Rubber Rolls for Cardio, Stretching, and Machine Zones
Rubber rolls offer a seamless surface ideal for machines and general movement areas.
- ✅ Best for: Cardio zones, stretching areas, walkways, weight machines
- 📏 Thickness: 4–12mm
- 🎯 Advantage: Fast installation, cost-effective for large areas
- 🧽 Easy to clean, low odor options available
👉 More details: Gym Rubber Roll
Turf Flooring for Functional Training Zones
Artificial turf is increasingly popular in gyms with sled push lanes or HIIT circuits.
- ✅ Best for: Functional zones, sled pushes, sprint training
- 🔧 Installed with rubber underlay for cushion and shock absorption
- 💡 Often paired with rubber rolls to create hybrid flooring areas
Vinyl or Laminate for Studios and Reception Areas
In yoga rooms or office spaces, appearance and comfort matter more than impact resistance.
- ✅ Best for: Yoga, pilates, studios, staff zones, reception
- ✨ Aesthetic finish, often wood-look or clean color
- 💧 Must be anti-slip and stain-resistant
Outdoor Zones: EPDM or Composite Rubber for Rooftops and Outdoor Gyms
Outdoor training areas require flooring that resists UV, rain, and temperature swings.
- ✅ Use EPDM wet pour or outdoor rubber tiles
- 🔗 See Outdoor Rubber Floor for more options
Key Considerations When Choosing Gym Flooring
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Durability | Handles high traffic and impact from weights |
| Safety | Non-slip, shock-absorbing, meets fall height standards |
| Aesthetics | Aligns with brand colors and clean facility design |
| Cost-efficiency | Tiles vs rolls based on zone and installation budget |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, replace, and sanitize |
👉 Related article: How to Choose the Best Rubber Flooring for Your Gym
Related Blog Posts
- Rubber Tiles vs Rolls for Gym Flooring
- Rubber vs. Vinyl Flooring: What’s the Difference?
- Best CrossFit Gym Flooring
- Rubber Flooring for Yoga Rooms and Office Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What flooring is best for weightlifting areas?
A: Rubber tiles with at least 20mm thickness are best for absorbing heavy impacts.
Q2: Can I use rubber rolls under treadmills and machines?
A: Yes, 6mm–10mm rubber rolls are ideal for equipment zones and allow easier cleaning.
Q3: Is turf suitable for indoor gyms?
A: Yes, especially for functional training areas. Use with an underlay for comfort.
Q4: How thick should gym flooring be overall?
A: Weight areas: 20–50mm; Cardio/machine zones: 6–10mm; Yoga zones: 4–8mm
Q5: Is rubber flooring waterproof?
A: It’s water-resistant but not 100% waterproof. Seam sealing is recommended in wet zones.
Conclusion
A successful gym floor layout uses different materials for different zones—tiles where it’s heavy, rolls where it’s open, and turf where it’s fast.
Need help with your gym flooring plan? Contact us or explore www.lanhefloor.com to get started.