Building a CrossFit box or home workout space can be a challenge. Your floor has to handle everything from mobility to plyometrics to Olympic lifts.
CrossFit is based on the idea that you can start with practically nothing. There's no fancy equipment – all you need are some barbells, weights, and the right floor.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best flooring for CrossFit so that you can improve your fitness on the perfect shock-absorbent surface.
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How to Choose CrossFit Flooring
Keep these important factors in mind as you shop for the right flooring.
- Material: Rubber flooring is the best option for gyms. It’s durable and low-maintenance. Alternatives like foam or carpet aren’t designed to handle the impact.
- Thickness: CrossFit involves a lot of traffic and heavy impacts. The flooring should be at least 8mm thick.
- Installation: Most rubber flooring is pretty easy to install. You can choose the option that best fits your installation expertise.
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Best CrossFit Flooring Options
Explore your options for the best CrossFit flooring.
Rubber Floor Rolls
Rubber rolls create a virtually seamless floor for a smooth, professional look. This is a great option for covering large spaces like commercial gyms.
When it comes to installation, simply roll out the flooring and secure it with double-sided tape, or adhesive for commercial use.
Pros of Rubber Floor Rolls
- Virtually seamless
- Budget-friendly
- Durability and longevity
- Custom cuts available
- Maintenance
Cons of Rubber Floor Rolls
- Rolls are heavy
- Installation
Best Rubber Roll for CrossFit
Rubber Floor Tiles
Rubber tiles are known for their ease and simplicity. The edges fit together like puzzle pieces, making DIY installation a breeze.
You can also add some custom designs with different colors or patterns to personalize the look of your CrossFit gym.
Pros of Rubber Floor Tiles
- Portable
- Easy, DIY installation
- Virtually seamless
Cons of Rubber Floor Tiles
- More expensive than rubber rolls
- Tedious installation for large spaces
Best Rubber Tile for CrossFit
CrossFit Mats
A nonslip gym mat is a perfect solution for CrossFit in a small space. Mats allow you to add additional support over thinner flooring, so you can drop heavy weights without worry.
Another great thing about gym mats is that you can move them around the adjust your workout space as needed.
Pros of Rubber Mats
- Easy installation
- Portable
Cons of Rubber Mats
- More expensive than rubber rolls
Best Rubber Mat for CrossFit
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Gym Turf
A synthetic gym turf floor offers a safe, resilient space to practice new routines and drills. The soft surface provides an inviting space for stretches and floor work.
This is a great supplement to rubber gym flooring. The artificial fibers provide traction for quick lateral movements and plyometrics. It’s also perfect for sled pull lanes, HIIT, and more.
Pros of Gym Turf
- Versatile
Cons of Gym Turf
- Not ideal for weightlifting
Best Turf for CrossFit
CrossFit Flooring FAQ
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about rubber CrossFit flooring.
What is the best thickness for CrossFit flooring?
You’re going to repeatedly drop heavy weights on this floor, so it needs to be thick enough to handle it. At a minimum, CrossFit flooring should be 8mm thick, which is a great option for home gyms. For commercial use, we recommend 3/8" to 1/2” thick.
How do you clean a CrossFit gym floor?
Gym flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Just follow these simple steps:
- Vacuum up loose dust, dirt, or debris
- Occasionally damp mop with a mild soap and water mixture. We recommend Dawn dish detergent and/or Tide laundry detergent.
- Do not use any solvent or oil style cleaners such as Pinesol, Lysol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD40, paint thinner, etc. since these types of cleaners will break down the flooring over time.
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Conclusion
Now you know how to find the best options for CrossFit flooring. Whether you’re setting up a home gym or commercial CrossFit box, you can get the right option to achieve your fitness goals.
Sounds like a great idea! PVC flooring is best for garage gyms. PVC is a proprietary blend of rubber that ensures the tiles have the flexible, shock-absorbent properties of rubber flooring as well as the durability to withstand heavy weights and even vehicles. Our <a href="https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/garage/gym-flex-tiles.html?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=comment&utm_campaign=2018%20Tile%20Flooring%20Trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">7mm Gym Flex Tiles</a> are made of this flexible PVC and are great for garage gyms.
Let us know if you have any other questions. We can't wait to hear how your garage gym turns out!
Rubber gym flooring can also be used outdoors. However, products not rated for outdoor use are not UV-stable and may fade in direct sunlight. If your porch is covered, this should not be a problem.
We always suggest checking the specific product manufacturer instructions just to be safe. Please let us know if you'd like any further assistance. Good luck with your project!
I'd definitely recommend going for a smooth rubber surface. Imagine burpees, sit-ups, etc. on a rough surface - ouch!