Set the thickness by training area, then choose the install method.
Start with rubber
Our commercial gym guide calls rubber the most common choice in commercial fitness centers. Gym owners like it for its sizes, thicknesses, and water resistance. Our CrossFit guide says foam and carpet are not made for the impact of heavy training. Military programs mix many kinds of training, so plan the floor for each area.
Thickness by training area
| Training area | What our pages say | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Any commercial area | 8mm is the bare minimum for a commercial setting. | Commercial Rubber Flooring page |
| General gym floor | 3/8″ is the most common thickness in commercial gyms. | Rubber Gym Rolls page and Commercial Gym Flooring guide |
| Heavy dumbbells | 1/2″ to 3/4″ protects the subfloor from the heaviest dumbbells. | Commercial Rubber Flooring page |
| Olympic lifting | 1/2″ on the Rubber Gym Rolls page. 1″+ on the Commercial Gym Flooring guide. | The pages differ |
| Powerlifting | 3/4″ industrial-grade rubber. | Rubber Gym Rolls page |
Our commercial rubber page says rubber that is too thin for the use can shorten the life of the floor. The Rubber Gym Rolls page lists six thicknesses, from 1/8″ to 3/4″. It does not recommend 1/8″ for gyms.
Send us the room plan and the equipment list. We will match the rubber to each area.
Turf for sled lanes
- Nylon: our most durable turf material, good for sled work. It is not UV stable, so do not use it outdoors.
- Polyethylene: durable and UV resistant, for indoor or outdoor use.
- Polypropylene: one of the softest turf materials, easier on hands and elbows.
- Subfloor: many turf products give little subfloor protection. Add underlayment where weights drop.
Our commercial gym guide also says the turf texture is not always good for burpees and sit-ups, because it can feel rough under bare hands.
Loose-lay, tape, or glue
Rubber is heavy enough to stay in place without adhesive. For a loose-lay floor, our commercial rubber page usually recommends a wall-to-wall install. Double-sided tape around the edge holds the floor and still lets you move it. Glue-down stops movement and curled edges, but you cannot use the rolls again in a new room.