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Whether you’re working out in a garage, in your living room, or in the bedroom, you need to choose the most appropriate home gym flooring to meet your workout needs and preferences. High-quality home gym flooring protects your floorboards, reduces noise when you drop weights, and looks aesthetically pleasing.
The 11 best home gym flooring are:
- Prosource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat 1 Inch – Best Overall Home Gym Flooring
- Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles – Best Budget Home Gym Flooring
- Rogue Fitness Power Platform – Best Gym Flooring for Grip
- REP Fitness Floor Mats – Best Premium Gym Flooring
- Feather Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles – Best Carpet Tiles for Gym Floors
- Rubber-Cal Elephant Bark Flooring and Rolling Mat – Most Eco-Friendly Home Gym Flooring
- Rogue Fitness Regupol Aktiv Flooring – Most Aesthetically Pleasing Home Gym Flooring
- PLAE Achieve 18 mm – Best High-Performance Home Gym Flooring
- BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles – Best Interlocking Gym Flooring
- Nisorpa Heavy Duty Carpet Squares – Best Heavy Duty Gym Flooring
- Tivoli Self-Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles – Best Vinyl Gym Flooring
There are several different types of gym flooring you can use in any area of your house or apartment, including tiles, mats, and vinyl boards. In this article, I’ll provide my recommendations for the best flooring for a home gym on the market this year.
Featured Products
- Prosource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat 1 Inch – Best Overall Home Gym Flooring
- Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles – Best Budget Home Gym Flooring
- Rogue Fitness Power Platform – Best Gym Flooring for Grip
11 Best Home Gym Flooring
Product | Type | Materials | Dimensions | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prosource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat 1 Inch - Best Overall Home Gym Flooring | Puzzle tiles | Foam | 24 inches x 24 inches x 1 inch | Buy Now |
Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles - Best Budget Home Gym Flooring | Interlocking tiles | Foam | 24 inches x 24 inches x 0.5 inches | Buy Now |
Rogue Fitness Power Platform - Best Gym Flooring for Grip | Mat | Re-vulcanized rubber | 72 inches x 90 inches x 3/4 inches | Buy Now |
REP Fitness Floor Mats - Best Premium Gym Flooring | Mat | Rubber | 4 inches x 3 inches x 3/8 inches | Buy Now |
Feather Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles - Best Carpet Tiles for Gym | Peel and stick tiles | Carpet, polyethylene terphthalate | 18 inches x 18 inches x 0.4 inches | Buy Now |
Rubber-Cal Elephant Bark Flooring and Rolling Mat - Most Eco-Friendly Home Gym Flooring | Mat | Rubber | 48 inches x 24 inches x 0.25 inches | Buy Now |
Rogue Fitness Regupol Aktiv Flooring - Most Aesthetically Pleasing Home Gym Flooring | Tiles | Rubber | 25 or 50 inches x 5/16 inches, 3/8 inches, ½ inches, or 8 mm | Buy Now |
PLAE Achieve 18 mm - Best High-Performance Home Gym Flooring | Mat | - | 25 inches x 4 inches x 18 mm | Buy Now |
BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles - Best Interlocking Gym Flooring | Interlocking Tiles | Foam | 24 inches x 24 inches x 3/4 inches, ½ inches, or 1 inch | Buy Now |
Nisorpa Heavy Duty Carpet Squares - Best Heavy Duty Gym Flooring | Interlocking carpet squares | Polypropylene | 20 inches x 20 inches x 3.5 mm | Buy Now |
Tivoli Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles - Best Vinyl Gym Flooring | Tiles | Vinyl | 12 inches x 12 inches x 0.1 inch | Buy Now |
1. Prosource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat 1 Inch – Best Overall Home Gym Flooring
Rating: 5/5
Pros
- Thick and durable
- Anti-slip coating on the surface
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The blue color might not be everybody's preference
I’ve given first place to the Prosource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat as the best floor mat for a home gym. These one-inch thick puzzle mats are dense and durable but are still extremely soft and comfortable.
These foam tiles are suitable for placing over hardwood flooring or carpets, and they have an anti-slip surface so you can get a good grip on the floor during your workouts. Because they’re puzzle titles, they easily slot together, so I found the assembly process simple.
Because they’re made out of foam, they are prone to denting if you drop very heavy weights onto them. However, with their one-inch thickness, they’re more durable than thinner (less than one-inch thick) foam gym tiles. They’re a bright blue color, which is eye-catching but won’t suit everybody’s preferences.
2. Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles – Best Budget Home Gym Flooring
Rating: 4/5
Pros
- Soft foam tiles that are comfortable to use
- Affordable
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
Cons
- Slippery surface
For those shopping for the best floor mats for a home gym on a budget, I suggest going for the Amazon Basics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles. They’re some of the most cost-effective solutions, especially if you have a large home gym.
These tiles are made with high-density foam, and I found them very comfortable to stand or lie on. They are waterproof and easy to clean, so you won’t struggle with upkeep.
Despite the tiles apparently having an anti-slip surface, these mats are quite slippery. It’s tough to get a firm grip on them, despite wearing shoes with rough soles while working out. I’d also recommend taping the bottom of the mats to secure them in place, so they don’t slide out from under you.
3. Rogue Fitness Power Platform – Best Gym Flooring for Grip
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- Durable, water-resistant, and anti-microbial surface
- Portable
- 3/4 inch thick
Cons
- High price tag
The Rogue Fitness Power Platform is the best home gym rubber flooring for providing a strong and sturdy surface to grip onto with your feet. They’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and they’re relatively light, so you won’t struggle to shuffle them around if you change your workout space.
Despite coming with a high price tag, the Power Platform mats are worth your money. The vulcanized rubber is firm, durable, and supportive. It’s also water-resistant, anti-microbial, and easy to clean.
Thanks to the 3/4 of an inch thickness, the sounds dampen a lot of the noise when you drop weights onto the mats, and they don’t dent or break, even when using heavy weights. They also stay in place and offer an effective non-slip surface.
Looking for a squat rack that will fit in a small home gym? Check out 7 Best Squat Racks for Small Spaces.
4. REP Fitness Floor Mats – Best Premium Gym Flooring
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- High-quality 3/8 inch thick rubber
- Anti-microbial properties
- Doesn’t hold onto odors
Cons
- Expensive, so won't be suitable for everybody
If you’re searching for premium home gym or garage gym flooring, I recommend the floor mats from REP Fitness. They’re available in two designs — black or black and white. They’re more expensive than other options but have some unique features you won’t find on other mats.
These mats are 3/8 inch thick and have a smooth upper surface. They’re comfortable for floor-based exercises but will also absorb some of the noise if you drop your weights onto the ground.
Thanks to their moisture-wicking surface, they have anti-microbial properties and won’t hold on to sweat. Plus, the high-quality rubber doesn’t absorb odors, so you can keep your home gym smelling great.
Because these mats are on the more expensive side, they may not be a suitable option for everybody, which is the only major downfall I could find with this product.
5. Feather Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles – Best Carpet Tiles for Gym Floors
Rating: 4/5
Pros
- Look neat and tidy
- Peel and stick adhesive makes them easy to install
- Won’t be easily damaged by dropping weights
Cons
- Won’t muffle noise very well if your drop weights onto the floor
The Feather Peel and Stick Carpet Tiles are easy to install, thanks to the peel and stick adhesive. Although they come in separate tiles, they fit together nicely and look neat and tidy once laid down. They’re available in four different color variations, so you can try and match them to your current home gym aesthetics.
These carpet tiles are less than half an inch thick, so they were the comfiest to lie on during floor exercises. However, because they’re firm and flat, you’d be okay dropping weights on them without causing damage (but you’ll need to be careful with making too much noise, as carpet doesn’t muffle sounds as much as foam or rubber).
6. Rubber-Cal Elephant Bark Flooring and Rolling Mat – Most Eco-Friendly Home Gym Flooring
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- Made from recycled rubber
- Easy to install
- Shock- and noise-absorbent
Cons
- Relatively expensive
I enjoyed using the Rubber-Cal Elephant Bark Flooring and Rolling Mats. The anti-slip surface allowed me to safely lift with or without shoes, and the thick rubber material protected my floor and reduced noise when I dropped my weights.
These mats are made from recycled rubber, so they’re environmentally friendly, but they still have the same high-quality feel as brand new rubber. They’re available in multiple sizes, so you can customize your order based on how much floor space you have to fill.
However, if you’re purchasing flooring for a large home gym, expect to pay a decent amount of money on these mats from Rubber-Cal. They’re not the cheapest!
If you’re still building out your home gym and haven’t found the right barbell, check out my favorite barbells for home gyms.
7. Rogue Fitness Regupol Aktiv Flooring – Most Aesthetically Pleasing Home Gym Flooring
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Suitable for a range of workout styles
- High-quality, odor-free material
Cons
- Heavy, so they might be tough to transport and install on your own
I’ve given the Rogue Fitness Regupol Aktiv Flooring is the most customizable home gym flooring because it’s available in a wide range of styles, designs, and thicknesses.
You can choose from black or colored, adhesive or tape roll, and four different thicknesses (5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 8 mm). The standard tiles are 25 inches long, but you can request 50-inch long tiles if you have a bigger space to fill.
Because you can choose the thickness of the Rogue Fitness Regupol Aktiv Flooring, you can customize it to meet your personal workout needs. If you plan on doing heavy powerlifting or Olympic lifts where you will be dropping the weights on the floor, you can go for the thickest option. If you’d rather have a sturdy and firm base to ground your feet during high-intensity interval training workouts, you might prefer the thinnest option.
The only downside I can point out with these mats is that they are very heavy due to their size. For this reason, I’d recommend getting a friend or family member to help you install them, so you aren’t struggling on your own.
8. PLAE Achieve 18 mm – Best High-Performance Home Gym Flooring
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- Anti-slip surface that’s easy to grip
- Easy to install and maintain
- 12 mm thickness is great for shock and noise absorption
Cons
- Expensive
The PLAE Achieve home gym flooring is available at Rogue Fitness. It comprises two solid, heavy-duty rolls that are 18 mm in thickness, making them ideal for heavy powerlifting and weightlifting.
These thick mats will absorb the force of dropped weights, reducing the risk of damage to your flooring underneath and minimizing noise. The mats are flat and firm and made with anti-grip materials that provide a solid surface for landing during high-intensity circuits and plyometric movements.
I found the mats really easy to install and even easier to maintain. Once rolled out on the floor, they stay in place, but you can always tape them down if you want extra sturdiness and security. The downside is the price tag, but if you’ve got the budget, this PLAE home gym flooring is a great option.
9. BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles – Best Interlocking Gym Flooring
Rating: 4/5
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and colors
- Easy to install
- Anti-slip, moisture-resistant surface
Cons
- Foam can get damaged quite easily
For those who want an easy installation process, interlocking tiles are your best choice, and you can’t go wrong with the BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles.
The tiles are very lightweight and easy to install. They piece together like a puzzle to create a smooth surface on which you can perform a variety of workouts. However, I wouldn’t recommend dropping heavy weights onto these mats or doing anything too high-intensity because the foam can dent and break easily.
They’re available in three different thicknesses (3/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 1 inch), three sizes (96 square feet, 144 square feet, and 72 square feet), and three different colors (black, blue, and grey), so you can find an option that suits your needs. They have an anti-slip, moisture-resistant surface that enables you to get a good grip and doesn’t hold onto sweat.
10. Nisorpa Heavy Duty Carpet Squares – Best Heavy Duty Gym Flooring
Rating: 4/5
Pros
- The interlocking tiles create a smooth and firm surface
- Suitable for laying over concentrate or hardwood flooring
- Durable and suitable for heavy-duty activities
Cons
- Won’t absorb shock or noise of heavy weights if dropped
The Nisorpa Heavy Duty Carpet Squares aren’t specifically designed for gyms, but I’d still recommend them when you’re building a home workout area. I’d say they’re the best home gym flooring over concrete or hardwood floors, but they won’t work over pre-existing carpet (laying them over a thick carpet would create a lumpy and unstable surface because these carpet squares are thin).
Although labeled as heavy-duty, these tiles are not appropriate for high-intensity training. They provide no cushioning or support for your ankles when you land a jump, and you probably won’t find them comfortable to lie on for floor-based work.
However, due to their thinner thickness of 3.5 mm, they will provide a solid and stable base for heavier lifts. I wouldn’t recommend dropping heavy weights onto these tiles unless you don’t mind making a lot of noise!
They’re available in light grey or dark grey, and they’re interlocking, so they’re easy to lay down and smooth once installed.
11. Tivoli Self-Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles – Best Vinyl Gym Flooring
Rating: 4/5
Pros
- Look neat and eye-catching
- Smooth, flat surface
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Some difficulties with the installation of the tiles
Vinyl provides the best home gym flooring over concrete. You can lay these Tivoli Self-Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles directly onto your concrete floors without using an underlay, which speeds up the installation process.
Although the tiles have a beginner-friendly peel-and-stick adhesive, some of the tiles are much harder to lay down than others. The adhesive also leaves a sticky residue on your flooring if you remove the tiles, too.
Once laid down, they create a smooth and stable surface that enables you to get a solid grip on the ground during workouts. The tiles are available in a wide range of colors, so you won’t struggle to find an option that matches your current home gym aesthetics.
These vinyl tiles are very thin (0.1 inches thick), so avoid dropping heavy weights on them to prevent damage.
Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique
The team here at PowerliftingTechnique comprises expert powerlifting coaches who have trained and competed at the highest levels, certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and fitness experts. Many of us have trained top-level athletes in a range of training disciplines.
To create in-depth reviews like this one, we have tried and tested a wide range of products from top fitness brands. We combined our opinions and professional knowledge to find the best products you can purchase to make your home gym as functional and versatile as possible.
How We Chose the Best Home Gym Flooring
We’ve tried and tested a wide range of gym flooring options to create a list of the best products that are worth your money. Whether you’re searching for the best home gym flooring over a carpet, or you want a great garage gym floor, you’ll find a product that suits your needs on this list.
When choosing the above home gym flooring, we looked at materials used, thickness, noise reduction abilities, grip, aesthetics, and price.
Buying Guide: What To Look for in Home Gym Flooring
Choosing the best gym flooring for your home might seem simple, but it’s something you should carefully consider. Here are the most important factors to look at when finding the best gym floor mats for your workout area:
- Materials used
- Thickness and noise reduction abilities
- Grip
- Price
Materials Used
Gym flooring is made of a number of different materials, with the most common being rubber, plastic, foam, turf, and vinyl.
Rubber is durable and cost-effective, making it a solid choice of material for the best gym mats for a garage gym. It will protect your flooring from damage when you’re jumping or dropping weights, and it’s great at absorbing noise.
Plastic is one of the cheaper options and is easy to clean, but it can crack or dent if you drop very heavy weights on it.
Foam is soft and comfortable, making it perfect if you enjoy doing a lot of floor-based work, such as yoga or stretching. However, it’s not as stable for powerlifting or Olympic lifts, and it’s not water-resistant.
Turf is ideal for many high-impact exercises but might not be the best choice for heavy powerlifting and weightlifting with a barbell. It’s also relatively expensive.
Vinyl is cheap, and it will look great in any home gym. It's often the best flooring for a garage gym because it can be placed directly on top of concrete without any underlay. However, it won’t be comfortable if you’re doing floor-based exercises without an additional foam mat, and it can be prone to wear and tear over time.
Thickness and Noise Reduction Abilities
When searching for the best mats for a home gym, you need to consider the thickness of the mats. Thicker flooring is better for heavy strength training or powerlifting, especially if you’re going to be dropping the weight onto the floor, as you would in the Olympic lifts.
Thicker floors absorb more noise, so you won’t need to worry about annoying your family members or neighbors. They’re also better at absorbing shock when you land on the floor during plyometric movements or drop weights to protect the flooring underneath.
On average, the best floor mats for a home gym should be between 8 mm and 10 mm, although you might want to go for something a little thicker if you plan on powerlifting or Olympic lifting with heavy barbells.
Grip
Being able to grip the floor is important for any training style. A strong grip reduces the risk of slips and falls and enables you to push yourself to the limit during heavy lifts or athletic movements.
Your gym flooring should be gritty enough for you to get a strong grip on the ground without being uncomfortable to stand on, especially if you’re going to deadlift barefoot.
Price
Whether you’re using workout mats for a garage or on the hunt for the best home gym flooring over carpet, price should always be one of your deciding factors.
Foam and vinyl are some of the cheapest home gym flooring materials, and rubber and turf are more expensive. However, prices will vary between brands and depend on the material's thickness and how much floor space you have to cover.
Benefits of Home Gym Flooring
Good-quality home gym flooring provides traction for you to grip onto the ground during your workouts, which increases your safety and exercise performance. It also adds a shock-absorbent layer onto your original flooring to protect it from damage when lifting and dropping heavy weights or jumping around.
Softer home gym flooring, like foam mats, enhances your comfort by offering padding and support for floor-based movements. It also absorbs some of the noise you might make during your strength training or cardio workouts, which will keep your neighbors happy!
How To Install Home Gym Flooring
The installation process depends on what type of home gym flooring you’ve chosen. However, you can follow some general steps, regardless of the type of floor you’re installing or setting up a small home gym or a large 300-square-foot workout area.
Firstly, you’ll need to empty the room completely and gather your supplies. You’ll need a tape measure, utility knife, ruler, cutting mat, and tape.
If you’re installing rubber gym flooring, you might need to lay a protective lining underneath it. This is particularly important if you’ve got hardwood flooring. A protective plastic lining will prevent your hardwood floorboards from getting scratched or dented. Garage gym flooring may not require an underlayer.
Start laying down your home gym flooring at one corner of the room and work your way from side to side until you cover the whole room. You might need to cut the gym mats slightly if your room is irregular in shape.
Check out this video for more tips on how to install home gym flooring:
How To Clean Home Gym Flooring
You’ll need to regularly clean your home gym flooring to prolong its lifespan, especially if you work out multiple times a week. Sweat, dirt, and dust can quickly accumulate on your flooring if you fail to clean and maintain it properly.
Depending on your gym flooring type, the cleaning protocol can look a little different. You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions to identify the best way to clean your floor.
Generally, mopping with warm water and a standard disinfectant solution will suffice for vinyl or rubber mats for your gym. For foam or turf, you might need to use a special disinfectant to avoid damaging or soaking the material. You can also use a vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need To Put Anything Under Gym Flooring?
Using an underlay when placing home gym mats down with any type of flooring, including carpets, hardwood, and concrete, is often a good idea. The underlay will protect your floors from damage, especially when dropping heavy weights during your workouts.
How Do I Secure Flooring in My Home Gym?
You can use double-sided gorilla tape or carpet tape when securing rubber mats for a gym with carpet. If you have hardwood or concrete flooring, mending plates will secure your gym mats together.
Is Turf Good for a Home Gym?
Turf is one of the best home gym flooring options if you plan on doing a lot of plyometrics and dynamic exercises in your workouts, such as box jumps, sled drags, and cleans. Although expensive to install, it can last for several years if properly maintained.
Is Foam or Rubber Better for a Home Gym Floor?
If you will be doing a lot of floor-based exercises in your home gym, foam flooring is probably best, as it’s comfortable and supportive. Rubber gym flooring is less cushioned but more durable and shock-absorbent, which is essential when using heavy weights.
How Thick Should My Home Gym Floor Be?
The best home gym flooring is around 3/8th of an inch (10 mm) thick to provide enough padding to protect you and your floors. Flooring 10 mm or thicker offers more protection and shock absorption and is best when using heavy weights of bulky cardio machinery in your home gym.
Final Verdict
The best home gym flooring is the ProSource Fit Exercise Puzzle Mat. It comprises a number of interlocking tiles that are really easy to install. Once laid down, the tiles are highly versatile and durable and suitable for a range of workout styles.
If you’re not keen on foam flooring for your home gym, I suggest going for the Rogue Fitness Power Platform, which is made of re-vulcanized rubber. This product is ideal for heavy-duty lifting and withstands the force of heavy weights being dropped from a height.
About The Author
Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.