You've decided to convert the basement into a full home gym. Now the question is what sort of flooring would work best for the space. Along with providing proper support, you want a solution for gym flooring that’s easy to maintain. Fortunately, there are several choices for gym floors to consider. Here are a few that you will want to compare closely.
Tongue and Groove Wooden Flooring
Have you ever been to a health club and noticed that they have beautiful wooden floors in the weight rooms and other workout areas? There’s a good chance that what you are really looking at is recycled wood that’s been shaped into panels or tiles with a tongue and groove design.
This type of gym flooring can be used for a home workout room for all the same reasons health club owners love this choice. The material is durable and holds up well to a lot of traffic. You’ll find that it’s easy to maintain, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning and caring for the floor.
The installation, especially if the floor panels do have that classic tongue and groove design, will not take long. Add the right type of padding underneath and it will have just the right amount of give to alleviate undue stress on your joints when you work out.
Rubber Tiles
Another option to consider is rubber tiles. They would install over a concrete floor with relative ease. Many people find that the tiles provide just the right amount of support and enough softness to make getting on the floor for push-ups or sit-ups to be comfortable even if you aren’t using a mat.
As with the wooden gym flooring, it’s not unusual for the rubber tiles to come with some sort of interlocking design. That makes the installation easy and fast. You could literally start installing the flooring in the morning and have it in place by noon.
If you should damage a tile, replacing it is simple. All you would need to do is lift the damaged tile out of position and insert a new one. Given how durable rubber happens to be, it could be years before any of the tiles need to be replaced. This is one of the more popular gym floors for home gyms simply because it’s so simple to install and care for. Best of all, it comes in many different colours. That makes it all the easier to add something bright to the space.
Rubber Rolls
While you could go with tiles, don’t overlook the benefits associated with rolls or rubber flooring. This solution for gym floors is also easy to install. Depending on the brand and the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will want to apply some type of adhesive or tape to help hold the rolls in position.
In terms of quality, the rolls are usually made of the same high-grade rubber as the tiles. They do provide a slightly more seamless look and also come in a variety of colours.
Interlocking Grass Tiles
Maybe you would like the home gym to have a bit of an outdoor feel. One way to accomplish that and still ensure there’s a functional surface for your workouts is to go with interlocking grass tiles. Made using artificial turf and with backing designed to provide the support you need, these are as simple to install as wooden or rubber tiles. Vacuuming them from time to time is the bulk of maintained they will need. As with other tile solutions, you can always replace a damaged one with ease.
There’s a good chance that the grass tiles are made using recycled materials. For people who want their gym floors to be environmentally friendly as well as practical, this solution is hard to beat. In terms of longevity, these tiles could last for as long as two decades.
Foam Flooring Tiles
Foam is another option you will want to consider for your gym flooring. It tends to provide a little more cushioning than you would find with the other flooring options. The shock absorbing qualities are helpful in terms of easing stress on leg muscles. Since the material repels moisture, it’s simple to wipe down the tiles and keep them clean.
If you are creating a home gym in the basement, temperature control may be an issue. You’ll find that the insulating qualities of foam flooring tiles is a real plus in the space. Your home heating and cooling system will not have to work as hard to keep the temperature comfortable even if you are working out on a hot summer day or the coldest night during the winter months.
Foam Flooring Rolls
Just as you can invest in rubber flooring rolls, foam flooring is available in this design. You get the same flexibility, cushioning, insulation, and water-repelling qualities as you would with foam tiles. The rolls install quickly and hold up well to a lot of use. This flooring will more than make up for the initial investment as the years pass.
Remember that foam flooring also comes in a variety of colours. You can choose something that helps to brighten the space and perhaps make it feel a little more expansive. That’s especially helpful if you are converting the basement to a home gym. With only a little natural light, a brighter shade for the flooring paired with a mirrored wall and decent overhead lighting will ensure you don’t feel closed in while you work out.
Choosing the right flooring for your home gym is almost as important as selecting the right workout equipment. Take the task seriously, compare the qualities of each option, and go with the one that seems to be the best fit. Your efforts will pay off in terms of having gym flooring that looks great and performs well for a long time.
