How to install rubber gym flooring

Now that you’ve found the right gym flooring, it’s time to install it. But where do you start? Literally and figuratively, it’s important to know how to lay that first tile before you begin.

This can be tough in oddly-shaped rooms, but with our tips you’ll walk away ready to jump on the task at hand.

Let’s dive in with five essential steps to take which will ensure your gym flooring is installed correctly.

1. Measure your space

We can’t skip the basics. Before you purchase any floor tiles, you must know the exact measurements of the room you’re converting. Determine its total square footage, and be sure to account for any irregularities or obstacles such as columns or built-in furniture. 

Once you have precise dimensions for your space, you can work out how many floor tiles you need by following this very simple formula: width (in metres) multiplied by length (in metres) = the number of 1m x 1m floor tiles you should buy.  For example, a room that measures out as 3m x 6m requires 18 tiles (3 x 6 = 18).

2. Start in the middle

Start installing your tiles in the middle of the room and work your way outward, as this will ensure consistency and a quality finish. We suggest this because the walls in your home are unlikely to be completely straight, meaning if you start from the wall there’ll be a slight angle that hugs the edge of your room. 

Another reason to start in the middle is that it means you leave all of the trimming down to the end of the install. Your space will look much cleaner if it’s only cut near the actual wall, rather than a mismatch of tiles culminating in the centre of your room.

3. Using correct tools

As simple as this may be, it’s one of the most important rules to follow! Start the job with the right tools and you’ll prevent any expensive errors popping up midway through. To install gym floor tiles correctly, you’ll need a tape measure, ruler and a Stanley knife. Measure out the flooring, leaving about 5mm of wiggle room and use a knife and ruler to cut accordingly. You may also want a marker to jot down where you’re cutting along the tile.

4. Install during the winter

We know some of you might not want to wait until it’s winter to install flooring; you want to start training straight away! But for those of you who want a flawless build in their gym, we recommend installing rubber mats during the colder seasons.

Why? Well, rubber mats shrink slightly when it’s cold which can cause slight gaps between each unit. If they’re installed during the winter when the mats have already reduced, then they’ll only ever expand in summer. When winter comes around again, there will be no gaps in your gym’s flooring.

5. Maintain a clean environment

Maintaining your gym equipment is essential to ensure it’s long-lasting. You should sweep and vacuum regularly to avoid any stains and the build up of small stones or debris as these could damage your weights.

It’s also worthwhile to invest in gym shoes. A running or weightlifting pair of trainers that you only wear in the gym will keep your space as clean as possible.