Gym Flooring

15mm is adequate for general training — dumbbells, machines, bodyweight exercises. For deadlifts and barbell drops from waist height, 20mm provides better protection. Olympic lifting with overhead drops needs 20mm+ tiles plus drop pads or a dedicated platform. If you're on an upper floor or above a living space, go thicker (20mm+) to minimize noise transmission to neighbors below.

Interlocking tiles win for most home gyms. They require no adhesive, install in minutes, can be cut with a utility knife to fit around pillars or walls, and can be taken with you if you move. Rolled rubber looks cleaner (no seams) and is better for heavy commercial use, but it requires adhesive installation, is very heavy to handle, and is permanent. Tiles are the practical, flexible choice.

New rubber tiles have a noticeable rubber odor that fades over 1-4 weeks depending on ventilation. Recycled rubber tends to smell stronger than virgin rubber initially. To speed up off-gassing, unpack tiles outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage for a few days before installing. The smell is not harmful but can be unpleasant in small enclosed spaces during the first week.

Concrete is the ideal subfloor — flat, stable, and moisture-resistant. Tiles sit directly on clean concrete with no adhesive needed. Over low-pile carpet, tiles work but may shift slightly during lateral movements; use interlocking tiles and consider taping edges. Avoid installing over thick or plush carpet as it creates an unstable, spongy surface that's unsafe for heavy lifting. If your gym space is carpeted, consider removing carpet in the training area.