How to Choose the Right Thickness for Your Gym Flooring – What Really Matters?
Why Thickness Matters in Gym Flooring
The thickness of your gym flooring affects:
✨ Impact Protection: Thicker flooring absorbs more shock, reducing injury risk.
🚚 Noise & Vibration Control: Essential for apartments or multi-level buildings.
⚖️ Equipment Longevity: Prevents damage to gym equipment.
🏠 Subfloor Protection: Shields underlying floors from cracks or wear.
Common Gym Flooring Thickness Options
4mm–6mm: Suitable for light home use like yoga, stretching, or bodyweight exercises.
8mm–10mm: Ideal for cardio machines such as treadmills or exercise bikes.
15mm–20mm: Great for moderate weightlifting with dumbbells and kettlebells.
25mm–40mm: Recommended for heavy weights, commercial gyms, and functional training.
50mm+: Best for powerlifting zones, Olympic lifting platforms, and CrossFit spaces.
Best Thickness by Gym Type
Home Gyms: 8–15mm is usually sufficient depending on usage.
Condo Gyms: 15–20mm preferred to minimize noise and floor damage.
Commercial Gyms: 25mm+ for high foot traffic and heavy equipment.
MMA / BJJ Studios: Use layered foam or tatami mats with cushioning (30mm+).
Multi-use Spaces: Consider dual-layer systems to balance performance and aesthetics.
Other Factors That Affect Thickness Choice
Type of Subfloor: Concrete can handle impact better than tiles or wood.
Equipment Used: Heavier machines and weights demand thicker flooring.
Installation Method: Thinner mats may need adhesive; interlocking tiles work well with 8mm+.
Tips for Balancing Budget vs Performance
Go thicker where it matters most (e.g., free weights area).
Use thinner flooring in cardio or warm-up zones.
Long-term durability saves on future replacements.
Conclusion
Selecting the right gym flooring thickness isn't one-size-fits-all. Assess your usage, space, and budget to choose the optimal thickness that ensures protection, comfort, and longevity.