Maybe you want to open a gym for the community or set up a home gym. So, it’s important to make it look beautiful without affecting its functionality.
While there are numerous features you must consider, one important part of the interior design that you must pay attention to is the flooring.
The flooring system of your gym should be safe, durable, and easy to maintain. The place should allow for optimal performance, and it must look good as well. Some commonly used flooring materials for gyms include form, rubber, vinyl, and wood. These are popular options since they meet all the requirements for a perfect gym flooring.
When evaluating various gym flooring options, you must consider how the floor will be utilized, those who will use it, the installation costs, and the environmental conditions. Therefore, let’s check out these options for your gym floor finish.
Hardwood maple sports floor
Hardwood maple is one of the popular choices for gym flooring. Apart from being a classic, the marble sports floor can look sharp and can be branded with paint and logos.
These floors are designed to withstand heavier foot traffic for five decades or more with routine and care maintenance. For multiple-use facilities, maple is an ideal gym floor finish.
One of the issues with maple floors is the cost. The initial floor installation can be expensive. But because the floor will last for more than 50 years, the material will offer value for your money.
Hardwood gym floors require frequent cleaning and dry mopping between activities. Additionally, you’ll need to sand and refinish the floor every ten years to keep it in good shape.
Rubber sports floors
While rubber flooring is not as costly to install as maple floors, it will not last long. Gym facilities with weight rooms and cardiovascular machines opt for rubber floors since it is ideal for these equipment and activities.
You can buy rubber flooring that comes as interlocking tiles or as a roll. Tiles that experience heavy foot traffic can be swapped out with tiles from the less-traffic areas of the gym. This is a way to extend the floor’s lifespan. You can also choose recycled rubber flooring if you are environmentally conscious.
Sheet vinyl
Cushioned sheet vinyl or PVC is becoming a common synthetic gym floor finish. These gym flooring options resemble the traditional wood floor and come in different designs, colors, and thicknesses.
Vinyl flooring is prefinished before it leaves the factory. Urethane is added to the flooring’s surface to make it easy to maintain and clean.
The PVC gym flooring can be utilized in multipurpose facilities, and it is impervious to water damage. Gyms and schools that are hybrid cafeterias opt for sheet vinyl flooring because it’s durable and ideal for withstanding heavier traffic and water damage.
Vinyl composite tile
Vinyl tile is the best choice for a gym floor installation project when you are on a budget. This material is less costly than other alternatives in this guide. It features a wide range of patterns and color choices that will fit any gym facility.
However, the material requires yearly wax coatings to safeguard it from heavy foot traffic. It does not offer perfect shock absorption and isn’t ideal for certain activities and sports that require it.
Concrete
Concrete floors are durable and can be useful for some activities. Remember that regardless of the gym floor finish you select, the flooring system requires a concrete subfloor. It’s also essential to consider that the floor absorbs much-needed shock.
Things to consider when choosing a gym flooring material
When looking for the best gym flooring, there are some things you must consider.
- The location of the gym
You might need different flooring materials based on where you intend to install the floor. For example, if you want to install the gym floor in the garage, you might need durable materials like rubber and vinyl since they’ll be exposed to harsher elements and will insulate the place. Rubber is water resistant and won’t absorb dampness or moisture that most garage spaces might be vulnerable to.
- The kind of exercise
The exercise you intend to do is a key factor when choosing the right flooring. Higher-impact workouts such as CrossFit, strength training, and HIIT will require a thick and cushioned surface that will absorb shock and the stress of weight drops. Nevertheless, if you want to do low-impact workouts like Pilates and yoga, then going for the thin and less cushioned floor might be enough.
- The available space
Before installing a gym flooring system, measure your exercise area and consider the size of the material or rolls you require for the whole space.
- The budget
You’ll find a broad range of prices when it comes to gym flooring installation. You can choose the most cost-effective alternative or a more long-lasting and sustainable choice like foam or rubber. Determine your budget before purchasing and research the flooring available within that price range. Investing in a quality floor will last longer and be more cost-effective.
- Safety features
Safety is a priority when choosing gym floors. Ensure the flooring material features a slip-resistant surface, which will help prevent accidents and injuries since they can’t be sloppy when moist.
- Eco-friendliness
Most people are becoming conscious of their purchase’s influence on the environment and strive to make environmentally friendly choices. When it comes to gym flooring, opt for those made from recyclable materials, like cork or rubber, instead of plastic, which can be hard to recycle.
- Aesthetic
Consider the general appearance of the space where you want to install the gym flooring. Go for thin materials if you want a sleek and modern look. Consider reversible and flecked options if you want to add texture and color to the room.
Ready to select your gym floor? Call us today!
If you are considering updating your facility, choosing the right gym floor is essential. Contact us any time to help you decide. Our experts will walk you through the process and ensure you have the right flooring material.