Installing Rubber Mats | A Comprehensive Guide

Rubber mats are highly versatile flooring solutions. All you need is a flat, even surface, and you can place the mats down. Vulcanised rubber is nonporous, so it can be installed outdoors. Concrete floors are well suited for the installation of rubber flooring, taking glue especially well providing a permanent flooring solution to a shed, garage, or outdoor gym. With the proper adhesives, you can create a watertight seal around the mats, which will prevent warping and other distortions.

Key Takeaways

• Rubber mats offer a durable, versatile flooring solution for gyms, garages, sheds, or rentals, especially when properly installed on a stable surface like concrete or compacted gravel.

• Heavy lifting requires more than just rubber mats. To protect your subfloor from damage, especially during Olympic lifts, use a deadlift platform for added shock absorption.

• Proper preparation ensures a clean, secure installation that stays in place, looks professional and lasts for years.

• At British Martial Arts Mats, we sell quality rubber mats in various sizes, perfect for home gyms, commercial setups, and martial arts dojos.

Can You Install Rubber Mats Over Carpet?

A portable, non-permanent flooring solution, when you install rubber mats over carpets, you can instantly turn a living area into a weightlifting gym. Having a layer of carpet between the subfloor and the rubber mats can help to dampen the sounds created when putting a fully loaded barbell down. Placing rubber mats over carpet may be your only option if you rent because you don't have the same ability to tear up carpet.

Avoid Placing Rubber Mats on Plush, Highpile Carpet

If you have thick, lush carpet—the kind that is more than a centimetre thick—you shouldn't place rubber mats over top of it. If you have the ability, rip the carpet up and place the rubber mats over top of the subfloor. Low-pile carpet–tightly packed and not easy to compress–will do just fine with rubber mats on top of it.

Can You Install Rubber Mats Over Dirt?

Rubber mats are relatively durable and can last in harsh outdoor conditions. It should be noted, however, that just like laying brick or cobblestone outdoors, there are some steps to take to prepare the area before placing rubber mats over dirt. It's not advised to place rubber mats over loose dirt, clay, or sand, as they do not provide a solid, unmoving base to place the mats on.

• Clean the area thoroughly, and then dig the area out at least 10 centimetres down.

• Even out any divots or holes, filling with the earth that you dug up.

• Fill the hole with 10 centimetres of 20mm chipped gravel. The chipped gravel locks together so that there's less shifting, whilst also providing drainage.

• Tamp the gravel down. You can rent a vibrating plate-style compactor [1] for the best results and the most uniform surface to place the mats.

• Wet the gravel and lightly dust the area with a pre-mixed, ready to use concrete mix [2]. The concrete will weather to expose the compressed gravel below, creating a tight, immovable surface.

• Unload the mats and allow them to acclimatise outside for at least one day. Then, cut and fit to size.

What's the Best Thickness For Rubber Mats?

If you’re performing any Olympic lifts, a minimum mat thickness of 20mm is required to dampen the effects of dropping weight. However, rubber mats may not be enough to mitigate the effects of the kinetic force from heavy lifts. With deadlifts, you’re lifting hundreds of kilograms up to your waist, and by releasing that weight and letting it hit the ground, you may cause damage to the subfloor. It is crucial to protect the subfloor from damage to ensure the longevity and safety of your gym flooring.

All it takes is a quick perusal of the posts on Reddit to learn the effects of poor gym flooring on concrete. A redditor with the name ZannX posted that, even with 3/4inch (20mm) rubber mats, he caused a crack to form in his concrete by dropping his 300 pound deadlift [3]. This highlights the importance of assessing the condition of the floor underneath before installation to prevent such issues.

Consider building a deadlift platform to distribute the force of your weights in the designated area for heavy lifts. There’s an article on our sister site, Martial Arts Mats Ireland, which lays out the steps to make your own deadlift platform at home. With some rubber stall mats, a couple of sheets of plywood, and some adhesive, you’ll have exactly what you’ll need to protect the subfloor at your gym.

Should You Glue Rubber Mats to the Floor or Not?

This is a great question and one that entirely depends on your situation. There’s a tradeoff: If you glue your rubber mats down, you’ll have a permanent rubber floor which will never shift or be disturbed; however, by glueing your rubber mats down, you’ll never be able to move your mats. If you’re okay with having permanent rubber flooring in your home, then glueing the mats down makes sense.

However, if you’re considering moving the mats to another room in your house, then don’t glue the mats down. Once you’ve put the glue down, you don’t have a lot of options to move the mats, and pulling the mats up will lead to ruining the mats. Ensuring that the entire floor is properly installed and aligned is crucial for a professional-looking result.

Measuring and Planning

Measuring and planning are crucial steps in installing rubber flooring. Here are some tips to help you measure and plan your rubber flooring installation:

1. Measure the room: Measure the length, width, and layout of the room to determine the amount of rubber flooring you’ll need. Accurate measurements will help you avoid purchasing too much or too little material.

2. Consider the layout: Think about the layout of the room and the location of any obstacles like pillars or heating vents. This will help you plan the placement of the rubber mats and ensure a smooth installation process.

3. Plan the installation: Plan the installation process, including the direction of the rubber flooring and the location of any seams or joints. This will help you achieve a professional-looking finish.

4. Check the subfloor: Inspect the subfloor for any cracks, unevenness, or moisture issues that may affect the installation. Addressing these issues beforehand will ensure a smooth and durable rubber flooring installation.

5. Create a diagram: Create a diagram of the room and the rubber flooring installation to help you visualise the process and identify any potential issues. This will serve as a helpful reference during the installation.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your rubber flooring installation is well-planned and executed, resulting in a professional and durable finish.

Installation Tools

Gloves

Utility knife

Measuring tape

Chalk Line

Carpet Roller

Toothed Spatula

Polyurethane Glue

The best glue to use should be a two component PU adhesive. A good ratio is that 700g of material will cover one square metre. PU glue is the perfect glue because it easily bonds rubber to wood and can be used both inside and outdoors. One benefit of using two parts PU glue is that it is incredibly resistant to impacts and vibrations because of its high elasticity.[5] It is crucial to follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for proper adhesive application to ensure a secure fit and optimal results.

There are several places to pick up the PU glue, including The Glue People in Dorset. Their website has a wide selection of adhesives, and they should be able to point you in the right direction on the best adhesive to glue rubber to wood or concrete. Additionally, when installing rubber flooring, make sure to use a sharp utility knife for precise cutting, as careful handling and attention to detail will significantly enhance the overall quality and aesthetic of the installation.

Step One: Acclimatise the Mats

Take the mats out of the packaging and off the pallet, and store the mats for 1-2 days in the place where they're going to be laid. This step will allow the mats to either contract or expand, and will help prevent gaps in the mats.

Step Two: Clean the Subfloor

Make sure that the sub-floor is clean, dry, and free from any debris. Moisture and dust can ruin the bond between the rubber mats and the subfloor underneath, so be diligent with cleaning.

Step Three: Layout the Rubber Mats

Next, lay out all the mats in the way you’d like them to look after they’re glued down. There’s an excellent YouTube video by the “GymAndFitness” channel, which explains the different rubber flooring layouts. There are two types of patterns to layout rubber mats: The Crisscross Pattern and the Brick Pattern.

The Crisscross pattern is where the corners of the mats line up in all directions. This is not advisable for rooms over 20m because some rubber mats differ in size by 2mm, and that difference can add up over long rows. Eventually, your mats won’t line up.

Another method is the Brick Pattern, which involves staggering the rows of mats so that the first row will start with a full mat and the next row will start with half a mat. This allows for a stress-free application as you are not trying to find mats that will line up perfectly, which gives you wiggle room to lay out the mats.

Start laying the mats by working from a corner of the room and arranging them in rows. Push the mats together to get the tightest fit, and continue laying tiles along the wall to ensure a cohesive look.

Cut the mats to fit the wall, making them as snug as possible to the baseboards. Using a chalk line, make lines on the rubber mats and cut them with a utility knife. Another alternative to a utility knife is a jigsaw, which can make quick work of the rubber mats. Interlocking tiles can also be used for a secure fit, providing both aesthetic and functional advantages.

After making all the cuts, number the mats to remember which mats go where. This will make for a stress-free installation. Then, stack all the mats in one corner and move on to the glue phase. Trimming any excess rubber is crucial to ensure a smooth and even surface.

Step Four: Apply the Glue

Since each type of glue is different, be sure to follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions on the packaging of the glue that you purchased. If you purchased a glue with two parts, be sure to follow the directions for how much of each part needs to be mixed.

As soon as you finish mixing, pour the glue over the subfloor. Use a toothed spatula to spread the glue, and be sure to monitor the clock as the adhesive starts to set.

Step 5: Install the Rubber

Remember to cover only a small amount of the floor with the adhesive at one time, enough to place five 1mX1m rubber tiles. Remove any glue leaks from the surface as soon as possible to avoid ruining the top of the rubber mats.

Step 6: Hand Roller

Last, after installing the rubber mats, but before the glue sets, apply downward pressure with a 45kg carpet roller. This helps to get rid of any air bubbles trapped underneath the mats and makes sure that the rubber is properly adhered to the subfloor.

After this step, do not walk on the rubber mats until they are fully set.

Final Inspection and Maintenance

After installing your rubber mats, conducting a final inspection is essential to ensure that the installation is complete and satisfactory. Here are some tips to help you conduct a final inspection and maintain your rubber mats:

1. Inspect the installation: Carefully inspect the installation to ensure that the rubber mat is properly aligned, secured, and free of any defects or damage. This will help you identify any issues that need to be addressed before the flooring is used.

2. Check the seams: Examine the seams and joints to ensure that they are properly sealed and secure. Properly sealed seams will prevent dirt and moisture from getting underneath the flooring.

3. Test the flooring: Walk on the mats to ensure that it is level, even, and free of any tripping hazards. This will help you identify any areas that may need additional attention.

4. Clean the flooring: Clean the mats to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated during the installation process. This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of the rubber mats.

5. Maintain the Mats: Regularly clean and inspect the flooring to ensure that it remains in good condition. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and extend the life of your rubber floor mats.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your rubber mat installation is successful and that your flooring remains in good condition for years to come.

Choosing the Right Rubber Flooring Mats

Choosing the right rubber flooring mats for your gym or home gym is crucial to ensure a safe and durable surface for your workouts. With various types of rubber mats available, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, shock absorption, and ease of cleaning. Here are some tips to help you choose the right rubber mats:

1. Consider the type of workouts: If you plan to do high-impact activities like weightlifting or HIIT, you’ll need a thicker and more durable rubber flooring. A thinner and more flexible rubber flooring may be sufficient for lower-impact activities like yoga or Pilates.

2. Think about the subfloor: If you have a concrete subfloor, you’ll need rubber mats that can withstand the moisture and alkalinity of the concrete. If you have a wooden subfloor, you’ll need a rubber mat that can accommodate the movement and flexibility of the wood.

3. Look for durability and shock absorption: A good rubber mat should be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and equipment use. Look for rubber mats with high shock absorption and durability ratings.

4. Consider the maintenance: Some rubber mats require more maintenance than others. Look for rubber mats that are easy to clean and maintain.

5. Check the warranty: A good rubber mat should come with a warranty that covers defects and damage. Look for rubber mats with a comprehensive warranty that covers you for at least 5 years.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the right rubber mat for your needs, providing a safe and durable surface for your workouts.

Conclusion

Rubber mats are some of the most versatile flooring materials on the planet. Rubber easily absorbs the force from heavy weights, retaining its shape after many uses. However, you may need to take precautions to prevent your floor from being damaged, like building a deadlift platform. After you consider the mat layout, you need to decide whether you will glue the mats down. It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a permanent flooring solution for your gym which will never slip, shift, or move, then using glue to bond the rubber and floor is exactly what you need.

Author: David Van Kooten

Sources

1. https://www.nationaltoolhireshops.co.uk/wacker-plate-hire/City-of-London/

2. https://www.homebase.co.uk/blue-hawk-quick-set-ready-mixed-cement-10kg/12807382.html

3. https://www.reddit.com/r/homegym/comments/b47xx5/dropping_weights_on_concrete_learn_from_my_mistake/

4. https://shop.martialartsmats.equipment/build-your-own-weightlifting-platform/

5. https://www.addevmaterials.eu/catalog/composition/adhesives-sealants/two-part-adhesives/two-parts-polyurethane-pu-adhesives

6. How to Lay / Install Rubber Gym Flooring