How thick should home gym flooring be?

Home gym flooring should be at least 0.75 inches thick to protect your home's floor from damage and to provide some cushion for your joints. However, this can vary depending on your needs. A thinner floor may be suitable if you perform bodyweight exercises or light cardio activities, such as dance or aerobics. However, if you are lifting heavy weights or using heavy equipment, or if you are performing high-impact movements, you may need thicker flooring.

How do you install home gym flooring?

How you Install home gym flooring will depend on the type of flooring you choose. There should be instructions provided with the flooring. It is essential to measure the room and determine the amount of flooring you require before buying. To install some flooring, you will need a utility knife to cut the flooring to fit. Other products may simply require fitting together like a puzzle. Consult a hardware store or fitness equipment retailer for advice on your specific type of flooring.

How often should I clean my home gym flooring?

Sweeping or vacuuming your flooring frequently will help keep it clean. You can also wipe it clean with mild soap and a cloth. Avoid soaking your flooring with water or steam mopping as this may damage the gym flooring or leak through to your home's floor underneath.

The 11 Best Home Gym Flooring of 2023

When putting together a home gym, gym flooring is an important detail that shouldn't be overlooked. “The right floor not only protects the surface where it’s placed but allows you to be comfortable and feel at home during a workout,” says Ashton Ferrazzo, fitness professional and owner of Freedom Fitness Equipment in Charlotte, NC. “People underestimate the value of a good floor system, as it allows you to do almost anything on its surface—as long as you buy the right material!”

Gym flooring comes in a variety of materials and sizes, and is designed to withstand multiple exercises. When selecting flooring for your home gym, you’ll want to consider your personal workout needs. “Choosing the right floor depends on what type of exercise you are going to be doing and what equipment you are going to use,” says Victoria Popoff, an instructor for Club Pilates GO. Make sure your flooring is comfortable, thick, and durable enough to withstand your most intense workouts. We evaluated our roundup picks for comfort and cushioning, durability, ease of assembly, and ease of cleaning.

Here are the best home gym flooring options on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat at Amazon

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Best Budget:

ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat at Amazon

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Best for Over Carpet:

GXMMAT Extra Large Exercise Mat at Amazon

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Best Artificial Grass:

Sorbus Grass Mat at Amazon

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Best Extra-Thick:

BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Exercise Mat at Amazon

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Best for Large Equipment:

BalanceFrom GoFit Equipment Mat at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Gorilla Mats Extra Large Mat at Amazon

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Best Durable:

Rubber-Cal Shark Tooth Heavy Duty Mat at Amazon

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Best Rubber:

IncStores Rubber Floor Mat at Amazon

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Best Wood-Like:

Sorbus Wood Grain Floor Mats at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.6

Amazon

Pros

Two-sided, anti-slip surface
Three thickness options
Easy to assemble

Cons

Some quality control issues
May lack durability

The BalanceFrom mat is an excellent fit for most home gyms making it our best overall pick. This mat features a double-sided nonslip surface—keeping it in place and providing grip during use. The 0.75-inch high-density EVA foam provides ample cushion and support for your joints while remaining sturdy enough for jumping and stability exercises, such as on balance boards. The mat is available in two thicknesses—0.5 inches and 1 inch—to fit your personal workout needs.

The 96-square-foot mat includes 4-square-foot tiles that interlock thanks to a puzzle-like design. And if you need to cover more or less space, the brand offers multiple sets in a variety of sizes. The easy-to-assemble style is helpful if you need to regularly move your gym floor from one place to the next. And the moisture-resistant foam can be quickly cleaned with a mixture of soap and water.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5–1 inches | Tile Quantity: Six to 36 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High-density EVA foam material
Available in multiple colors
Puzzle-like design for easy storage

Cons

Only one thickness option
Some quality control issues
May not fit together very tightly

ProsourceFit’s Puzzle Exercise Mat is made with high-density EVA foam that makes it grippy and comfortable. Since the mat is water-resistant, it's also easy to clean and non-slip—making it ideal for especially sweaty workouts. One thing to note about the mat is that it's only 0.5 inches thick which is slightly thinner than most home gym flooring options.

Designed like a puzzle, the ProsourceFit Exercise Mat can be pieced together to cover the floor space in your home gym. It's available in six-piece sets, 12-piece sets, and 36-piece sets—meaning it can cover home gyms between 24 and 144 square feet. Another perk is that it comes in three colors which allows you to customize the look of your home gym.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5 inches | Tile Quantity: Six to 36 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)}

Amazon

Pros

Two-sided anti-slip surface
Only one piece for easy transport
Comes with Velcro straps and carrying bag

Cons

Only available in one size
Only one thickness option
Thinner than most options

Since fewer pieces mean minimal shifting and more stability, many people prefer one large mat when working out in a carpeted room. The GXMMAT Exercise Mat easily rolls out when you want to get some exercise, and it features an extra-large surface area for all types of cardiovascular exercises, core workouts, and weight training sessions.

The mat features double-sided, non-slip surfaces—making it safe to use without shoes if preferred. It’s also crafted with 7-millimeter memory foam for both comfort and stability. The foam is resistant to tears, scratches, abrasion, and weight impact and it even comes with three Velcro straps and a carrying bag for easy roll-up and storage.

Price at time of publication: $319

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.27 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 10 x 6 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Faux turf surface
Crafted from thick EVA foam
Waterproof and good for outdoor use

Cons

Only one thickness option
Prone to shedding

If you want to turn your porch, patio, or yard into a workout space, artificial grass can be a great option. Sorbus’ Grass Matt Interlocking Tiles work a lot like indoor gym flooring—they come in sets of small tiles, which you can piece together to cover the ground or floor. This particular set comes with 12 tiles, each of which measures 24 inches by 24 inches. That means that if you piece them all together, you’ll end up with 48 square feet of artificial grass.

The artificial grass on each tile is made of plastic, and underneath the faux turf, you’ll find plush EVA foam. These materials combine to create 1-inch-thick tiles, which are designed to effectively cushion you as you exercise. The waterproof tiles are also durable enough to withstand your workouts, and grippy enough to stay in place as you move around.

Price at time of publication: $185

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 1 inch | Tile Quantity: 12 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)}

Amazon

Pros

Extra-thick design
EVA foam and puncture-resistant vinyl
Foldable for easy transport

Cons

Available in one size only
Only one thickness option
Vinyl may get slippery as you sweat

BalanceFrom’s Tri-Fold Exercise Mat is a foldable mat that’s thick enough to cushion you during aerobics, martial arts, and more. At 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, the mat is spacious but not too large for smaller spaces. In other words, you may need to purchase a couple of them if you want to cover your entire gym floor. The small size comes with benefits—it folds up between uses and has a convenient carrying handle for easy storage and transport.

The mat is 1.5 inches thick which is thicker than some other home gym flooring options. It's also lined with high-density EVA foam and covered in puncture-resistant vinyl. This makes it durable and easy to clean with a combination of soap and water.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 2 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Surface is easy to clean
Foldable for easy transport
Available in multiple colors

Cons

Only one thickness option
Vinyl may get slippery as you sweat
May wear with continued use

If your goal is to protect your floors from a large fitness equipment, such as a treadmill, exercise bike, or elliptical machine, traditional gym flooring might not be necessary. Instead, you can fight potential floor damage with a thinner mat that eliminates the chance of dents and scratching.

What the Experts Say: “The flooring in your home gym matters! Preserving the life of your equipment and your body are top of mind when it comes to a home gym. Choosing the right flooring will not only improve your home gym space and provide you a safe space to exercise, but it may also motivate you to be active more regularly.”—Victoria Popoff, fitness instructor

BalanceFrom's GoFit Equipment Mat is 0.18 inches thick which should effectively act as a barrier between your machine and the floors in your home. It's crafted with high-density PVC, meaning it can withstand wear from your regular home workouts, and the textured surface is designed to prevent slipping and sliding.

Price at time of publication: $36

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 2 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Made from durable PVC
Size can accommodate most fitness machines
Available in two sizes

Cons

Only one thickness option
Thinner than most options

If you're looking for a large, high-quality exercise mat to take with you on the go, consider this option from Gorilla Mats. The mat is more substantial than your regular yoga mat and it's made with high-density rubber and PER foam. It also features double-sided nonslip grips and a 0.25-inch-thick design that protects your floors and joints during high-impact workouts. If you suffer from knee pain and wear shoes for bad knees, then you'll appreciate the added shock absorption.

The mat comes with two straps and a carrying bag for easy transport, as well as a microfiber towel that you can use to wipe down the surface after your workout. Another helpful characteristic is that Gorilla Mats are backed by both a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.18 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 feet, 3 x 6.5 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Heavy-duty and weather-resistant
Made of recycled rubber
Available in three sizes

Cons

Only one thickness option
Prone to flaking and wear

For those who use heavy-duty barbells or weight racks and machines, a strong mat like this Rubber-Cal pick is essential. At 0.75 inches thick, this mat is made with 100% tire crumb—recycled rubber that is just as durable and weather-resistant as fresh tires themselves. And since the mat is available in three sizes, it should be easy for you to find an option that meets your personal needs.

Designed for high-impact applications and abrasive conditions, the mat protects floors from unwanted damage. It also provides enough cushion for joint comfort and stability no matter the type of exercise you prefer. The rubber prevents slipping, reduces noise, contains vibration, and absorbs shock, keeping your fitness space safe and enjoyable. The grippy surface is beneficial for those who require more traction for stability, such as overpronators who wear insoles for flat feet. It’s also easy to keep clean.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.75 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 3 x 4 feet, and 4 x 6 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Made from durable vulcanized rubber
Surface is easy to clean
Available in multiple colors

Cons

Only one size option
Sizing inconsistencies in product description

If you prefer the durability and lifespan of a rubber mat, you can’t go wrong with gym flooring mats from IncStores. Crafted with 100% recycled vulcanized rubber, the mat is designed to effectively protect your home's floors from wear and tear caused by heavyweight equipment and high-intensity, plyometric exercise. Simply place the mat in your desired location, roll it out, and it's ready for your next workout.

The double-sided mat is available in multiple thickness options—all of which should hold up to heavy-duty use. It's also easy to keep clean with soap and water thanks to the nonporous rubber construction. It can be dusted, swept, and vacuumed easily as well.

Price at time of publication: $180

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.37–0.75 inches | Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 4 feet}

Amazon

Pros

Elevated, wood-like look
Waterproof and easy to clean
Puzzle-like design is easy to store

Cons

Only one thickness option
May not be very durable

If the aesthetics of your home gym floor are just as important as the utility, a flooring option that looks good (as well as feels good) might be a top priority. The foam mats from Sorbus offer users a classic wood finish at an affordable price. Plus, the material is durable enough to withstand most forms of exercise.

The 48-square-foot mat comes with 12 4-square-foot tiles that use puzzle-like interlocking edges for easy assembly and storage. The tiles also come in a range of wood grains and colors to help you best match your home gym floor to your existing interior design. Both nonabsorbent and waterproof, they're easy to clean and care for at home.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.375 inches | Tile Quantity: 12 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches}

Amazon

Pros

Crafted from plush EVA foam
Surface is easy to clean
Puzzle-like style makes the flooring easy to store and assemble

Cons

May wear over time

If your kids like playing around indoors, this playmat set from Tadpoles is an excellent choice for their active play place. The 100% EVA foam construction is odor-, phthalate-, and lead-free. The mat is also soft enough to cushion knees and elbows in the event of a fall, and durable enough to withstand basic wear and tear.

A single pack comes with four 4-square-foot squares to assemble a 16-square-foot protected play space. However, if you need to cover a larger area, the interlocking puzzle piece design makes it easy to combine multiple packs of tiles into a single layout.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5 inches | Tile Quantity: Four | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches}

Final Verdict

If you're upgrading your home gym with a new gym floor, the BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat (view at Amazon) is a high-quality, durable option. It comes in six thickness options and three color options—allowing you to choose one that fits your personal workout needs.

If you have a lot of space to cover or if you're on a budget, the ProSourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat (view at Amazon) should meet your needs. With a textured surface, it prevents slipping and offers traction for even the sweatiest of workouts. Its EVA foam construction also makes it comfortable and durable.

What to Look for in Home Gym Flooring

Material

Home gym flooring can be made from a range of materials including rubber, foam, turf, cork, carpet, and more. When shopping, consider what will keep you comfortable during a workout. If you love to jump, a higher-rebound option, like foam, is a good choice. If you need ample traction, stick with something grippy, like rubber. You'll also need to note the durability, cost, and protective nature of the mat you're considering.

Durability

It’s important to look into the types of exercise you plan on performing when picking out your home gym flooring. Rubber and vinyl tend to be the most durable options, but many people prefer rubber because it’s also much more shock absorbent and wallet-friendly. “Home gym flooring should be able to withstand hundreds of pounds of force,” Ferrazzo says. “It should be heavy, sturdy, and not prone to ripping, tearing, or deterioration.”

Thickness

Home gym floors are available in a variety of thicknesses—the flooring options we picked here range from 0.1875 inches thick to 2 inches thick. Thinner mats may be suitable for protecting your floors from bulky equipment, like rowers, treadmill desks, and other machines. But Ferrazzo recommends flooring that’s at least 0.75 inches thick for most home gyms.

Installation

Do you prefer a mat that comes in square puzzle pieces that you can simply press together? Do you want one big mat that you roll up and store elsewhere when not in use? Do you like the idea of a peel-and-stick option that covers permanent flooring for a longer period of time? Consider your installation preference (and whether you plan on leaving the flooring out indefinitely) before making a buying decision.

Size and Quantity

When comparing different home gym flooring, be sure to consider the size and quantity of products included in your purchase. Some flooring options are available as individual mats, while others are available as sets of tiles that you can piece together like a puzzle.

Make note of how much of your floor you’re trying to cover, and make sure the flooring option you’re considering is big enough to cover that area. When making this calculation, be sure to think about the size of each mat or tile, as well as the number of mats or tiles you’ll receive in one set.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should home gym flooring be?

Home gym flooring should be at least 0.75 inches thick to protect your home's floor from damage and to provide some cushion for your joints. However, this can vary depending on your needs. A thinner floor may be suitable if you perform bodyweight exercises or light cardio activities, such as dance or aerobics. However, if you are lifting heavy weights or using heavy equipment, or if you are performing high-impact movements, you may need thicker flooring.
How do you install home gym flooring?

How you Install home gym flooring will depend on the type of flooring you choose. There should be instructions provided with the flooring. It is essential to measure the room and determine the amount of flooring you require before buying.
To install some flooring, you will need a utility knife to cut the flooring to fit. Other products may simply require fitting together like a puzzle. Consult a hardware store or fitness equipment retailer for advice on your specific type of flooring.
How often should I clean my home gym flooring?

Sweeping or vacuuming your flooring frequently will help keep it clean. You can also wipe it clean with mild soap and a cloth. Avoid soaking your flooring with water or steam mopping as this may damage the gym flooring or leak through to your home's floor underneath.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment for you. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets, but more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.