Find the best rubber mat for your application with this all-inclusive buying guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know - including benefits, thickness options, installation advice, top recommendations, and more.

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Rubber Mat Basics

Rubber mats are one of the most versatile flooring options and are perfect for a commercial gym, office, or home kitchen. They combine a comfortable and easy-to-clean material without the hassle of a time-consuming installation. 

Benefits of Rubber Mats

• Durability: Rubber is a strong material that withstands high foot traffic, heavy weights, and any intense use. Its durability makes it a long-lasting investment for most applications. 
• Convenience: Most rubber floor mats are lightweight and portable, so you can easily pick them up and move them around as needed.
• Great for small spaces: A single rubber mat can do the trick if you want to cover an individual work or workout space.
• Appearance: Quality rubber mats have a smooth finish, making any gym or business look more professional.
• Easy to clean: Simply vacuum or use a damp mop when necessary.

• Slip and water-resistant: Floor mats can help reduce falls and injuries in the workplace or gym. Sweaty workouts, spilled water, and even poolside yoga is no problem for rubber mats.
• Shock absorption: Rubber gym mats absorb the shock and impact of challenging workouts and heavy free weights. A plus is that they also work as sound insulators. 
• Subfloor protection: Gym mats provide excellent protection underneath exercise equipment to reduce cracking or denting to your subfloor. 

Cons of Rubber Gym Mats

• Price: Although rubber gym mats may not be the cheapest option, they provide the best value. Rubber gym floor mats are affordable, but they are more expensive per square foot than rubber rolls. 
• Not appropriate for large spaces: If you have a large space to cover, Rubber Rolls may provide an easier installation and a lower overall cost.  
• Deteriorate: While rubber is resistant to stains from most agents, grease or oil can still break down the material and cause it to flake. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Mats may shift: It may shift if you’re too aggressive. Simply add double-sided tape to secure it to your subfloor if this happens. 

Related Content >> Must Know: Rubber Pros and Cons

Rubber Gym Mats

Gym floor mats are what professional establishments use, such as hockey arenas, school gyms, commercial gyms, and ski resorts. They’re a top choice for home gyms because they are super durable, slip-resistant, and look great. 

Most mats are made from recycled rubber tires, making them high-density, long-lasting and eco-friendly choices.

Where to Use Rubber Gym Mats

• Residential/commercial gyms
• Fitness studios
• Locker rooms
• Weight rooms
• Sports arenas
• Under exercise equipment

SHOP RUBBER GYM MATS

Rubber Mats for Animal Use: Horse Stall Mats

Rubber mats are growing in popularity for horse stalls, barns, trailers, and even dog kennels. 

Animal flooring needs to be durable and withstand large horses and heavy traffic from hooves or paws. Rubber is not only the most durable flooring on the market, but it serves as a comfortable bed for animals.

• Comfort and safety: These mats provide a soft cushion for animals and keep them warm from cold subfloors.
• Non-porous: Rubber horse stall mats will not harbor or grow bacteria.
• Low maintenance: Simply hose off any dirt or debris to keep your animal mats looking great.

Where to Use Animal Rubber Mats

• Horse stalls
• Trailers
• Barns
• Doggy daycares
• Animal training facilities

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Related Content >> Horse Stall Mats vs. Gym Mats

Top Rubber Mat Options

Explore three of our most popular mats to find the right one for your needs!

4’ x 6’ Premium Mats – Customer Favorite

These mats are ideal if you’re looking for premium durability, a sharp appearance, and an economically smart choice. 

Benefits

• 5-year warranty

• Rated for commercial/residential use
• 100% recycled and non-porous material
• Easy to sanitize

SHOP 4’ x 6’ PREMIUM MATS

3/4" Extreme Mats – Best in Color Variety

Our 3/4" thick Extreme Mats are our most popular thickness and offer the most extensive color flec selection, including vibrant blue, green, and red options. Use them as a permanent gym solution or on the go for various indoor and outdoor fitness routines. 

Benefits

• American-made 
• Indoor/outdoor use
• Made for high-impact routines
• Certified clean rubber

SHOP 3/4" EXTREME MATS

3/4" Shock Mats – Top Rated for Olympic Lifting 

Shock Mats provide an impressive shock and sound absorption for residential and commercial gyms. With non-slip material, 

Benefits

• Mold and mildew resistant
• TRX® approved rubber
• Beveled edge design
• Sound absorption

SHOP 3/4" SHOCK MATS

Rubber Mats Installation

Rubber mats are easy to install! Lay them out, and you’re good to go. Usually, you won’t need to use adhesive since the product's weight is enough to keep the mats from moving. However, if you experience slippage, you can use some double-sided tape or one of our adhesives to prevent any movement.

Note: Commercial installations are more challenging to do solo, so we recommend having a couple of helpers. 

Horse stall mats and interlocking rubber mat kits are also simple to put together. Each kit comes with a layout showing how to position the mats in the stall. 

If you are placing rubber mats in a horse stall or barn, we recommend a ¼” to ½” gap between the edge of the mat and the wall to account for expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit colorful rubber foam.

How to Cut Rubber Mats

1. Measure the size of your cut.
2. Use a straight edge and chalk to mark the cut.
3. Place your straight edge on the chalk line and use a sharp utility knife to score your floor, adding a deep crease in the rubber.
4. Pick up the rubber and bend it at that crease to break it open further.
5. Return the rubber flooring to the ground and continue scoring the rest until your cut is complete.

Rubber Mat Cleaning and Maintenance

• Give it a quick vacuum to eliminate loose crumbs, dust, or debris.
• Occasionally, use a damp mop with a mild soap and water cleaning solution.

Note: Do not use any solvent or oil-based cleaners, such as Pine-Sol, Lysol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD40, paint thinner, etc. These cleaners may damage the floor over time. 

Related Content >> Clean Rubber Gym Flooring in 4 Easy Steps

Rubber Mat FAQs

Check out our answers to the most common customer questions, from the rubber smell to environmental responsibility. For a full rubber flooring breakdown, explore our FAQ guide. 

How do I choose the right thickness for rubber mats?

The typical rule of thumb – the thicker the rubber, the more it will protect your subfloor.

Ultra-thin rubber can hold up to bodyweight exercises, light dumbbells, high-traffic areas, etc. Medium thicknesses are great for commercial gyms, CrossFit, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, etc.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our most popular mat thicknesses:

• 8mm: Most popular for home gyms.
• 3/8”: Most popular for commercial gyms
• 1/2” - 3/4”: Ultra-thick commercial gym / CrossFit flooring.

Do rubber mats smell?

Yes, but the intensity of the rubber mat smell depends on the person and their sensitivity to scents and the type of rubber material purchased. 

The smell will be most potent when you first unroll your rubber mat. Let it air out in a well-ventilated room for at least 48 to 72 hours, and so the material can acclimate to the environment. 

How do I get rid of the rubber smell?

You can mop it down with a mild soap and water solution if you’re still sensitive to the rubber smell after airing your mat out. 

Let the mat air dry in a well-ventilated area, and repeat the process as needed. This should make the scent a bit more amicable, and the rest of the smell should dissipate over time. 

Are rubber mats eco-friendly?

Yes, most mats are made from recycled rubber, and many of ours are manufactured in the USA. Choosing American-made rubber flooring also reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation, according to Recyclebank.

Related Content >> Commercial Gym Flooring: Everything Rubber and Gym Turf

Conclusion

Rubber mats are a staple for various high traffic areas and offer the benefits of durable material, shock absorbency, and water resistance for a lasting and reliable choice you can feel confident in. Shop our selection of rubber mats to find the perfect one for you!

The Ultimate Guide to Rubber Gym Mats: Types and Their Uses

The Ultimate Guide to Rubber Gym Mats: Types and Their Uses

Rubber gym mats are essential for fitness enthusiasts and gym owners, providing comfort, safety, and protection for floors and equipment. Choosing the right type of rubber mat ensures optimal performance for specific activities, whether in a home gym, professional training facility, or fitness class. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of rubber gym mats and their ideal uses.

1. Interlocking Rubber Mats

Description

Interlocking rubber mats consist of puzzle-like tiles that snap together, creating a seamless surface. They are versatile and can cover any size area.

Features

• Easy to assemble and disassemble.
• Adjustable size to fit custom spaces.
• Available in varying thicknesses.

Best For

• Home gyms with limited space.
• Temporary workout areas.
• Low to moderate-impact exercises like weightlifting and yoga.

Pros

• Portable and reusable.
• Simple installation without adhesives.
• Replace individual tiles if damaged.

Cons

• May shift under intense activity if not secured properly.
• Seams may collect dirt over time.

2. Rolled Rubber Mats

Description

Rolled rubber mats come in long sheets, typically sold in standard widths and customizable lengths. They provide continuous coverage for large spaces.

Features

• Available in thick or thin variations.
• Seamless appearance for a professional look.
• Durable and shock-absorbent.

Best For

• Commercial gyms with heavy equipment.
• High-traffic areas.
• Activities requiring a smooth, uniform surface, like cardio workouts.

Pros

• Excellent for large-scale installations.
• Provides noise reduction.
• Less risk of shifting compared to tiles.

Cons

• Requires precise cutting for proper fit.
• Heavier and harder to move than interlocking mats.

3. Heavy-Duty Rubber Mats

Description

These mats are designed to withstand extreme wear and tear, often thicker and denser than standard mats.

Features

• High impact resistance.
• Non-slip surface for safety.
• Thickness ranges from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or more.

Best For

• Olympic weightlifting zones.
• Powerlifting platforms.
• Protecting floors from heavy equipment drops.

Pros

• Long-lasting durability.
• Superior floor protection.
• Exceptional grip for equipment and athletes.

Cons

• Expensive compared to lighter mats.
• Difficult to transport due to weight.

4. Rubber Underlayment Mats

Description

Rubber underlayment mats are thin, flexible mats placed under other flooring types to add cushioning and sound insulation.

Features

• Available in rolls or sheets.
• Typically thinner (around 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch).
• Acts as a buffer layer between flooring and subfloor.

Best For

• Aerobic studios.
• Spaces with mixed flooring materials.
• Gyms in multi-level buildings to reduce noise.

Pros

• Enhances comfort and acoustics.
• Works with hardwood, vinyl, or other flooring types.
• Affordable solution for soundproofing.

Cons

• Limited durability for high-impact activities.
• Requires an additional top layer.

5. Recycled Rubber Mats

Description

Made from repurposed rubber materials, these mats are eco-friendly and cost-effective without sacrificing quality.

Features

• Often textured for enhanced grip.
• Range of thicknesses and densities.
• Black or flecked with color options.

Best For

• Budget-friendly gym setups.
• General-purpose workout areas.
• Supporting eco-conscious initiatives.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly.
• Durable and versatile.
• Affordable compared to virgin rubber.

Cons

• May have a slight odor initially.
• Limited aesthetic options.

6. Anti-Fatigue Rubber Mats

Description

Designed to minimize discomfort during prolonged standing or repetitive motions, these mats are often used in gyms and workplaces.

Features

• Softer rubber or foam blend for extra cushioning.
• Textured surface to prevent slips.
• Usually smaller in size.

Best For

• Weightlifting stations.
• Standing cardio equipment like treadmills.
• Personal trainers and staff standing for long periods.

Pros

• Reduces joint strain and fatigue.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Anti-slip features enhance safety.

Cons

• Not as durable for high-impact activities.
• May compress over time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Rubber Gym Mats

1. Thickness: Thicker mats (1/2 inch or more) are better for high-impact activities, while thinner mats suffice for light workouts or underlayment.
2. Texture: Choose textured mats for better grip, especially in areas prone to sweat or spills.
3. Size: Determine if you need customizable coverage with interlocking tiles or large rolls for seamless installation.
4. Durability: Opt for heavy-duty options in areas with heavy equipment or intense workouts.
5. Budget: Recycled rubber mats are cost-effective without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion

Rubber gym mats are a versatile and practical solution for creating a safe and effective workout space. Whether you need interlocking mats for flexibility, rolled mats for extensive coverage, or heavy-duty options for intense activities, understanding the types and features of these mats ensures you make the right choice. Investing in the right rubber gym mat not only enhances performance but also prolongs the life of your floors and equipment, making it a must-have for any fitness setup.

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