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The Best Home Gym Flooring of 2024 to Protect Your Floors From Any Equipment
Our top picks are thick, comfortable, and durable enough to withstand your most intense workouts
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Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training.
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Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more.
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Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching.
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Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.
Verywell / Lecia Landis
When putting together a home gym, gym flooring is an important detail that shouldn't be overlooked. According to Ashton Ferrazzo, fitness professional and owner of Freedom Fitness Equipment in Charlotte, NC., the right floor is essential for protecting the surface on which it is placed and keeping you comfortable and efficient during a workout. “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," says Ferrazzo.
Gym flooring comes in various 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. Victoria Popoff, an instructor for Club Pilates GO, says the type of gym flooring that's right for you will depend on which exercises you do most frequently and the type of equipment you typically use. Make sure your flooring is comfortable, thick, and durable enough to withstand your most intense workouts.
To find the best gym flooring on the market, we first spoke to two experts to understand what to look for when making a purchase. We then researched and reviewed dozens of options from trusted brands, selecting products based on comfort and cushioning, durability, ease of assembly, and ease of cleaning. A personal trainer from our Review Board also reviewed this article for accuracy regarding our claims about the ideal gym flooring surface and installation method.
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Two-sided, anti-slip surface
Three thickness options
Easy to assemble
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, like balancing on a balance board. 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 various 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.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5–1 inches | Tile Quantity: Six to 36 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)
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High-density EVA foam material
Available in multiple colors
Puzzle-like design for easy storage
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, allowing you to customize your home gym's look.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5 inches | Tile Quantity: Six to 36 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)
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Two-sided anti-slip surface
Only one piece for easy transport
Comes with Velcro straps and carrying bag
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.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.27 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 10 x 6 feet
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Faux turf surface
Crafted from thick EVA foam
Waterproof and good for outdoor use
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.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 1 inch | Tile Quantity: 12 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (per tile)
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Extra-thick design
EVA foam and puncture-resistant vinyl
Foldable for easy transport
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 has 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.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 2 feet
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Surface is easy to clean
Foldable for easy transport
Available in multiple colors
Only one thickness option
Vinyl may get slippery as you sweat
May wear with continued use
Traditional gym flooring might not be necessary if your main goal is to protect your floors from large fitness equipment, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, or elliptical machines. Instead, you can fight potential floor damage with a thinner mat that eliminates the chance of dents and scratches.
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, which can withstand wear from your regular home workouts, and the textured surface is designed to prevent slipping and sliding.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 2 feet
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Made from durable PVC
Size can accommodate most fitness machines
Available in two sizes
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. You'll appreciate the added shock absorption if you suffer from knee pain.
The mat comes with two straps, a carrying bag for easy transport, and 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 a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.18 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 feet, 3 x 6.5 feet
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Heavy-duty and weather-resistant
Made of recycled rubber
Available in three sizes
Only one thickness option
Prone to flaking and wear
A strong mat like this Rubber-Cal pick is essential for those who use heavy-duty barbells or weight racks and machines. 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. And since the mat is available in three sizes, finding an option that meets your personal needs should be easy.
The mat protects floors from unwanted damage and is designed for high-impact applications and abrasive conditions. 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 benefits those who require more traction for stability. It’s also easy to keep clean.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.75 inches | Tile Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 3 x 4 feet, and 4 x 6 feet
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Made from durable vulcanized rubber
Surface is easy to clean
Available in multiple colors
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 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.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.37–0.75 inches | Quantity: One | Mat Dimensions: 6 x 4 feet
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Elevated, wood-like look
Waterproof and easy to clean
Puzzle-like design is easy to store
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 (and 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—from yoga to practicing free throws with a portable basketball hoop.
The 48-square-foot mat has 12 4-square-foot tiles with 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. The gym flooring is nonabsorbent, waterproof, and easy to clean and care for at home.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.375 inches | Tile Quantity: 12 | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches
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Crafted from plush EVA foam
Surface is easy to clean
Puzzle-like style makes the flooring easy to store and assemble
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 has 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 combining multiple packs of tiles into a single layout easy.
Key Specs:
Thickness: 0.5 inches | Tile Quantity: Four | Mat Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches
How We Selected the Best Gym Flooring
To find the best gym flooring available, we first spoke to two experts—Ashton Ferrazzo, fitness professional and owner of Freedom Fitness Equipment in Charlotte, NC., and Victoria Popoff, an instructor for Club Pilates GO—to get their advice on what to look for in quality gym flooring.
We then researched and reviewed dozens of options from top brands for comfort, quality, durability of materials, cushioning, ease of installation, value, and more. We continue to review new gym flooring options as they become available and will update our list of top recommendations if we no longer stand by them.
What to Look for in Home Gym Flooring
Material
Home gym flooring can be made from various 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. Certain types of fitness equipment, like a vibration plate, require more good traction. 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 exercises you plan to do most when picking out your home gym flooring. Rubber and vinyl are the most durable options, but many people prefer rubber because it’s also much more shock-absorbent and wallet-friendly. “Home gym flooring should 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 with 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, consider the size and quantity of products included in your purchase. Some flooring options are available as individual mats, while others are available as tiles that you can piece together like a puzzle.
Make a 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 and 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, using heavy equipment, or 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.
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