Gym flooring is one of the largest flooring markets today, with more and more gym brands springing up, and the trend is constantly ongoing. With all of the high-rise buildings and rising clusters of the urban jungle, appropriate gym flooring is vital to ensure that the surrounding environment, such as adjacent units, is not disrupted by the sound and vibration of weight drops and heavy weight training. So, where do gym owners start when planning their gym flooring?
In this article, we will look at the several gym options accessible. Before we make any decisions, let's take a quick look at all of our accessible options and analyze each one to have a better grasp of what we're dealing with.
Puzzle Tiles
Puzzle tiles are square tiles having teeth on all corners that allow them to interlock. The interlocking teeth allow the tiles to stay in place better since they do not shift around, reducing the likelihood of tiles falling out of place.
Roll Flooring
Roll flooring is rubber flooring that is rolled out in long strips across an interior space. Roll flooring is simple to install and usually comes with adhesive to help the rubber mats attach to the base surface. One important point to note is that because it is not in tile shape, fewer seams are generated, reducing the quantity of dirt and debris captured. With fewer seams, the flooring seems smoother and cleaner, giving it a more modern appearance.
Square Tiles
Square tiles are the most popular gym flooring option among gym operators. Similar to the puzzle tile, it is arranged in a grid-like pattern. The main difference is the lack of teeth on the edges, which provides a tight hold between tiles. Square tiles are easily accessible and widely available, making them a popular choice.
So, Which One?
We've spoken with a number of gym owners about flooring for their gyms, and most of them ask us first if we do square cut tiles. Of course, we can provide square cut tiles, but puzzle tiles and rolls are definitely possibilities to explore. We question the gym proprietors, "Why square tiles?" "Are there any specific reasons for the decision?" The response we receive from them is that square cut tiles are something they have always done and are familiar with, as are their competitors.
Square cut tiles are the industry standard, but let's look into the other two options. The first question we need to ask ourselves is whether the flooring is glued down. If the answer is yes, we may want to investigate using roll flooring. Roll flooring reduces installation time since a few 4' by 25' rolls are used rather than a large number of 2' by 2' tiles. With fewer independent parts set out, there will be fewer seams and a lesser risk of seam misalignment. Overall, it reduces material and labor expenses.
If the flooring is not being glued down, we may consider using puzzle cut tiles instead. The tabs on puzzle cut tiles make them easier to install and align than square cut tiles, and they may also be removed and rearranged. Puzzle cut tiles also lay flatter due to their interlocking nature.
The Verdict
All three gym flooring styles are excellent choices, perform as intended, and provide adequate acoustic solutions. However, most gym owners choose square tiles since they are the most common and familiar. Puzzle tiles and roll are two excellent alternatives to square tiles that are as worthy of consideration, and they may even give gym owners a better overall scenario in the long run.