What Kind of Mats Do Gyms Use? (Complete Guide for Home & Commercial Gyms in South Africa)
Choosing the right gym mat isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, noise control, durability, hygiene, and how the floor feels underfoot. Whether it’s a garage gym, PT studio, or a busy facility, this guide helps you decide—fast.
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Quick answer (tl;dr)
- Yoga / mobility: PVC or TPE yoga mats (5–8 mm) for grip & comfort.
- Light training / kids’ zones: EVA foam interlocking tiles (12 mm).
- General flooring: Interlocking rubber tiles (5–6 mm).
- Heavy lifting / noise: Heavy-duty rubber tiles (15–20 mm).
- Wet/greasy: Modular drainage mats (≈14 mm).
- Runs/aisles: Stud/coin/diamond rubber rolls (3–5 mm+).
1) Yoga & Mobility Mats (PVC / TPE, 5–6 mm)
Best for: yoga, pilates, stretching. Why: superior grip, hygienic, portable. Consider: not load-bearing—don’t use under racks.
2) EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles (12 mm)
Best for: light home training, technique work, kids’ areas. Why: easy puzzle install, warm underfoot. Consider: foam compresses under heavy loads.
3) Rubber Interlocking Gym Tiles (5–14 mm)
Best for: general training zones. Why: durable, non-slip, easy to replace single tiles. For repeated drops/noise-sensitive buildings, move to 15–20 mm.
4) Heavy-Duty Rubber Tiles (15–20 mm, 1000 × 1000)
Best for: barbells, platforms, strongman, acoustic control. Why: top impact & vibration damping; dense, stain-resistant. Consider: heavier (±16.9 kg/tile) and higher upfront cost. Industry example: Rubber-Mats Gym Matting.
5) Modular Drainage Rubber Mats (≈14 mm, 90 × 90 cm)
Best for: wet or greasy zones. Why: drainage holes + anti-fatigue comfort. Tip: add bevelled ramps to avoid trips.
6) Rubber Rolls (3–5 mm+): Stud / Coin / Diamond
Best for: long runs—aisles, benches, vehicle bays. Why: fast coverage with fewer seams; easy cleaning. Note: not a substitute for impact areas.
How thick should gym mats be?
- Yoga / mobility: 12 mm
- Light training / EVA foam: 10–12 mm
- General interlocking rubber: 5–6 mm
- Heavy lifting / drops: 15–20 mm (add acoustic underlay if needed)
- Rolls for runners/aisles: 3–5 mm+
If you share walls/floors with neighbours, choose 20 mm and consider underlay to reduce structure-borne noise.
Installation & Coverage
- m²: length × width (m)
- 500 × 500 mm tiles: 1 m² = 4 tiles
- Waste: add +5–10% (more for diagonal/framed layouts)
- Sub-floor: clean, dry, level (≤ 3 mm over 2 m)
- Cutting: straight-edge + sharp utility knife
- Fixing: mostly dry-lay; tape/adhesive at ramps, thresholds or vehicle traffic
Cleaning & Care
- Daily: sweep/vacuum grit
- Weekly: damp-mop with neutral pH cleaner
- Spills: wipe oils/chemicals promptly
- Rotate high-wear tiles quarterly; replace damaged pieces
FAQs
Best for a home gym? 5–14 mm interlocking rubber for general use; add 15–20 mm for lifting platforms or noise control.
Are foam tiles OK for weight training? Great for light work; compress under heavy loads—use rubber under racks and barbells.
Do I need adhesive? Usually no. Use tape/adhesive at ramps/thresholds, or where sun/vehicles demand it.
How many 500 × 500 mm tiles per m²? Four. Always order 5–10% extra.
Final word
Start with your use case, then match material and thickness to impact, hygiene and noise needs. Unsure? Send your room size and training style on WhatsApp (+27 82 700 2173) and we’ll recommend the right spec & quantity.
