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.
Reviewed & Approved
We named the BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat our top overall pick for versatility; it’s two-sided and can be arranged in custom layouts, three thickness options, and ease of assembly. The GXMMAT Extra Large Exercise Mat is a good choice if you need to lay cushioning over carpet.
Here are the best home gym flooring options on the market.
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 balancing movements. The mat is available in two thicknesses—0.5 inches and 1 inch—to fit your personal workout needs.
Best Overall
BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat
Two-sided, anti-slip surface
Three thickness options
Easy to assemble
Some quality control issues
May lack durability
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)
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.
Best Budget
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
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
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)
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.
Best for Over Carpet
GXMMAT Extra Large Exercise Mat
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
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
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.
Best Artificial Grass
Sorbus Grass Mat Interlocking Tiles
Faux turf surface
Crafted from thick EVA foam
Waterproof and good for outdoor use
Only one thickness option
Prone to shedding
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)
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.
Best Extra-Thick
BalanceFrom Tri-Fold Exercise Mat
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
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
If your goal is to protect your floors from a large fitness machine (like a treadmill, exercise bike, or elliptical), 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.
Best for Large Equipment
BalanceFrom GoFit Equipment Mat
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
What 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.”
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
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.
Best Portable
Gorilla Mats Extra Large Exercise Mat
Made from durable PVC
Size can accommodate most fitness machines
Available in two sizes
Only one thickness option
Thinner than most options
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
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.
Best Durable
Rubber-Cal Shark Tooth Heavy Duty Mat
Heavy-duty and weather-resistant
Made of recycled rubber
Available in three sizes
Only one thickness option
Prone to flaking and wear
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. 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
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.
Best Rubber
IncStores Thick Premium Rubber Floor Mat
Made from durable vulcanized rubber
Surface is easy to clean
Available in multiple colors
Only one size option
Sizing inconsistencies in product description
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
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.
Best Wood-Like
Sorbus Wood Grain Floor Mats
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
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
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.
Best Kid-Friendly
Tadpoles Wood Grain Playmat Set
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
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
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.
Final Verdict
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 treadmills and other fitness 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
