There are two types of people reading this article. The first understands the importance of protective rubber flooring for their garage or commercial gym, and the second has realized its value. We have the solution for you, whether you are here proactively or reactively. 

Hopefully, you are the first person and don't currently find yourself with a cracked floor in your garage or commercial gym, trying to figure out how to tell your significant other or business partner what happened - but, hey, no judgments from us. Rubber flooring mats from Freedom Fitness are the perfect solution for your home or commercial gym.

Here are a few reasons we love rubber flooring mats:

1. Rubber Flooring Mats are Easy to Install, Move, and Reinstall

Imagine a beautiful spring day, and you're about to do some deadlifts in your garage. With rubber flooring mats, you can easily move a couple to your driveway and enjoy some Vitamin D with your workout. These mats, typically between fifty to one hundred and fifty pounds, can be rolled up for storage and moving, making it a breeze to set up your workout space. Plus, they're easy to lay out, and no interlocking tiles are needed.

2. Rubber Flooring Mats are Easy to Clean

Just a simple soap and water rinse will make your mats sparkly clean. Rubber is naturally an antimicrobial material, so you don't have to worry about all that sweat. This is perfect for not only commercial gyms but your own garage gym as well. Keeping your workout space clean is necessary, and rubber flooring makes it much easier.

3. Rubber Flooring Mats are as Durable as They Come

There's a reason many companies give long-lasting warranties on their mats - because they aren't worried. Have you ever seen a 5-year warranty on an iPhone? Exactly. Aside from a few very thin mats, they can absorb the weight of heavy barbells being dropped from overhead, the weight of a horse, and even a car. The slip-resistant factor is also a huge plus when using rubber for your floor  - you can't have members slipping in your commercial gym.

4. Rubber Flooring Mats Help Suppress Sounds

Often, commercial gyms are located next to stores, restaurants, or other businesses. One thing neighbors don’t want to avoid hearing is a bunch of noise distracting them from their work. This is a considerable benefit of rubber flooring - it naturally absorbs sounds. This is also a huge benefit for home gym owners. The last thing you want is to drop a barbell and wake up your newborn, and no one wants to deal with that neighbor over a little too much noise. Well, great news: rubber flooring mats can help with that.

5. Rubber Flooring Mats are a Great Investment

While rubber flooring mats may not be necessarily cheap, they are worth it. The value they provide over the long run well outweighs the cost. As a commercial gym owner, you are not only buying rubber flooring mats but also safety, a clean and beautiful-looking facility, protection for your floors, and so much more. Whichever rubber flooring mats you choose, you can be sure they are better than almost any other alternative for gym flooring.

Even if you only start by purchasing a few rubber flooring mats and strategically placing them over your commercial gym or home gym flooring, that's a great start. If you decide to go this route, we recommend placing the mats underneath areas with large amounts of free weights. This could look like putting a couple of commercial rubber flooring mats underneath your squat racks, the areas you want to designate as deadlift or even Olympic lifting areas, and underneath dumbbell racks and benches. This will ensure that your members have the best foot stability when dealing with free weights. This also ensures that your floors are protected where they are most vulnerable - around the free weights. Ideally, your members aren't dropping free weights - unless we are talking about rubber bumper plates during Olympic weightlifting or some CrossFit movements. Even in those situations, it should be rare for most commercial gyms.

Okay, you are starting to see some of the benefits of rubber flooring mats. Rubber flooring is the best for gyms - whether commercial or home gyms. Next, we will jump into the difference in thickness of rubber flooring mats.

Choosing the Right Thickness for Rubber Gym Flooring

Rubber flooring mats come in various thicknesses - anywhere from a couple of millimeters to a few inches. Here's a quick overview and guide for determining which thickness is best for your garage gym needs:

8mm Rubber Flooring Mats

8mm rubber flooring mats are best for all-purpose use in your garage gym. You can probably get away with dropping barbells, but it is wiser to go thicker if that's what you plan on doing. If you don't plan on dropping weights, 8mm is plenty thick for lunges, squats, and jumping rope.

3/8" Rubber Flooring Mats

3/8" rubber flooring mats are ideal for anyone looking to do serious lifting on their rubber floor. Think barbells flying, deadlifts banging, and even the weight of your car. Side note: If you plan on parking your car on your rubber floor, use virgin rubber or vulcanized rubber flooring so that oil spills from your car don't damage your rubber flooring mats. Let's just say the glue that holds together certain types of rubber-like recycled rubber - and oil from your car aren't best friends.

1/2" and 3/4" Rubber Flooring Mats

1/2" and 3/4" rubber flooring mats are geared more toward commercial gyms. However, there is little downside to having a thicker rubber flooring mat. They will provide greater protection and slide even less since they are heavier. If you plan on moving your mats around, try to avoid these as they will be more difficult to move due to their weight.

Why Rubber Floor Mats Are Essential for Durability, Safety, and Comfort

Rubber gym flooring mats, fitness floor mats, and gym rubber floor tiles are indispensable for creating a safe, clean, and noise-reduced environment in commercial and home gyms. With the added benefits of durability and easy maintenance, investing in high-quality rubber floor mats is a smart choice for any fitness facility. Whether you need gym floor mats for heavy lifting or home gym floor tiles for multi-purpose use, rubber flooring is the best option. For those looking for a touch of style, confetti floor designs can add a unique look to your gym space.

By strategically placing rubber flooring mats in high-impact areas, you can ensure maximum protection for your floors and enhance the overall workout experience for gym-goers. Don't wait until you have a cracked floor; invest in rubber flooring mats today and enjoy the numerous benefits they bring to your fitness space. If you're looking for gym floor mats nearby, many local suppliers and online retailers can help you find the best options for your needs. Also, consider gym flooring floor and decor options to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your gym further.

Whether you are here proactively or reactively, Freedom Fitness has the right solution for you.

Rubber flooring mats are a perfect solution for your garage or commercial gym. Next, let’s explore the difference in the thickness of rubber mats.

Understanding The Thickness of Your Rubber Flooring Mats

Rubber flooring mats come in a variety of thicknesses - anywhere from a couple of millimeters to a few inches. Here's a quick overview and guide for determining which thickness is best for your garage gym needs.

8mm rubber mats are best for all-purpose use in your garage gym.

You can probably get away with dropping barbells, but it is probably wiser to go thicker if that's what you plan on doing. If you don't plan on dropping weights, 8mm is plenty thick for things like lunges, squats, and jumping rope.

3/8" is ideal for anyone looking to do some serious lifting on their rubber floor.

Barbells flying, deadlifts banging, and parking your car. Side note, if you do plan on parking your car on your rubber floor, make sure to go with virgin rubber or vulcanized rubber flooring so that your rubber mats aren't damaged by oil spills from your car. Let's just say, the glue that holds together certain types of rubber - like recycled rubber - and oil from your car aren't best friends.

1/2" and 3/4" are geared more toward commercial gyms.

However, there really isn't much downside to having a thicker rubber flooring mat. They will provide greater protection and since they are heavier will slide even less. Just be aware, that if you are planning on moving your mats around, you may want to avoid these as they will be more difficult to move due to their weight.

Types of Rubber Flooring Explained

Not all rubber flooring is created equal. The type of rubber used in your gym mats can affect everything from durability and odor to how the mats respond to heavy lifting or outdoor use. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Recycled Rubber is affordable and widely used in garage and CrossFit gyms. It’s tough, but it may carry a stronger rubber odor and exhibit some sizing inconsistencies.

Vulcanized Rubber is heat-treated for maximum durability and slip resistance. It’s ideal for high-impact commercial settings or Olympic lifting areas.

Virgin Rubber is the cleanest and purest option—low odor, oil-resistant, and perfect for parking areas or more refined gym setups.

Crumb Rubber is made from compressed rubber particles. It’s shock-absorbent and rugged, commonly used in portable or outdoor mats.

Rubber Tiles and Rolls vary in size and format. Tiles are great for modular setups and easy installation, while rolls provide seamless coverage for large gyms.

So, let's jump right into it - here are our Top 5 Best Rubber Flooring Mats:

 

Rubber flooring mats come in a variety of thicknesses - anywhere from a couple of millimeters to a few inches. Here's a quick overview and guide for determining which thickness is best for your garage gym needs.

8mm rubber mats are best for all-purpose use in your garage gym.

You can probably get away with dropping barbells, but it is probably wiser to go thicker if that's what you plan on doing. If you don't plan on dropping weights, 8mm is plenty thick for things like lunges, squats, and jumping rope.

3/8" is ideal for anyone looking to do some serious lifting on their rubber floor.

Barbells flying, deadlifts banging, and parking your car. Side note, if you do plan on parking your car on your rubber floor, make sure to go with virgin rubber or vulcanized rubber flooring so that your rubber mats aren't damaged by oil spills from your car. Let's just say, the glue that holds together certain types of rubber - like recycled rubber - and oil from your car aren't best friends.

1/2" and 3/4" are geared more toward commercial gyms.

However, there really isn't much downside to having a thicker rubber flooring mat. They will provide greater protection and since they are heavier will slide even less. Just be aware, that if you are planning on moving your mats around, you may want to avoid these as they will be more difficult to move due to their weight.

Types of Rubber Flooring Explained

Not all rubber flooring is created equal. The type of rubber used in your gym mats can affect everything from durability and odor to how the mats respond to heavy lifting or outdoor use. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Recycled Rubber is affordable and widely used in garage and CrossFit gyms. It’s tough, but it may carry a stronger rubber odor and exhibit some sizing inconsistencies.

Vulcanized Rubber is heat-treated for maximum durability and slip resistance. It’s ideal for high-impact commercial settings or Olympic lifting areas.

Virgin Rubber is the cleanest and purest option—low odor, oil-resistant, and perfect for parking areas or more refined gym setups.

Crumb Rubber is made from compressed rubber particles. It’s shock-absorbent and rugged, commonly used in portable or outdoor mats.

Rubber Tiles and Rolls vary in size and format. Tiles are great for modular setups and easy installation, while rolls provide seamless coverage for large gyms.

So, let's jump right into it - here are our Top 5 Best Rubber Flooring Mats:

Tractor Supply Rubber Stall Flooring Mats

 

Originally designed for horse stalls, garage gym owners have taken these rubber mats over as a cheaper solution for their rubber floor needs. 

Coming in at 6' x 4', these 3/4" recycled vulcanized rubber mats are a great option for your home gym.

Typically, these mats and similar horse stall mats are going to be the cheapest option.

However, do be aware that with the lower price tag comes a slightly greater risk of variations in length, width, and thickness. If you plan on covering your entire home or commercial gym floor with these floor mats, just be aware that there may be small seams and cracks in your rubber floor. These mats are also known for their strong smell. Cleaning can help remove some of the odor but just be aware.

These mats are great for garage gyms or even CrossFit gyms. Both garage gyms and CrossFit gyms tend to have a large amount of airflow and be a little bit more "rugged". These gyms don't have to look quite so put together and small seams are okay here. Especially, with CrossFit gyms, typically the entire floor is covered with rubber mats as there are always barbells dropping. Flooring spaces this big, often with smaller budgets, can get expensive. For this reason, horse stall mats can be a great solution for gyms on a budget.

Check out the Tractor Supply Rubber Stall Flooring Mat here.

 

Titan Rubber Gym Flooring

Titan's rubber flooring mats are definitely on the longer side (15' x 4') when compared to other rubber floor options on this list - they are actually considered rolls because of their size but are included because they can fill a specific need. These can be especially helpful for anyone looking to fill a larger space with their rubber mats - maybe you are looking to cover your entire 2, 3, or even 4-car garage with a beautiful rubber floor. 

The rubber material comes in multiple fleck colors much like our Hammer Clad Rubber flooring.

These rubber mats are 8mm thick which is ideal for many home gyms. If you are planning on doing a lot of CrossFit-style workouts or Olympic weightlifting on your floor, you may want to consider a thicker rubber flooring mat.

Check out the Titan Rubber Gym Flooring here.

Freedom Fitness Equipment Premium Rubber Flooring Mats

Ever wanted to snatch on Mount Everest or deadlift in the Amazon - well these are your rubber mats. 

Okay, maybe they are not that extreme, but these mats were built to handle everything - especially the outdoors. While most rubber floor mats can handle indoor and outdoor use, these were specifically designed with handling the outdoors in mind.

They are portable and ready for whatever workout you can throw at them.

They come in the standard 4' x 6' size, are 3/4" thick, and are made of vulcanized recycled crumb rubber.

Check out the Freedom Fitness Equipment Flooring Mats here.

 

Rubber King Fitness Mats

While most rubber mats, except generally the horse stall rubber mats, have relatively low odor, this mat makes it a point to fight odor. They don't use harmful solvents or VOCs (basically chemicals that can get into your air) in this rubber flooring. These mats are also low in odor and free from harmful VOCs—volatile organic compounds that can negatively impact indoor air quality, according to the EPA.

These rubber mats come in a variety of sizes (2' x 6', 3' x 4', 3' x 6', and 4' x 6') and thicknesses (3mm to 7mm). While it is not recommended that these are thick enough for dropping barbells and Olympic weightlifting, if you have no intention of using your home gym in that way but simply want rubber floor mats for protection - these could be a great option. They can certainly hold up for bodybuilding and general training.

Check out the Rubber King Fitness Mat here.

FlooringInc.com Shock Rubber Flooring Mats

These rubber mats can be a great option if you are especially worried about noise from neighbors or waking family members in your house.

The rubber floor mats are 3/4" thick, made of vulcanized recycled tires, and come in three different sizes - 4' x 6', 4' x 8', and 6' x 7.5'.

This can be a great option if you are looking for something a little bit bigger than the standard 4' x 6' but not nearly as big as the 15' x 4'.

Check out the FlooringInc.com Shock Flooring Mats here.

These are some solid options when it comes to rubber flooring mats.

However, there are a few other types of rubber flooring you may find that can suit your needs as well - especially when it comes to commercial gyms. We want you to be as knowledgeable as possible throughout this process. Buying rubber flooring is a smart investment, but it's also a big investment in your gym - whether a commercial or home gym.

Let's quickly look at a couple of those options.

Rubber Flooring Interlocking Tiles

Rubber flooring tiles are really easy to install - it is one of the pros of using flooring tiles. They fit together like a giant puzzle.

They have all of the pros of rubber flooring mentioned above, which is awesome.

They do tend to be much smaller than the rubber mats. While many of the mats above were at least 4' x 6' most tiles are 2' x 2'. So, it'll take about six of the tiles to take up the space of a standard rubber mat. This is great, if you are dealing with a small space, maybe a side room at a commercial gym like a stretching room or studio or even at your home gym. However, if you are looking at filling an entire commercial gym with rubber floor interlocking tiles, there are probably better solutions for your space like mats or some of the options we will talk about next.

Rubber Rolls

Have you ever walked into a commercial gym and seen a beautiful, smooth rubber floor?

Chances are, it was rubber-rolled flooring. This type of flooring is best suited for really large spaces. It is much more difficult to install than rubber mats or rubber tiles primarily due to the size of the rolls. However, when installed correctly, rubber rolls form a beautiful, seamless floor.

When dealing with rubber rolls, you will probably have to cut the rolls in order for them to fit your specific specifications.

The biggest downside to using rubber rolls is that they are pretty much permanent once installed. You really want to be sure, this is your best option before moving forward. Unlike rubber interlocking tiles or mats, rolls are really hard to remove. Rubber rolls require an adhesive to keep them in place.

Really, though, any rubber mats that you want to be fixed to the ground should have an adhesive. If mats are heavy enough and cut well, you can lay them down and not have too much movement; however, you are bound to get gaps eventually. This is really up to your preference. If you like having the ability to move mats around, whether that is outside or just around the gym, you are okay to not use glue. However, just know that if you use mats without any adhesive and cover your entire gym floor, gaps are inevitable. This not only doesn't look as good but can be more difficult to keep clean.

Now, this isn't a huge problem for CrossFit gyms with a ton of airflow and outdoor space; however, if you are a commercial gym like a Gold's Gym or local general strength training gym, you don't want to do this. Be sure to either be precise with rubber mats or go with rubber rolls for your flooring needs.

Here’s a quick comparison chart of the pros and cons of rubber rolls vs. rubber interlocking mats:

If you're interested in exploring the best type of rubber for your gym's flooring, Freedom Fitness offers options to suit your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Gym Flooring

1. What type of rubber flooring is best for a garage gym?

For garage gyms, 3/8" or 1/2" recycled or vulcanized rubber mats are ideal. They provide enough thickness to protect concrete, are easy to clean, and offer a good balance of durability and cost.

2. Are rubber mats safe for indoor use?

Yes, especially if they’re certified for low chemical emissions. Look for products with GREENGUARD, FloorScore®, or similar indoor air quality certifications. At Freedom Fitness Equipment, our Hammer Clad Rubber Mats are Clean Air GOLD Certified by Intertek, which means they meet some of the strictest standards for low-VOC flooring, making them a safe and reliable choice for home or commercial gyms.

3. Do rubber gym mats have an unpleasant odor?

Some rubber mats, especially those made from recycled materials, may initially have a strong odor due to off-gassing. This smell usually fades with time, especially if the mats are aired out in a well-ventilated space. For lower odor, opt for low-VOC or virgin rubber mats specifically designed for indoor environments.

4. What thickness of rubber flooring do I need for lifting?

●     8mm is fine for general training with minimal impact.

●     3/8" works well for most barbell work and moderate lifting.

●     1/2" to 3/4" is ideal for Olympic lifts, heavy drops, or commercial gym use.

5. What’s the difference between rubber rolls and interlocking mats?

Rubber rolls are best for covering large spaces and provide a clean, seamless appearance. They usually require adhesive and are more permanent. Interlocking mats are easier to install and move, making them a good choice for smaller or DIY gym setups. Each has pros and cons depending on your gym’s size and how often you need to rearrange your space.

6: Are Freedom Fitness rubber mats suitable for environments beyond gyms, such as grocery stores, offices, and retail shops?

Absolutely. In grocery stores, their durable, non-slip surface stands up to spills and heavy foot traffic, cushioning staff on long shifts and making cleanup a breeze. In offices, thinner profiles under standing desks and reception areas offer ergonomic support and help dampen noise. In retail shops, these mats protect upscale flooring from carts and constant foot traffic while maintaining a clean, professional look. With easy soap-and-water maintenance and customizable thickness options, Freedom Fitness rubber mats adapt seamlessly to virtually any high-traffic commercial setting.

Wrap Up

There you have it! Five great options as you pick the best rubber flooring mats. Be sure to check out our rubber mat selection as well as all the flooring options we offer at Freedom Fitness Equipment for your garage gym here!

At the end of the day, it is hard to go wrong with rubber flooring mats. Use this guide to pick the best one and continue building that garage or commercial gym of your dreams.

At Freedom Fitness Equipment, we are here for you and want to help you smash all of your fitness goals!

We'd love to know what you think, leave us a comment on your favorite type of gym flooring below.

 

Sources:

“No Unpleasant Odors.” MyGymFloor, https://www.mygymfloor.com/Gym-Floor-101/No-Unpleasant-Odors.

“Rubber Flooring Inc..” Rubber Flooring Inc., https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/.

“What Are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)?” Floor Coverings International Austin, https://austin.floorcoveringsinternational.com/articles/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds/#:~:text=VOC%20stands%20for%20Volatile%20Organic,the%20air%20of%20your%20home.