Rubber Flooring Rolls Buying Guide
Rubber flooring rolls are the premier commercial gym flooring option. Known for their sharp, sleek looks and extreme durability, rubber rolls are a staple in just about every traditional gym out there.
Although it’s known traditionally as gym flooring, rubber flooring is one of the most versatile flooring options on the market. It’s also not something most people are too familiar with, which can make the buying process seem daunting.
So let’s take it one step at a time. To choose your perfect rubber flooring roll, you’ll want to consider:
So let’s take it one step at a time. To choose your perfect rubber flooring roll, you’ll want to consider:
- Your application
- Roll thickness
- Durability
- Material
- Colors and appearance
- Price
- Installation
Custom-Cut vs. Pre-Cut Rubber Flooring Rolls
When it comes to durability and longevity, custom-cut and pre-cut rubber flooring rolls are perfect for both home and commercial gyms. The differences between the two products are simply cost and lead time.
Custom-cut rolls can be cut at 4 ft. wide and a minimum of 15 ft. in length. They take longer to produce and they’re a bit more expensive (per square foot) than pre-cut rolls.
Pre-cut rolls which are also 4 ft. wide and are typically cut at 25’ or 50’ in length. Pre-cut rolls have a shorter lead time, which makes them suitable for customers in a time crunch. And, often, you get more bang for your buck.
*Note: Although pre-cut rolls are less expensive by the square foot, sometimes it can be more cost-effective to order closer to your exact square footage. We always recommend pricing out both options to see what is best for you.
Custom-cut rolls can be cut at 4 ft. wide and a minimum of 15 ft. in length. They take longer to produce and they’re a bit more expensive (per square foot) than pre-cut rolls.
Pre-cut rolls which are also 4 ft. wide and are typically cut at 25’ or 50’ in length. Pre-cut rolls have a shorter lead time, which makes them suitable for customers in a time crunch. And, often, you get more bang for your buck.
*Note: Although pre-cut rolls are less expensive by the square foot, sometimes it can be more cost-effective to order closer to your exact square footage. We always recommend pricing out both options to see what is best for you.
Customer Favorite Rubber Flooring Rolls
Options are awesome, right? But sometimes they can be overwhelming. We offer the largest selection of rubber floor tiles to ensure you get exactly what you want.
But, in case you need a little help narrowing things down, let’s take a look at our customer favorites:
But, in case you need a little help narrowing things down, let’s take a look at our customer favorites:
- 3/8” Heavy Duty Rubber Rolls: These are our most popular gym flooring option. Perfect for commercial gyms, CrossFit boxes, you name it, these babies are the do-it-all gym flooring roll.
- 8mm Strong Rubber Rolls: A customer favorite for home gym flooring rolls.
- 1/2” Mega Rubber Rolls: Ultra-thick and tough gym flooring rolls, perfect for dropping your heaviest dumbbells.
How & Where to Use Rubber Flooring Rolls
Rubber flooring rolls are extremely versatile. While primarily used as gym flooring, rubber rolls are also commonly used outdoors and in high-traffic areas that require durable and/or waterproof flooring.
Rubber Gym Flooring Rolls
Rubber gym flooring rolls are the most popular gym flooring option on the market. When it comes to gym flooring solutions, rubber is the most versatile. It is perfect for virtually any gym or workout and you have plenty of options to find the perfect solution for you.
Rubber gym flooring rolls come in a variety of different thickness options to suit your needs. You can even purchase high-impact rubber rolls specially designed to keep your joints safe during high-impact, plyometric movements.
Choose rubber gym floor tiles for:
Rubber gym flooring rolls come in a variety of different thickness options to suit your needs. You can even purchase high-impact rubber rolls specially designed to keep your joints safe during high-impact, plyometric movements.
Choose rubber gym floor tiles for:
- Commercial gyms
- Home gyms
- Garage gyms
- Weight rooms
- Fitness studios
- CrossFit boxes
Outdoor Rubber Flooring Rolls
People often ask, can rubber flooring rolls be used outdoors?
Heck yes, they can! In fact, rubber is one of the best outdoor flooring materials.
For the most durable, slip-resistant and temperate outdoor flooring, rubber is where it’s at. Rubber is naturally slip-resistant. In fact, outdoor rubber becomes more slip-resistant when wet. So go ahead, Rainmaker; our rolls can take it!
Outdoor rubber rolls stay cooler than concrete in direct sunlight and are also comfortable underfoot. And if the rubber does get too warm, go ahead and soak it.
For the ultimate durability outdoors, we recommend choosing a thicker rubber matting. You can use any rubber outdoors. However, customers have seen the best results with at least 3/8” thickness.
Use outdoor rubber flooring rolls for:
Heck yes, they can! In fact, rubber is one of the best outdoor flooring materials.
For the most durable, slip-resistant and temperate outdoor flooring, rubber is where it’s at. Rubber is naturally slip-resistant. In fact, outdoor rubber becomes more slip-resistant when wet. So go ahead, Rainmaker; our rolls can take it!
Outdoor rubber rolls stay cooler than concrete in direct sunlight and are also comfortable underfoot. And if the rubber does get too warm, go ahead and soak it.
For the ultimate durability outdoors, we recommend choosing a thicker rubber matting. You can use any rubber outdoors. However, customers have seen the best results with at least 3/8” thickness.
Use outdoor rubber flooring rolls for:
- Patio flooring
- Porch flooring
- Deck flooring
- Horse stall flooring
- Walkway flooring
- Outdoor gym flooring
High-Traffic Rubber Flooring Rolls
Many business owners love using rubber rolls in high-traffic areas. The thing about rubber is it is crazy durable. It can hold up to parades of people (and animals!) without breaking down or looking damaged.
The good news? When you’re looking at flooring options for high-traffic areas, you can go with a thin, inexpensive rubber roll. You can usually find a super affordable option right around $1/sqft, which is crazy cheap in the flooring world. Since you’re not slamming weights down, you really don’t need to go any thicker than ¼”.
You can use rolled rubber flooring in:
The good news? When you’re looking at flooring options for high-traffic areas, you can go with a thin, inexpensive rubber roll. You can usually find a super affordable option right around $1/sqft, which is crazy cheap in the flooring world. Since you’re not slamming weights down, you really don’t need to go any thicker than ¼”.
You can use rolled rubber flooring in:
- Locker rooms
- Art studios
- Ice skating rinks
- Basements
- Rec rooms
- Any high-traffic commercial area
Rubber Flooring Rolls for Boats and Other Water-Prone Areas
As we mentioned earlier, rubber is extremely slip-resistant and even more so when wet. It’s like when you get that surge of adrenaline and all the sudden you are capable of superhuman strength. Water is like rubber’s adrenaline - it only makes it more awesome and helpful!
Because of its slip-resistant and waterproof capabilities, rubber is one of the most popular boat flooring ideas. You can use any of the high-traffic rolls and they will work great. These rolls are perfect not only for boat flooring, but really, any water-prone areas.
Because of its slip-resistant and waterproof capabilities, rubber is one of the most popular boat flooring ideas. You can use any of the high-traffic rolls and they will work great. These rolls are perfect not only for boat flooring, but really, any water-prone areas.
Rubber Flooring Roll Thickness Options
One of the most important decisions you need to make is determining which thickness you want for your rubber floor. There’s more to it than this, but the typical rule of thumb is: the thicker the rubber, the more it will protect your subfloor.
Ultra-thin rubber rolls can hold up to bodyweight exercises, very light dumbbells, high-traffic areas, etc. Medium thicknesses are great for home and commercial gyms, crossfit, powerlifting, Olympic lifting etc.
Ultra-thick rubber rolls are typically used outdoors where you need the most extreme durability.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our most popular thicknesses:
Ultra-thin rubber rolls can hold up to bodyweight exercises, very light dumbbells, high-traffic areas, etc. Medium thicknesses are great for home and commercial gyms, crossfit, powerlifting, Olympic lifting etc.
Ultra-thick rubber rolls are typically used outdoors where you need the most extreme durability.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our most popular thicknesses:
Rubber Flooring Roll Colors & Looks
Rubber rolls are known for their seamless appearance. When installed correctly, it is nearly impossible to see where one roll ends and another begins.
True story: Sometimes we try to use them to determine distance at my gym. I literally have to get my face almost in the floor to be able to see the seams. They are without a doubt the most consistent, cohesive gym floor option.
Rubber flooring is best known for its speckled, color fleck appearance. Most rubber rolls come with a black base and confetti-like color flecks. You can choose a color fleck to match the theme of your gym. Try blue color fleck with a blue accent wall to tie your gym together.
If you are looking for a bigger pop of color, check out the Designer Series rolls. These rubber rolls still have color fleck, but on a solid-colored base. They look super sharp.
True story: Sometimes we try to use them to determine distance at my gym. I literally have to get my face almost in the floor to be able to see the seams. They are without a doubt the most consistent, cohesive gym floor option.
Rubber flooring is best known for its speckled, color fleck appearance. Most rubber rolls come with a black base and confetti-like color flecks. You can choose a color fleck to match the theme of your gym. Try blue color fleck with a blue accent wall to tie your gym together.
If you are looking for a bigger pop of color, check out the Designer Series rolls. These rubber rolls still have color fleck, but on a solid-colored base. They look super sharp.
Rubber Flooring Rolls Installation & Maintenance
The Best Subfloor for Rubber Flooring Rolls
Rubber rolls do best with any concrete, low-pile carpet, hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tiles, or even on top of compacted dirt. It is important that any subfloor is leveled to ensure safety and a flat surface for workouts.
How to Install Rubber Flooring Rolls
Rubber flooring rolls are extremely easy to install. They are, however, cumbersome. Listen - thick, durable rubber is going to be heavy. This is not the kind of job you want to do solo.
While learning how to install rubber flooring rolls is extremely easy to do without the help of an installation professional, I wouldn’t say you want to do it yourself. We think of it as more of a DIWF (Do It With Friends) flooring option.
When you install rubber rolls you have 3 options:
While learning how to install rubber flooring rolls is extremely easy to do without the help of an installation professional, I wouldn’t say you want to do it yourself. We think of it as more of a DIWF (Do It With Friends) flooring option.
When you install rubber rolls you have 3 options:
- Loose lay: If you are loose laying your gym flooring rolls, after you roll them out and in place, you really are done! Most of the time, the rolls are heavy enough to naturally stay in place with no extra adhesive necessary. If you loose lay your rubber rolls, you can pick them up and move them or take them with you to a new location at any time.
- Double-sided tape: For more tougher conditions, consider using double-sided carpet tape around the perimeter of your floor. This is extremely easy and you will still be able to transport your rolled rubber flooring in the event that you change locations.
- Full glue down: In extreme conditions, some CrossFit and commercial gym owners prefer to fully glue down their rubber gym flooring rolls. This will ensure no movement and no curling up at the edges. However, once the rolls are glued, they cannot go with you if you move locations.
Rubber Flooring Roll Installation Tools
Although they can be quite heavy, rolled rubber matting is quite easy to install. All you really need is a clean subfloor and a little muscle.
But, in case you wanna get fancy, here are some tools that can help you with your rubber flooring installation:
But, in case you wanna get fancy, here are some tools that can help you with your rubber flooring installation:
- Double-sided carpet tape: Use around the perimeter, if necessary, to avoid movement.
- Seam sealer: Use on the roll seams, if necessary, to prevent liquids from seeping through the cracks. This is great for pets and water-prone areas.
- Adjustable t-square: Use to measure and mark your rolls during installation.
- Utility knife: Use to effortlessly cut rubber rolls to perfectly fit your space.
- Knee pads: Use for added comfort during installation.
Cleaning Rubber Flooring Rolls
Keeping your rubber floor clean is a big concern. We all know workout spaces and high-traffic areas tend to get dirty pretty quickly.
To keep your rubber flooring rolls shiny and clean, simply vacuum them regularly and occasionally go over them with a damp mop. Do make sure to clean up any major messes right away to keep them looking sharp 24/7.
Additionally, we offer some cleaning and seam-protecting solutions for your convenience.
To keep your rubber flooring rolls shiny and clean, simply vacuum them regularly and occasionally go over them with a damp mop. Do make sure to clean up any major messes right away to keep them looking sharp 24/7.
Additionally, we offer some cleaning and seam-protecting solutions for your convenience.
- Rubber Floor Cleaner and Degreaser: Your easy, all-in-one rubber floor cleaner.
- Seam sealer: Use this on the seams of your rolls to prevent liquids from seeping down into your subfloor.
Pros of Rubber Flooring Rolls
Now that you know the ins and outs of rubber floor tiles (you’re basically an expert now), let’s do a quick review on some of the main highlights.
- DIY, glue-free installation
- Easy to cut to fit your space
- Ultra-durable for tough workouts and lots of foot traffic
- Easy to clean
- Seamless look
- Made from recycled rubber
- Sound and shock-absorbing
- Many USA-made and FloorScore certified options
Cons of Rubber Flooring Rolls
The truth is, nothing is perfect for every application. Rubber floor rolls are great, but they have a couple limiting factors.
- Heavy to work with and may require help for installation
- Color fleck rolls are not UV-stable
Rubber Flooring Rolls Shipping
Our rubber floor rolls ship from either our East Coast, West Coast or Midwest locations. Thicker, heavier rolls can start to rack up larger shipping fees (especially with big orders!). You can save quite a bit on shipping by ordering rubber flooring that ships from a location near you.
Additionally, each roll has a different lead time. If you’re in a hurry to complete your project, you can choose a product that ships in as little as 1-2 business days.
If you’re on a strict timeline for your project, be sure to check the lead time on your rubber flooring roll to ensure you are able to complete your project promptly.
Additionally, each roll has a different lead time. If you’re in a hurry to complete your project, you can choose a product that ships in as little as 1-2 business days.
If you’re on a strict timeline for your project, be sure to check the lead time on your rubber flooring roll to ensure you are able to complete your project promptly.
Rubber Flooring Roll FAQs
Still have questions? Here are some of the most common questions customers ask about rubber flooring rolls.
How much do rubber floor rolls cost?
Rubber flooring rolls range in price from under $1/sqft all the way to $7/sqft.
Whoa! That is quite the range, eh?
Many variables factor in to determine cost. Our most popular gym flooring rolls typically run anywhere from $1.50/sqft-$2.50/sqft.
The good news is rubber flooring is super DIY-friendly, so your cost simply comes down to materials and shipping.
Here’s what it would look like to floor a typical 10’x10’ home gym.
Whoa! That is quite the range, eh?
Many variables factor in to determine cost. Our most popular gym flooring rolls typically run anywhere from $1.50/sqft-$2.50/sqft.
The good news is rubber flooring is super DIY-friendly, so your cost simply comes down to materials and shipping.
Here’s what it would look like to floor a typical 10’x10’ home gym.
| Thickness | Good Deal Price by Sqft | Average Shipping Cost | Good Deal Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1/4"
|
$1.31
|
$240
|
$480
|
| 8mm | $1.51 | $255 | $530 |
|
3/8"
|
$1.91
|
$275
|
$620
|
| 1/2" | $2.31 | $320 | $740 |
Note: Prices vary and are subject to change at any time. Shipping costs vary by location and these averages were calculated averaging locations in the US, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.
Are rubber floor rolls waterproof?
One of the best things about rubber flooring is it’s extremely water resistant! Spilled water, sweaty workouts, heck, even the ocean! No water is too much for this rubber matting.
In the event that you need to be 100% certain no water ever reaches your subfloor, you can use a seam sealer where the rolls meet to prevent any liquids from seeping down to the subfloor. However, for most cases, that is not necessary.
In the event that you need to be 100% certain no water ever reaches your subfloor, you can use a seam sealer where the rolls meet to prevent any liquids from seeping down to the subfloor. However, for most cases, that is not necessary.
Can you install rubber floor rolls over carpet?
Yes, you can! You can easily install gym flooring rolls over a short, low-pile carpet.
If you have a thick, plush carpet that you cannot remove, you can lay plywood over the plush carpet and install your rubber rolls over your plywood.
If you have a thick, plush carpet that you cannot remove, you can lay plywood over the plush carpet and install your rubber rolls over your plywood.
Can rubber rolls be used outdoors?
Rubber flooring rolls are a great outdoor flooring option. They are ultra-durable, specially designed to handle lots of use and abuse.
Tips for outdoor rubber flooring success:
Tips for outdoor rubber flooring success:
- Keep tiles covered. Rolled rubber flooring is rated for outdoor use; however, many options are not UV stable and may fade in direct sunlight. We suggest checking the specific product information just to be safe.
- Be cautious of the elements. While rubber flooring is water resistant, there are many more elements that get into our rain and snow, such as salts. These rubber rolls are porous and salts can get trapped in the pores.
- Account for expansion. With temperature fluctuation, rolled rubber flooring may expand and contract.
How do I clean rubber floor rolls?
Good news - learning how to clean rubber flooring rolls is super easy.
- Give them a quick vacuum to get rid of any loose crumbs, dust or debris.
- Occasionally, use a damp mop with a mild soap and water cleaning solution.
- Sit back and enjoy!
- Rubber Floor Cleaner and Degreaser: Your easy, all-in-one rubber floor cleaner.
- Seam Sealer: Use this on the seams of your tiles to prevent liquids from seeping down into your subfloor.
How do I cut rubber floor rolls?
Sometimes you end up with a little extra material. Not to worry; learning how to cut rubber flooring rolls is quite simple.
- Measure the size of your cut.
- Measure it again. No, really. You can’t go back once you cut your tile so we always say to measure twice, cut once.
- Use a straight edge and chalk to mark the cut.
- Place your straight edge on the chalk line and use a sharp utility knife to score your tile, adding a deep crease in the tile.
- Pick up the tile and bend it at that crease to break it open further.
- Return the rubber tile to the ground and continue scoring the rest of the way through until your cut is complete.
Does rubber flooring smell?
I mean….yes. Rubber flooring does have the smell of, well, rubber. Some rubber flooring products smell stronger than others, depending on the type of raw material used or how the flooring was made.
Here’s the real deal: When you first get your flooring, the smell will be the strongest, but after installing your rubber flooring, the room and floor will air out over the next few days/weeks.
In addition to giving your rubber flooring proper time to air out, give it a nice wash with a mild soap-and-water cleaning solution like any of the ones mentioned above. This will help alleviate some of that rubber smell.
Once your rubber floor has had the opportunity to fully air out, you won’t even notice the rubber scent without bending over and physically putting your nose up to the flooring.
So...maybe doing burpees? But that just gives you an excuse not to hang out down there and get movin’!
Here’s the real deal: When you first get your flooring, the smell will be the strongest, but after installing your rubber flooring, the room and floor will air out over the next few days/weeks.
In addition to giving your rubber flooring proper time to air out, give it a nice wash with a mild soap-and-water cleaning solution like any of the ones mentioned above. This will help alleviate some of that rubber smell.
Once your rubber floor has had the opportunity to fully air out, you won’t even notice the rubber scent without bending over and physically putting your nose up to the flooring.
So...maybe doing burpees? But that just gives you an excuse not to hang out down there and get movin’!
Ready to get started?
