Five Flooring Types Suitable For Home Gyms
Some people design their homes with an on-site gym. They do this so they can work out in seclusion. Whatever the case may be, it is crucial to pay close attention to the flooring you install in your home gym. While there are several available options to choose from, some types of flooring are not suitable for this purpose. Below, you will discover a list of five flooring types and the best workouts for each.
Linoleum
Linoleum is a suitable choice of flooring for a home gym. This type of flooring is easy to maintain, which is why it is ideal for gyms. It is available in an array of styles, colors, and thickness. You can also choose from eco-friendly brands, glue-down, and snap-together options. Another great benefit of linoleum for home gyms is it offers significant cushioning.
Linoleum is covered with a protective coating to ensure the longevity and integrity of the flooring. Linoleum should not be confused with vinyl flooring because it is very different. It is thicker and generally offers a longer service life than vinyl. This type of flooring is suitable for core exercises, such as sit-ups, floor kicks, leg raises, knee crunches, and elbow planks. However, it has tended to dent under heavy pressure, such as large gym equipment.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is ideal for workout rooms. It is very versatile, easy to install, requires little maintenance, and offers a high level of durability. The downside to ceramic tile is it may be slippery when damp or wet. So, if you do choose to install ceramic tile in your workout room, you should consider covering it with rubber mats before exercising. Ceramic tile is great for push-ups, crunches, and yoga exercises.
Hardwood
Hardwood is available in a broad range of thicknesses and finishes. Out of all the flooring types, hardwood is the most durable. However, it can be a bit pricey. Hardwood requires periodic refinishing to remove scratches and scuffs. When it comes to a home gym with heavy exercise equipment, softer woods are not recommended. Before installing exercise equipment in a room with hardwood flooring, it is a good idea to put down some protective material. Utilize interlocking rubber or vinyl mats to prevent damage caused by heavy equipment.
Hardwood flooring is suitable for aerobic exercises, strength training, and running or walking on a treadmill.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. The primary benefit of engineered wood is it can endure high humidity levels, making it ideal for home gyms. When appropriately installed, engineered wood can offer cushioning, longevity, and a high level of moisture resistance.
Manufacturers utilize a protective coating to ensure their engineered wood flooring is resistant to normal wear and tear. This type of flooring will offer an extended service life if maintained properly. Since engineered wood flooring is resilient to moisture and temperature fluctuations, it is ideal for workout rooms. It is suitable for all kinds of exercises, including aerobic and anaerobic.
Laminate
Laminate is a very popular flooring because it is affordable, low maintenance, and looks natural. This type of flooring is generally easy to install because of its click & lock design. The planks fit perfectly snug, just like the pieces of a puzzle. Installing laminate flooring in a workout room is a good idea since it is resistant to moisture. However, laminate is only moisture resistant if it is installed correctly. The planks must be snug and tight to prevent moisture from penetrating the laminate and subflooring.
While laminate does not offer the same level of moisture resistance as vinyl, it is a good option for home gyms. Many homeowners who install laminate in their workout rooms will often utilize rubber floor covering as a protective material and dehumidifier. These items will help control the moisture and protect the surface of the laminate. That is a good idea if you plan on installing heavy exercise equipment in a workout room with laminate flooring.
