gym floor underlay

Gym Floor Underlay: Yes or No?

By John Scillieri Hours Published on

When considering installing or replacing a gym floor, there is one important question to answer: should you install a gym floor underlay?

Gym flooring underlay is a layer of material underneath the main gym floor. Flooring underlayment has certain advantages. It provides some noise reduction and shock absorption. However, some argue that it is an unnecessary expense and that a good gym flooring surface is enough.

Your choice of gym flooring is not a decision to take lightly. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision.

This article explores the pros and cons of using underlay with gym flooring. Ultimately, you can determine whether flooring material for your gym facility is worthwhile.

What is Gym Floor Underlay?

Gym floor underlay is a soft material installed between the subfloor and the gym flooring surface. The flooring underlay provides a layer of cushioning and protection for the floor. It can help protect the concrete subfloor from damage and make the gym floor surface more resilient. Gym floor underly is commonly in commercial gyms, fitness centers, and athletic facilities.

Gym floor underlayment is available in various materials. Foam, cork, or rubber underlayments are the most popular materials. These materials help ensure the concrete floor withstands heavy foot traffic and the weight of gym equipment and reduce vibrations.

In many cases, gym floor underlay is essential to a high-quality flooring installation.

Related reading: The ultimate guide to commercial gym floor planning.

Advantages of Using Underlay

Underlay is a crucial component in gym flooring to protect the concrete or hardwood subfloor. Additionally, it provides cushioned support for the gym floor, increasing its resilience. Therefore, when considering replacing or installing a gym or fitness facility floor, it’s wise to consider the underlayment.

Here are four advantages of using underlay:

  • Enhanced durability: Underlay helps to protect the gym floor, extending its lifespan by absorbing impact. In heavy foot traffic areas, it prevents wear and tear and protects the concrete base if heavy gym equipment falls. It is one of the best ways to ensure long-lasting performance.
  • Comfort and safety: Underlay with gym flooring enhances comfort and safety for gym users. Its cushioning properties provide an extra layer of shock absorption. This helps to reduce the risk of joint and muscle injuries during high-impact activities. It also improves the comfort of hardwood floors installed on a concrete base.
  • Sound insulation: Gym activities—especially on wooden floors—often generate loud noises and can disturb neighboring spaces. Floor underlay tiles with sound insulation properties help to minimize impact noise. This creates a quieter workout environment and reduces disturbances for neighbors.
  • Subfloor protection: Gym flooring underlayment is a protective barrier for the subfloor. Cushioned protection prevents heavy items from damaging the layer of concrete under the gym floor. It distributes the weight evenly, preserving the structural integrity of the subfloor.

Your flooring underlayment choice can help to ensure a safe surface, extend the floor’s lifespan, and enhance the overall gym experience for users.

When Might Underlay Be Unnecessary?

Gym flooring underlay is the perfect solution for workout areas, weights rooms, and other areas with high-impact activity. However, in some cases it’s unnecessary to use underlay with gym flooring. Here are some scenarios where you may not need a gym floor underlay.

  • Low-intensity areas: There is no need to install underlay in areas with minimal physical activity. For example, gym areas for hydration, stretching, or light yoga don’t require a separate layer of protection between the gym floor and the subfloor. This is also true of lounge areas, reception rooms, and changing rooms.
  • Under some flooring types: Certain materials, like good-quality rubber flooring, may already have enough built-in shock absorption and noise reduction properties. In such cases, the flooring itself provides adequate cushioning.
  • Budget constraints: If you are installing a commercial gym floor on a limited budget, then underlay may be unnecessary. In this case, it’s better to install good-quality rubber flooring that includes the benefits of floor underlayment. This helps you provide a premium service when budget constraints are a priority.

Discussing your needs and budget with a qualified gym floor contractor can help you choose the right flooring underlayment. 

Types of Underlay & Matching with Flooring

Choosing the right underlay ensures longevity, safety, and excellent performance for a gym floor. However, different materials work better with different types of gym floors. The three common types of underlay for commercial gym flooring are rubber, foam, and cork. Let’s briefly look at the best usage of each type. 

Rubber Underlay

Rubber underlay is popular for gym floors due to its excellent shock absorption and noise reduction properties. It is especially suitable for vinyl or hardwood flooring. It helps to minimize impact noise from weightlifting or rowing machines and protects the subfloor from damage.

Rubber underlay is also a good choice when installing a gym floor on a hardwood base floor.

Foam Underlay

Foam underlay is another viable and budget-friendly option for gym flooring. It offers good thermal insulation and exceptional comfort. These features make it ideal for areas with high foot traffic. Foam underlay works well with heavy-duty rubber tiles and carpet tiles.

Cork Underlay

Cork underlay is a sustainable, eco-friendly option with excellent sound control and shock absorption. It is a popular choice for underlaying traditional wood flooring in dance studios and aerobic rooms.

Selecting the appropriate underlay is essential for optimizing your gym floor’s performance and longevity. Whether you choose recycled rubber underlay for its shock absorption, foam underlay for its comfort, or cork for its eco-friendliness, each type offers unique benefits.

Gym Floor Underlay Installation Tips

Preparation is key to ensuring the underlay in a gym floor performs well. Here are some key points to consider when installing gym flooring underlay:

  • Ensure all surfaces are clean and dry.
  • Use a moisture barrier for extra protection against water damage.
  • Always ensure that seams are properly sealed with strong adhesive tape.
  • Lay the underlay rubber, cork, or foam floor tiles in a staggered pattern to avoid seams aligning with floor seams.

What about installing the gym floor underlay yourself? Of course, it is cheaper; however, it may not be the most cost-effective flooring solution in the long-term.

Professional gym floor installation ensures that the proper techniques are used. These include using a moisture barrier, properly sealing seams, and properly installing the underlay. Also, professionals have the right tools, materials, and know-how to ensure the best results.

Gym Floor Underlay: A Takeaway

The answer to the question: “Should I install gym floor underlay?” depends on your flooring type, budget, and needs. Suppose you have a good-quality rubber gym floor with built-in shock absorption and noise reduction. In that case, underlay may not be necessary. However, in most other cases, underlay provides additional cushioning and protection for your subfloor in high-use and high-impact areas.

For advice on the best type of underlay for your gym floor and a free quote, contact J&J Gym Floors today. Our expert team can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about your flooring needs.

Unsure if you need a gym floor underlay? This guide will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision.

John Scillieri

John Scillieri is the Founder and Managing Partner of J & J Gym Floors, bringing over three decades of expertise in hardwood flooring to the sports and fitness industry. Following in the footsteps of his father, a renowned hardwood floor professional, John launched J & J Gym Floors after graduating college, combining rich family tradition with innovative approaches to gym floor installation, maintenance, and customization.

With a passion for quality craftsmanship and a commitment to customer satisfaction, John has led J & J Gym Floors to become a trusted name in the industry. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of flooring technologies ensure that every project, from local school gymnasiums to professional sports arenas, receives the highest standard of care and attention to detail. When he's not transforming gym floors, John enjoys staying active and spending time with his family, always keeping an eye out for the next big trend in sports flooring.