Jaka grubość walcowanej podłogi gumowej jest najlepsza na siłownię?

The best thickness for rolled rubber flooring is determined by the maximum impact energy it needs to absorb. 8mm is the baseline for protecting concrete from controlled weight drops. 12.7mm (1/2") or more is necessary for high-impact zones like deadlift platforms to prevent structural damage.

Choosing gym flooring isn’t about aesthetics; it’s an engineering decision. The primary function of rubber flooring is to absorb and dissipate energy from dropped weights, protecting the concrete or wood subfloor beneath. A subfloor is not designed to handle concentrated, high-velocity impacts. My role as a project manager in flooring manufacturing is to help clients match the flooring’s energy-absorbing capacity to their specific application. The wrong choice leads to cracked subfloors or damaged equipment—costly mistakes. The thickness, density, and material composition of the flooring are the key variables that determine its performance. This guide provides a fact-based breakdown to help you make a sound technical decision.

Understanding the physics of impact is the first step. Let’s analyze the requirements for different gym zones.

What Thickness Does Your Workout Zone Scientifically Require?

The required thickness directly correlates with the type of load. Static loads (cardio machines) require minimal thickness, while high-impact dynamic loads (dropped barbells) require significant thickness to dissipate force and prevent the subfloor from failing.

Different activities subject the floor to vastly different forces. I’ve broken them down into three common categories based on the type of load and the level of impact energy the floor must manage.

This data provides a clear framework. Below, I’ll explain the material science behind these recommendations. My experience in manufacturing has shown that how a floor is made is as important as its thickness. Our process uses a fine 22-mesh rubber powder, which creates a denser and less porous surface than flooring made from larger granules. This density is crucial for durability and impact resistance.

Zone 1: Cardio and Functional Training Areas (6mm – 8mm)

Equipment like treadmills and ellipticals exert a primarily static load. The main job of the flooring here is to prevent scratches and provide a stable, cleanable surface. A 6mm to 8mm thickness is entirely sufficient. It offers a degree of sound dampening from machine operation and provides anti-fatigue properties for users in stretching or functional training zones. Dropping light dumbbells (under 20kg / 45lbs) from a low height will not damage the subfloor with this thickness. It’s a practical, cost-effective choice for low-impact areas.

Zone 2: General Purpose Free-Weight Areas (8mm – 10mm)

This is the standard for most commercial gym floors. Here, the floor must handle "controlled dynamic loads"—think of a 45kg (100lb) dumbbell being set down firmly, not dropped from shoulder height. The 8mm to 10mm range provides enough material to compress and dissipate that energy, protecting the subfloor. The 8mm thickness is the most common specification I see for projects that need a balance of performance and budget. It provides real protection for the most common activities in a commercial gym setting.

Zone 3: High-Impact and Olympic Lifting Zones (12.7mm / 1/2" or thicker)

This is where flooring engineering is most critical. Dropping a 100kg+ barbell during a deadlift or clean-and-jerk generates immense, focused energy. The flooring must be thick enough to absorb that impact. A 12.7mm (1/2") floor is the minimum I recommend for these applications. The extra material allows for greater compression, extending the time over which the deceleration occurs and drastically reducing the peak force transferred to the subfloor. For dedicated powerlifting gyms, thicknesses of 19mm (3/4") or even 25mm (1") are used. Anything less than 12.7mm in a dedicated lifting zone risks eventual subfloor cracking and failure.

Matching the thickness to the specific, highest-impact use in each zone is the most effective way to protect your facility.

What Other Technical Factors Must You Consider?

Beyond thickness, you must evaluate your subfloor’s material, acoustic requirements, and installation realities. A wooden subfloor requires more vibration damping than concrete, and improper installation can negate the benefits of even the best material.

Choosing the right thickness is only part of the equation. As an expert in flooring manufacturing, I always guide clients through these critical factors that ensure the flooring system performs as intended over its entire lifespan.

Subfloor Type: Concrete vs. Wood

The subfloor’s properties dictate how much support the rubber flooring gets.

• Beton: Has high compressive strength but is brittle. The rubber’s job is to distribute the impact force over a wider area to prevent it from exceeding the concrete’s fracture point.
• Wood/Upper Floors: Are more flexible and prone to vibration. Here, the rubber’s primary role is vibration damping. A thicker, denser floor has more mass, which is more effective at absorbing vibrational energy. This is critical for reducing structure-borne noise and preventing the "rebound" of dropped weights.

Acoustic Performance (Noise Reduction)

Noise is a common complaint. In material science, we measure a floor’s ability to block impact sound with a rating called Impact Insulation Class (IIC). While I won’t go into the test standards, the principle is simple: thicker and denser materials generally achieve a higher IIC rating. If your gym is above another business or residential unit, investing in a 12.7mm (1/2") floor for your weight-dropping zones is non-negotiable. It provides significantly better acoustic insulation than an 8mm floor. This is a technical requirement, not a luxury.

Manufacturing Process and Material Integrity

The quality of the raw materials and the manufacturing process directly impact performance. Our flooring is made from fine, purified rubber powder and bound with a high-quality polyurethane binder. It is then cured slowly for 10 days at ambient temperature. This process avoids the internal stresses caused by rapid heat-curing (vulcanization), resulting in a more durable material that resists cracking and granule shedding over time. This process also minimizes the initial rubber odor (VOC off-gassing) common with lower-quality products. When you receive our flooring, proper ventilation for 48-72 hours is still recommended, but the initial intensity is much lower.

Wnioski

The correct flooring thickness is a calculated decision based on impact load, subfloor type, and acoustic needs. Use 8mm as a versatile baseline and 12.7mm or more for any area where heavy weights will be dropped.

As a Project Manager in the technical flooring sector, I have extensive experience in material specifications and manufacturing processes. My team and I focus on providing engineered solutions, not just products. We collaborate with clients to ensure every aspect of their flooring meets their performance, safety, and operational needs.

If you require a technical consultation to specify the right flooring for your project, or if you would like to receive a quote and material samples, please contact my team. We are here to help you build your facility on a foundation of quality and expertise.