Rubber Gym Mats

RFS Recycled Rubber Mats have many practical characteristics that make them great for a multitude of uses. Recycled rubber gym mats are durable, offer slip resistance and comfort, provide shock absorption and are eco-friendly. They also provide a cost-effective and low-maintenance flooring alternative to virgin rubber products. From fitness gyms and playgrounds to pools and livestock areas, rubber mats are ultra-versatile and made for demanding environments. 

Common Applications for Recycled Rubber Mats

RFS offers recycled rubber mats in various thicknesses and colors to match your specific flooring requirements. Our 6mm or 8mm thick rubber gym mats provide low to moderate impact protection, while our 9mm thick gym mats (heavy) and 12mm thick mats (extra-heavy) provide the greatest amount of impact protection. 

RFS 1/4” (6mm) Rubber Mats: Our thinnest rubber mat for lightweight applications.

• Fitness Mats – Provides cushioning and traction for stretching (yoga and Pilates) and light weight training. Great for use with cardio steps, medicine balls, ropes and other light equipment.

• Exercise Equipment Mats – Used under treadmills, stationary bikes and other fitness equipment to prevent floor wear and absorb sound/vibrations.

• Workshop, Basement or Garage Mats – Protects concrete floors from tools, spills and foot traffic. Provides anti-fatigue properties and underfoot comfort on hard flooring.

RFS 5/16” (8mm) Rubber Mats: Great all-around thickness for floor protection from moderate weight and equipment without being costly or heavy as thicker mats.

• Home & Basement Gyms – Offers greater protection than thinner options, suitable for moderate to heavy equipment like ellipticals and weight machines.

• Kid’s Playrooms & Pet Areas – The nonslip surface and ease of cleaning make these rubber mats ideal for these high-use areas. Helps cushion falls and prevent accidental slips for both humans and pets.

• Pool Decks, Patios & Boat Docks – Rubber mats provide excellent traction and a non-slip surface in wet environments. 

RFS 3/8” (9mm) Rubber Mats: Our most popular thickness for heavy-duty applications where floor protection and long-lasting durability are paramount. 

• Commercial Weight Rooms – Offers excellent protection from heavy weights and greater durability for CrossFit exercises.  

• Fitness Centers & Healthcare Clinics – Commonly used for general use and mixed-use training areas that receive continual foot traffic and repetitive wear. 

• Locker Rooms, Ice Rink Aisles & Baseball Dugouts – Rubber gym mats protect locker rooms, aisles and dugout surfaces from ice skate and baseball cleat damage.  

• Laundry Rooms & Laundromats – Rubber mats do not absorb water and withstand aggressive vibrations and heavy loads of industrial washers & dryers.

RFS 1/2” (12mm) Rubber Mats: Our thickest rubber mat for extra-heavy applications that require superior floor protection, shock absorption and anti-fatigue properties.

• Weightlifting & CrossFit Rooms – 12mm rubber gym mats are standard for weightlifting areas and CrossFit flooring. They protect the subfloor from high-impact weights and workouts.

• Playgrounds – The thickness and level of shock absorption make rubber mats ideal for increasing fall protection under swings, at the end of slides and around playground equipment.

• Warehouses & Production Facilities – Rubber mats protect the concrete subfloor from heavy machinery and forklift traffic. They also provide a comfortable and anti-fatigue surface for workers who stand for long periods. 

• Horse Stalls & Pet Care Facilities – Provides a cushioned, non-slip surface that reduces stress on the animals’ joints and keeps their feet off of the cold ground. The portability of rubber mats makes them easy to clean and helps maintain a higher level of hygiene.

Pros and Cons of Recycled Rubber Mats

Recycled Rubber Mats are durable, provide slip resistance and have anti-fatigue properties that offer more comfort for long hours standing on hard surfaces. However, some rubber mats can be heavy to move and fade in sunlight. 

Pros of Recycled Rubber Mats

Durable & Long-lasting: Recycled tire rubber is a resilient material, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like gyms and playgrounds. The dense rubber also absorbs the impact of dropped weights, protecting your subfloor and equipment. 

Slip-resistant: The unique surface texture of recycled rubber has a high surface friction that provides excellent traction, reducing slip hazards. 

Anti-fatigue Properties: The resilient surface offers anti-fatigue benefits that can improve worker productivity and the health of the worker’s joints. 

Water- & mold/mildew-resistant: Recycled rubber does not absorb water and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Its water-resistant properties make rubber gym mats an excellent choice for areas prone to dampness, such as gyms, basements, and outdoor spaces.

Eco-friendly: Recycled rubber mats are made from recycled materials and prevents non-biodegradable vehicle tires from entering landfills. Recycled rubber flooring can also be recycled at the end of its life. 

Low maintenance: Rubber mats are easy to clean. Simply vacuum, mop the mat with a pH-neutral cleaner and allow the rubber to air dry.  

Cons of Recycled Rubber Mats

Minor odor: Recycled rubber mats do have a distinct odor when newly used. The smell will dissipate over time and through routine cleaning. Create airflow in your space by opening windows and doors or use a box fan to help circulate air in the room.

Vulnerable to oil and UV: Although recycled rubber mats can be used in outdoor spaces – including garages – auto fluids, oil and grease can stain or damage the rubber. Color flecks can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight.  

Less durable than vulcanized rubber: Recycled rubber mats are more porous and less dense than vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized rubber is more expensive and has a strong odor from the manufacturing process. 

Heavy to move: Larger rubber mats can be heavy, making installation or removal challenging for one person. Mats are typically installed loosely without tape or glues for permanence.   

Recycled Rubber Mats -vs- Recycled Rubber Tiles

Recycled rubber gym mats from RFS are available as a singular rubber sheet or interlocking rubber tiles with straight edging. When choosing the best rubber flooring for your application, it is helpful to understand the primary differences between these options before making your selection.

Recycled Rubber Roll Thicknesses

Recycled Rubber Mats from RFS are available in a variety of thicknesses. Choose from 6mm (thinnest), 8mm, 9mm or 12mm (thickest) rubber mats. 

6mm (1/4”) – Commonly used for home gyms, exercise mats, basements and garages. Ideal for use with light weight impact (10 lbs or less). Not recommended for use with moderate to heavy weights.

8mm (5/16”) – Most popular thickness for home gyms, equipment mats, playrooms and suitable for moderate weight impact (10-45 lbs). Not recommended for use with heavy weights. 

9mm (3/8”) – Provides greater floor protection from heavy weights (45-75 lbs). Commonly used in commercial weight rooms, fitness centers, locker rooms and ice rinks.

12mm (1/2”) – Maximum durability and protection from extra-heavy weights (75-100 lbs). Typically used for weightlifting & CrossFit rooms, playgrounds, horse stalls and pet care facilities.

For a more complete review of RFS rubber thicknesses, check out our Rubber 101 article on Choosing Your Rubber Thickness. 

Rubber Mat Installation

Installing rubber mats is as simple as placing them on your floor! Typically, the weight of the rubber mat is sufficient to keep it from sliding. 

If you want to anchor the rubber mat to your existing floor, use double-sided adhesive tape to keep the mat in place. Permanent adhesives are rarely used with rubber mats due to their portability. It is also easier to clean mats when they can be removed quickly. 

How to Clean Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are easy to clean and can quickly be moved to a more convenient location for thorough washing and drying.  

Follow these general steps for keeping your rubber flooring in top shape: 

Vacuum the mat: Use an upright vacuum to remove loose dirt, dust and debris from the rubber surface. Adjust the vacuum brush height so it does not scratch the rubber. 

Mop the mat: Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner with warm water to wash and sanitize the rubber.

Apply the cleaning solution using a microfiber mop. Avoid applying too much liquid as excessive moisture can seep over the edges of the mat and saturate the floor. Depending on the floor cleaner, such as mild dish soap, you may need to rinse the mat thoroughly with a clean mop and plain water to remove any residue.  

Air dry the mat: Allow the rubber gym mat to air dry completely before walking on it. Open windows/doors in the room to help circulate air or use a box fan to promote air flow. 

Additional cleaning tips to keep in mind for maintaining your rubber flooring: 

Take mats outside: If you are able to take your mats outside for cleaning, this can allow you to wash and dry the mats more thoroughly without spilling on your finished floor. Rinsed mats can quickly be dried in the sun. The UV rays will also have a natural antibacterial effect and help reduce any lingering odor from the recycled rubber.  Move each mat periodically so both sides receive sun and air exposure. Keep mats out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time to avoid sun fading and rubber degradation.  

Avoid harsh cleaners: Never use acidic (vinegar or lemon juice), alkaline (ammonia or bleach), oil-based products (Pine-Sol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD40) or abrasive tools (steel wool or scouring pads) on rubber. These products can damage the rubber over time. 

Spot clean tough stains immediately: Use a soft nylon scrub brush or microfiber cloth to clean the stain on the rubber surface. A mild dish soap and warm water mixture may be all that is required to work the stain free.  

Never saturate rubber mats: Avoid using excessive cleaning solutions on your mats. Liquid can seep over the edge and damage the floor. Wooden subfloors can swell and potentially rot. This can lead to harmful mold growth.

Check out our Rubber 101 article Is Rubber Flooring Easy to Clean? for more cleaning tips.