Gym Floor Installation GUIDE

Gather Your Gear, Conquer the Floor!

To install rubber roll flooring using glue, ensure you have these essential tools:
  • Gloves
  • RMeasuring tape / Chalk line
  • Utility knife
  • Pressure roller
  • Appropriate glue

Adhesive Information

The Right Bond for a Strong Hold!

The specialized 2-component PU adhesive requires 700 grams per square meter (700g/m² or 90 sq. ft.). This versatile glue is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Step 1: Clean the Substrate

A Flawless Start for a Perfect Finish!

All substrates made of asphalt, concrete, and poured screed are suitable for the installation. The substrate must be solid, leveled, dry, clean, and free of cracks and dust that can affect adhesion. Since you’re using glue, you’ll also want to be sure that your subfloor is dry and free of moisture.

Step 2: Roll out the Rubber

Unfurl the Future of Your Fitness Space!

Lay out the rolls in the room as you would like them to look after a complete installation. (The rolls can be directional, so make sure the color matches on each roll). Make any necessary cuts to the rolls to fit them into the room using a Straight Edge and a Utility Knife. After you have the rolls laid out the way you want, roll them back up to one end of the room.

Step 3: Apply Glue

The Bond of Strength for Lasting Performance!

If using a 2-part glue, mix both components of the adhesive. Directly after mixing, start pouring the glue out evenly over the prepared installation area. Apply the glue evenly with a toothed spatula with teething recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Be mindful of the adhesive setting time.

Step 4: Install Rubber

Laying the Foundation for Every Stride!

Put down a 10-foot-long light layer of adhesive and unroll 10 feet of the rubber flooring into the adhesive at a time. Repeat this step for every 10 feet of roll length until the entire roll has been glued to the floor. Remove any glue leaks from the surface immediately, and clean the affected area quickly.

Step 5: Pressure Roller

Smooth Out Imperfections, Seal in Success!

After gluing the rubber on the floor, before the adhesive is completely hardened, apply contact pressure to the surface with a 100-pound carpet roller to eliminate air bubbles underneath the material and ensure the rubber has adhered tightly to the glue. After installation, do not walk on the surface before the adhesive is completely hardened.

STEP 7: EQUIP YOUR GYM!

Unleash Your Potential, Your Workout Awaits!

Once your new gym floor is fully cured and ready, it's time to bring in your equipment and start building the ultimate workout experience!

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Refine Your Process. Elevate Your Finish.

Use this quick checklist to prevent common issues during application and installation.

Improper Subfloor Preparation

Consequence:

The adhesive won't bond properly, leading to bubbles, delamination, and uneven surfaces. This can create tripping hazards and significantly reduce the lifespan of the flooring.

  • Prevention: Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the subfloor. Repair any cracks or holes with appropriate patching compound. Use a self-leveling compound for significant unevenness. Ensure the subfloor is completely dry.

  • Correction (Minor): For small bubbles or lifted areas, you might be able to inject adhesive with a syringe and re-roll.

  • Correction (Major): If the problem is widespread, you may need to remove the affected sections, re-prepare the subfloor, and re-install

Insufficient Acclimation of the Rubber Rolls

Consequence:

Rubber can expand or contract with temperature and humidity changes. If installed without acclimation, the rolls can shrink, leaving gaps between seams, or expand, causing buckling and waves in the floor.

  • Prevention: Unroll the rubber flooring in the gym space at least 24-48 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to the ambient conditions.

  • Correction: Minor gaps might be filled with a rubber-specific seam sealer. For significant buckling or gapping, you might need to carefully cut out and replace affected sections or, in severe cases, re-install the entire floor after proper acclimation.

Incorrect Adhesive Application

Consequence:

Too little adhesive leads to poor bonding and lifted edges. Too much can squeeze through seams, making a mess and creating weak spots. Incorrect adhesive types might not bond at all or could damage the rubber. Not waiting for proper open time can result in a weak bond.

  • Prevention: Always use the adhesive recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely regarding spread rate (e.g., using the correct notched trowel) and open time.

  • Correction: Small areas with poor adhesion can sometimes be fixed by lifting the edge, applying more adhesive, and rolling it back down. For larger areas or incorrect adhesive, removal, thorough cleaning of the subfloor, and re-installation with the correct adhesive will be necessary.

Poor Seam Management (Gaps or Overlaps)

Consequence:

Gaps between rolls can collect dirt, moisture, and bacteria, making the floor unhygienic and difficult to clean. Overlapping seams create uneven ridges that are tripping hazards and can wear down prematurely.

  • Prevention: Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to make precise cuts. Dry-fit the rolls before applying adhesive to ensure tight seams. Use a seam roller to flatten and secure seams after adhesive application.

  • Correction (Minor Gaps): Small gaps can sometimes be filled with a color-matched rubber seam sealer.

  • Correction (Major Gaps/Overlaps): You might need to carefully cut out and replace the gapped or overlapped sections, ensuring precise cuts and tight seams for the new pieces.

Not Rolling the Flooring Properly

Consequence:

Air pockets can get trapped under the flooring, leading to bubbles, poor adhesion, and eventual delamination. The adhesive won't spread evenly, resulting in inconsistent bonding.

  • Prevention: After laying each section and after the entire installation, go over the entire floor with a 100-pound roller, working in multiple directions to ensure maximum contact between the rubber and the adhesive.

  • Correction: For existing bubbles or lifted areas, if the adhesive hasn't fully cured, re-rolling might help. If it has cured, you may need to lift the section, re-apply adhesive, and re-roll, or in severe cases, replace the section.

Cutting Corners on Edge Finishes and Transition Strips

Consequence:

Unfinished edges can fray, lift, and become tripping hazards. They also allow dirt and moisture to get underneath the flooring, compromising the adhesive and subfloor.

  • Prevention: Plan for and install appropriate transition strips, reducers, or cove base molding along all exposed edges. Ensure they are securely fastened.

  • Correction: Install the necessary edge finishes and transition strips. If the existing edges are already damaged, trim them cleanly before installing the finishing pieces.