How to Prep Subfloors for a Home Gym Remodel
Published on
March 30th, 2023
Looking to build a gym in your home. We don't blame you, but that means you'll likely have to do the installation yourself. Thankfully, ZEBRA Martial Arts Mats and Home Gym Mats are incredibly easy to install. If you'd like to skip the sub-floor preparation, the simplest way to start training at home is with our Home Roll-Out Mats. These mats can be put down on any type of floor. Simply roll them out, use them, then roll them back up when you are done. It's that easy. If you would like to have our industry-leading Martial Arts Mats installed in your home, you'll have to know a few things about how to prepare your sub floor (the floor that exists underneath the mats). Here's how to easily install your mats.
What Type of Flooring Are You Working With?
ZEBRA Mats can be installed on top of any type of floor, but the process of doing so differs based on the flooring you are working with. The only thing we don't recommend is installing your mats over existing ones. Always remove old mats and foam tiles before installing your new mats. If you're installing mats in a home gym space that has concrete (basement/garage), wood, or any type of tile, the process will be largely the same. If you are installing over existing carpet, and you do not want to remove that carpet, there's a couple of extra things to keep in mind:
- Although ZEBRA Mats have an anti-skid bottom, the mats can shift around when placed over carpet. This is because of the lack of friction generated by the mats coming into contact with the carpet. The mats will not slide around, but they can slightly move after heavy use. That's why we recommend removing the carpet before installation.
- You can help limit the movement of the mats by placing a layer of plastic between the mats and the carpet. This will also act as a moisture barrier.
- Tape the plastic onto the floor using duct tape or (even better) a double-sided adhesive.
You can see more information on installing your mats here.
Prepping All Other Types of Flooring
If you a working with wood floors, tiles, or concrete in your home gym, follow these tips:
- Make sure the surface is smooth and level. Add some type of durable filler to low areas and sand down raised areas. This will ensure the best possible results.
- Clean the subfloor to remove dirt, grime, and debris.
- Start installing mats from the squarest corner possible, working outward from the corner. If your walls are not at all straight, snap a chalk line at the wall to get started from a completely straight line.
- Push your mats together firmly as you install them to prevent gaps. You can also use Mat Tape to help keep the mats together.
- If any mats need to be cut, refer to our Mat Cutting Guide.
That's all! You should be ready to train at home in no time. If you need assistance, don't be afraid to reach out to the ZEBRA Support Team!