Guide — Sports flooring

What thickness of rubber tile should you choose for a gym?

All BULLMAN rubber tiles are suitable for weight drops. The choice of thickness and installation depends on the environment: the type and condition of the subfloor, the area covered, loads, drop height and frequency, and noise or neighbouring-space constraints. BULLMAN also offers underlays for tiles that are particularly effective at improving cushioning during drops. Available on quotation, they are selected for your subfloor, floor area and environment. Contact us to discuss your project.

BULLMAN fine-grain tiles come in 15, 20 and 25 mm, and smooth tiles in 15 and 20 mm. Here is how to compare these options and choose for your gym, training box or home gym.

1. Divide the gym into activity areas

Draw a simple plan and note what happens in each space. Are weights guided by a machine, lowered by hand or dropped? Does equipment stay in place? Does one area accommodate several activities?

This list helps describe your installation. It avoids choosing a thickness solely because it is labelled “professional”.

2. Compare 15, 20 and 25 mm options

All 15, 20 and 25 mm fine-grain tiles and 15 and 20 mm smooth tiles are suitable for weight drops. Choose between them according to your environment and the protection required for the subfloor, equipment and neighbouring spaces.

The same tile can perform differently as part of an installation on a ground-level concrete slab, ceramic tiles or an upstairs floor. Describe the landing area, loads and plates used, drop height and frequency. These details help select thickness and any additional layers, without limiting drops to a single thickness.

Check the variants of our fine-grain tiles and smooth tiles to make your selection. Check stock availability when ordering.

3. Read density alongside other specifications

Both BULLMAN product pages state a density of 1,050 kg/m³ for the SBR rubber. Density describes mass per unit volume; it does not express permissible load or sound attenuation.

To compare two floor coverings, also consider thickness, construction, dimensions and available tests for the intended use. A single figure is no substitute for a full technical data sheet. Finish is another criterion: our smooth versus fine-grain guide helps explain the differences.

4. Check the subfloor and neighbouring-space constraints

Record what lies beneath the future tiles: concrete, ceramic tiles, existing flooring or a structural floor. Identify cracks, level differences and possible moisture. Adding a covering alone does not fix a damaged subfloor or structural problem.

In upstairs or adjoining premises, assess vibration transmitted to neighbouring rooms too. No particular thickness is presented here as a guarantee of silence. The choice may require an acoustic study and changes to training, especially weight drops.

For a professional gym, gather the technical documents required for your project and request those for the exact product being considered. A general marketing claim does not replace documentation applicable to the product and its installation.

5. Calculate quantities and the complete budget

A 100 × 100 cm tile covers a nominal 1 m². A 3 × 4 m area therefore covers 12 m², or twelve whole tiles in a layout without special cuts. Then measure boundaries and obstacles to draw the tile plan.

The budget should include tiles, planned cuts or spare tiles, transitions, any subfloor preparation and transport. Use the current price of each thickness: do not multiply the range’s starting price by the whole area if you have selected another variant.

To prepare the work, continue with the installation and maintenance guide.

Reaction-to-fire classification: what to check

Flooring reaction-to-fire classification is determined under NF EN 13501-1. For premises open to the public in France, check the classification required for the room and the documentation for the exact product, taking its thickness, subfloor and installation conditions into account.

Classes such as Dfl-s1 or Efl describe the product’s reaction to fire under the conditions covered by its classification. They do not certify the entire premises. Consult the classification report for the exact product and its scope, then check project requirements with your technical adviser.

Within the scope ofArticle AM 7 of the French ERP regulations, floors in rooms and unprotected circulation areas must meet Dfl-s2 or M4. Applicable provisions depend on the establishment type and location: this reference does not replace checking them. The floor classification method is defined by NF EN 13501-1, cited in the French order of 21 November 2002.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 20 mm tile enough for a home gym?

“Home gym” does not describe the impacts involved. A room with a bike and controlled exercises has different requirements from an area where barbells are dropped. Describe the equipment, subfloor and movements to have the thickness confirmed.

Are 15 and 20 mm tiles also suitable for drops?

Yes. All BULLMAN rubber tiles are suitable for weight drops, including 15 and 20 mm thicknesses. Choose the installation according to the subfloor, landing area, loads and environment. The 25 mm option is an additional choice, not a general prerequisite for drops.

Do I need the same thickness throughout the gym?

Not necessarily. You can plan several areas, finishing their transitions to preserve clear access and equipment stability.

Prepare a dimensioned plan, photos of the subfloor and a list of exercises, then ask for advice on your BULLMAN floor. You can also find the different options in our Flooring category.