We get asked this a lot. This is not the best case scenario for a few reasons. 

Cons To Installing Rubber Flooring Over Carpet

First, let’s discuss why rubber is installed in the first place.  Number one is for the safety and well being of participants. 

Rubber flooring creates a non-slip, secure surface for equipment to rest securely on without risk of movement. 

Next, rubber flooring provides a non-slip surface for the customer to exert themselves. Often times when lifting weights it is imperative that your feet are securely planted (ie. Bench presses) to give yourself the platform you need to reach your best. 

Rubber also protects your substrate (the floor underneath) from the damage created by dropping weights or dumbbells.

Lastly, rubber is extremely durable and easy to clean. 

So when you take your newly purchased rubber tile or rolls and put it over a thicker grade carpet, what can happen?

Think of this. What would happen when you put a quart of milk on a wet sponge? It would probably stand straight, but it will certainly not be safe and secure. Same with rubber over thicker grade carpet.

 Is there anything I can do?

What Kind Of Carpet Can I Install A Gym Floor Over? 

Low pile carpet (indoor-outdoor) will fare a little bit better than your typical bedroom carpet.

Of course, we would not recommend gluing over this carpet but you can use carpet tape (two-faced) when installing rolls.

Better yet, interlocking tiles should work well.  

Now, since we are talking about interlocking tiles, we only recommend 5/16” (8mm) or thicker on all interlocking tiles.

The thicker the tile, the more secure the actual interlock (it has to do with surface area).  This becomes critical, especially over the carpet. 

¼” interlock is not recommended in any application unless it is being glued down and in that case what’s the point of buying interlock?

Depending on the values to you of the carpet you may choose to put a thin layer of plastic sheeting down prior to installing any rubber.

Why?  Well if you plan on maintaining the rubber you will need to damp mop it once in a while with a pH neutral cleaner. 

The sheeting will eliminate the possibility of any moisture that seeps thru the seams from reaching your carpet.  We don’t have to tell you what happens when your carpet gets wet…UGHHH

Putting Plywood Over Carpet For Gym Flooring

We have also heard of people putting a layer of plywood over their carpet prior to installing rubber. 

This idea is fine and will serve to increase the stability of the surface the rubber is being installed on. 

You can even find multipurpose interlocking tiles on our website that would work well as a great base.

The Best Solution For Putting Gym Flooring Over Carpet

Another option, if you have the storage available in your home is to pull the carpet up. 

Many residential carpets are only installed via a tack down method and can be easily removed in one piece and then reinstalled at a later time. 

When reinstalling it is probably best to get a professional to do it that can properly re-stretch the carpet for a proper fit.

So there you have it. 

If you feel you must install our rubber over a carpet, the ideas above should provide you with the professional surface you are looking for to complete your home gym. 

As always, please feel free to submit any questions or comments to me at sales@fitfloors.com or below in the comments field and I will gladly answer your questions. 

We also would love to hear your insights or even see pictures of your home.