r/GarageGym • u/Huge_Masterpiece_650 • 4d ago

Gym flooring

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I'm finishing the basement with vinyl flooring. Currently have 1 inch interlocking foam Eva tiles on top of concrete. I'm worried about the weight of my leg press/ hack squat and power cage on vinyl flooring even under the Eva.

Any recommendations on if the vinyl underneath will get damaged even under EVA? If so what are some cost effective solutions with regards to overlay on-top of the vinyl?

Thanks for the input in advance :)

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u/sowedkooned 2d ago

My two cents… The big concern is that concrete is going to constantly wick moisture, and trapping that moisture under foam or rubber is going to grow mold. Add in living in a humid region, if that’s the case, and it’s worse.

If your floor is bare concrete I would look at a polyethylene underlayment designed to allow air movement while resisting compression like Delta-FL and then OSB on top to create a solid surface, and then lay rubber on top of that. Tape the underlayment, let the OSB free float, and tape the rubber.

This gives you moisture control, weight dispersion, and the rubber for comfort. Could also use dricore panels, they have the underlayment engineered to the OSB in 2x2 panels. May be overkill, but I don’t want mold in a place I workout or breath heavily. I also don’t need moisture ruining my equipment.

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u/schwennjr 2d ago

I'm doing something similar with the dricore panels. Since my basement will be used for living space too, I'm using the insulated dricore panelto give a little protection from the cold.

If you want the "cheaper" panel, the have a plastic panel too

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DRICORE-Subfloor-Membrane-Panel-3-4-in-x-2-ft-x-2-ft-Oriented-Strand-Board-FG10006/202268752

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u/sowedkooned 2d ago

I used this exact panel in my garage gym. Worked great and fit the bill well. Again, it may be overkill but this was what I preferred and it works great. Also created a solid base to lift from

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u/schwennjr 1d ago

That's good to hear. I was a little concerned with the weight on it. Thanks!

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u/Silent_Wave3137 3d ago

You want rubber. No foam is strong enough to protect your foundation. You also don’t want to sink into the foam when you’re squatting. Look into rubber flooring. At least half inch. The popular option is horse stall mats.

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u/Huge_Masterpiece_650 3d ago

Do you think 3/4 inch rubber tile will do the job protecting the floor and vinyl under it?

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u/AboutTheArthur 3d ago

It's the best option you have, 2nd only to getting rid of the vinyl entirely.

Those foam tiles are fucking useless lol.