Got an enclosed space in the garage for a dedicated pain cave. My question is regarding flooring options. At the old house we had carpet, then foam mats covering the loft area, which was the pain cave.
The current floor is straight up concrete slab. I’m unsure what the best way to proceed. Should I put plywood then foam mats? Not quite sure what other options are out there, but any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
My Apt I just have carpet and a pvc mat (pretty much a “trainer mat”, but cheaper).
My team pain cave is on concrete slab.
It’s easier to clean-up when I’m on a pvc mat, whereas on concrete slab I wipe my sweat up afterwards. Pvc mat for me is important indoors to help reduce sound for downstairs neighbors. That’s not really an issue when you’re training in your garage. Concrete may be advantageous over carpet/mats if you ever switch to rollers, particularly with a larger drum for higher inertia that requires more clearance.
So in other words, I think it’d be OK either leaving it as is, or doing something like you suggested. Just depends on what you prefer. I probably prefer the PVC mat for my sweat to land on but I’m still okay with just plain concrete.
If you feel like you must do something then I’d look into epoxy coating the garage. Really puts a nice touch to the garage and would benefit other garage activities than just the indoor training. Can be rather pricey though so I’d look into DIY.
Don’t do epoxy if you want it to last, do polyurea, it’s 1000x time better.
If you want someone softer do a layer of cheap 1x4 pine then either hard rubber matts or if you want to buy the cheaper/thinner rubber floors do a layer of 1/4 plywood over top the 1x for a smoother surface. Make sure you glue and screw the plywood and 1x down. Tapcons or similar for the 1x, but you don’t need to worry about doing a ton of them because they are pain to make sure the screws are flush.
I’ve done both of the above in gyms/ workout rooms on houses I’ve built.
Buy a roll of 1/4" or 3/8" rubber matting. Place it in a area reserved for working out. Use 2 sided tape to hold it down.
I used carpet tiles… easy to clean/replace.
Not a fan of “naked” concrete. I guess it’s ok if it’s a super smooth finish, but it’s not (in my case). I do like the idea of epoxy. Definitely a DIY type of person so I’d do it myself. Came across Rust-Oleum RockSolid, but at $250 for a single car garage, I think I’ll pass. This is a 3 car garage, so almost to the $1k mark after taxes and brushes, rollers, pre cleaning etc.
The cheaper version is definitely more affordable and wouldn’t mind having to buy 3 or so gallons for full coverage Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield at $65/gallon.
Thanks for the tip!
Never even heard of carpet tiles … let me check that out …
This polyurea material doesn’t seem to be readily available at the big box hardware stores … is it not as popular?
Found this: https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/industrial-brands/concrete-saver/polyurea-floor-coatings/fastkote
Rustoleum website says it’s available, just don’t see it on their websites …
Not to say I “must” buy it from the big box stores, but seems odd they don’t even have on their websites like other products they carry online, but not at the store.
Horse stall matting. 4’x6’ costs around 50$ and can take a beating, only drawback is it is heavy. Can use a straightedge and boxcutter to cut to size.
It’s a newer product. A little more involved to install and depending on colors a little more expensive. But it’s a lot better product.
Big box stores are mostly crap, and mostly carry crap. Epoxy is a more recognizable name, so it’s easier to sell people epoxy than sell them on a product they’ve never even heard of.
Any Sherwin Williams store should also be able to get I for you. Or you can probably order it online.
What’s the feel like compared to a gym-type of mat?
Oh now we’re talking. I got a hookup with Sherwin Williams … I’ll be exploring this option a little more in depth
Horse stall matting. 4’x6’ costs around 50$ and can take a beating, only drawback is it is heavy. Can use a straightedge and boxcutter to cut to size.
If you have a Tractor Supply around they have some pretty durable mats. As Yukon mentions they are really heavy and some may have a smell for a bit.
Horse stall matting. 4’x6’ costs around 50$ and can take a beating, only drawback is it is heavy. Can use a straightedge and boxcutter to cut to size.
This this this. Cheap, durable.
I used Flor brand carpet tiles in my workout room. They are great, pretty thick with a rubber backing on them. Came with adhesive stickers as well.
Quick compulsory google search does show a tractor supply store not too far that carries the matting. Now when you say smell, is that like a rubber type smell? Or some other type of smell
The smell goes away. They are rubber and get cut and stacked new so don’t completely off-gas while stacked. When looking at them there are a few different styles/patterns from dimpled/diamond tread/ recessed cuts etc but they have all had a smooth side as well.
I did epoxy on mine. I’ve been very happy with it. Bare concrete is absorbent and gets kinda nasty. Epoxy lasts for ever, and it looks good, as long as you properly prep the concrete. Not the easiest task, but now it’s beautiful.
I can post a pic later.
Is the prep more work than epoxy?
Definitely.