In the past decade, indoor gym turf has become a popular and beneficial choice among professional and collegiate sports teams. This natural grass alternative is not only...
Artificial grass has become a popular natural grass alternative in landscaping, but turf is also the perfect flooring for gyms and fitness facilities. The low maintenance and shock absorbing qualities have many eager to make the switch. But what type of gym turf is best for your space?
Guide to Choosing the Best Gym Turf
When it comes to choosing artificial turf for your gym or fitness center, there are several factors that you need to consider. While indoor turf and gym turf flooring offer a simple DIY installation process, selecting the wrong type of artificial grass for your gym facility or health club can greatly reduce the lifespan.
The right artificial turf can provide a durable and safe flooring solution for your facility, while also enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of your space. To assist you with your artificial grass purchase, we've created a guide to choosing the right artificial turf for your gym or fitness center. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you make your decision:
Purpose
Consider the intended use of your artificial sports turf. Different performance characteristics will matter more depending on the situation. What works best in a weightlifting area may not be ideal for playing soccer. In You'll also find that certain styles of artificial turf products work better in indoor vs outdoor spaces, and visa versa. Reference the "Gym Turf Options" section below to learn more about the different types of sports turf and when they're an appropriate fit.
Durability
Look for gym turf that is designed to endure heavy traffic and equipment. High-quality sports turf materials and strong backing will ensure that your turf can last for years to come. Gym turf flooring in sports facilities must be tough with a solid foundation to withstand functional training year round.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Gym Turf Installation
The best synthetic grass for indoor and outdoor installation will also differ. Indoor sports turf will not have to endure the weather and elements, while outdoor artificial turf flooring for gyms must be uv resistant. In certain cases, outdoor fitness facilities will need to use Nylon gym turf products to prevent melting from magnification.
Safety
Artificial grass minimizes injury in workout facilities and health clubs by providing a more shock absorbent surface compared to other alternatives like rubber flooring or interlocking tiles. The grass fibers are designed to take the brunt of the shock and spring back. Prevent athletic injuries by offering a more cushioned surface. Underlayment pads for gym turf or artificial turf with cushion backing can provide even more shock absorption.
Choose artificial grass or turf products with a non-slip backing to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, some artificial grass may have anti-microbial properties to reduce the risk of bacteria and fungi - this can be ideal in gyms.
Maintenance
While artificial grass requires little maintenance, that does not mean it's maintenance free. Determine how much maintenance your artificial turf will require. Will you need to vacuum or sweep it frequently? Does it require special cleaning or treatments? Choose artificial grass that fits your maintenance schedule and resources.
Color and Appearance
Consider the overall aesthetic of your gym or fitness center. Choose synthetic grass that complements your space and reflects the style and brand of your fitness game. You can even have a custom logo embedded within the sports turf!
Keep in mind that if you are purchasing synthetic grass for an outdoor gym, colored sports turf may fade at a quicker rate when exposed to direct sunlight.
Cost
Determine your budget and shop around for gym turf that fits your needs and price point. Don't compromise quality for price, as the initial investment in high-quality sports turf can pay off in the long run and last much longer.
Artificial grass for gyms typically come in 15 ft. wide turf rolls, and are priced per square yard or square foot. Depending on the quality and weight of the material chosen, sports turf can cost between $2.60-$6.99 per square foot.
Installation
Consult with a professional installer to ensure that your synthetic turf rolls are installed correctly and safely. Improper installation can lead to issues such as tripping hazards or premature wear and tear. Whether it's being attached with double sided tape or a stronger adhesive, you should use a weighted roller on the surface to ensure it's properly secured to the floor.
While sports turf is heavy, you'll want to avoid a dry lay unless you have heavy equipment weighing down the artificial turf. Even in this case, we'd recommend applying some type of adhesive at the transitions to avoid lifting on the edges.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the right artificial turf for your gym or fitness center that meets your needs, enhances the functionality and appearance of your space, and provides a safe and durable flooring solution for your clients.
Gym Turf Options
Not all artificial grass for gyms are created equal. There are different types of sports turf that are better suited in different situations! As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the best way to lengthen the lifespan of your gym turf is by ensuring you're selecting the right grass. Check it out below!
Low Pile Sports Turf
If the main purpose of your artificial turf is for general exercise and stretching, a lower pile height and less cushioning may be suitable indoor turf flooring. Short and dense artificial grass for sports is comparable to a putting green surface. Low pile sports turf is ideal for any surface you'd want to be able to roll or pull heavy equipment across. This will also be the most cost effective gym turf, but provides little shock absorption.
Sports Turf with Built in Padding
Sports turf with built in padding is becoming more common in indoor gyms. These turf rolls feature a 5 mm pad attached to the backing that add a bit more cushion. This is ideal in spaces with heavy equipment or where high impact activities take place.
This type of artificial turf is best used in indoor spaces, or areas that receive little sunlight due to how the turf roll expands when heated. While padded sports turf can still be installed outdoors, it may or shift over have movement over time.
Spongy Shock Absorbent Gym Turf Flooring
If you're using artificial grass for high intensity workouts such as weight lifting, agility training, or hiit workouts, we'd recommend a sports turf with a bit higher pile height and better cushioning. This sports turf tends to be less dense and more spongy, but still has a curled blade. This type of artificial grass for gyms is perfect in weight rooms and for high intensity workouts as it alleviates shock, similar to real grass. This gym turf also tends to have a heavier face weight than a lower pile sports turf, resulting in a higher cost.
Synthetic Turf for Sport Fields and Courts
Artificial turf for a sports field (such as football fields or indoor soccer) should feature taller grass blades and heavier face weight to replicate natural grass. This type of surface should also include rubber infill made from from recycled rubber so the fake grass provides a natural and bounce and gives traction athletes.
While life-like gym turf is perfect for sports and speed training activities, it is not ideal for workouts such as sled training. This is because taller artificial turf flooring is harder to drag equipment on.
Turf Tiles for Gyms
Turf tiles are another type of turf flooring for gyms that can be considered. Gym Turf Tiles are quite simple to put together and provide cushioned support with anti-skid traction. Typically 2x2 in size, they're simple to transport. Gym turf tiles are made for energetic exercises or intense group sessions, these tiles also serve as a temporary flooring solution that can be quickly cleaned up when needed. Interlocking turf tiles are best used in indoor sports facilities rather than outdoor. While turf tiles offer easy installation and removal, we're not sure how durable they are in the long run.
Just because gym turf is DIY friendly, doesn't mean you have to handle it all yourself. Want to sit back and let the professionals take over? Request a custom estimate below and share a photo of your space, we'll get back to you with custom pricing within 24 hours!
