Following our Product Development Lead Tony’s test of our 2.0cm Composite Locking Tiles in his home gym, we received numerous questions about the installation process for commercial spaces. Tony’s experience confirmed the tiles’ superior shock absorption and sound dampening—critical for both home use and facilities like CrossFit boxes, weight rooms, and boutique studios. This guide details the professional installation methodology to ensure you replicate that flawless performance at scale.
Pre-Installation: Planning is Key
Surface Preparation: The subfloor must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound. Concrete slabs are ideal. Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. While tiles can be installed over existing vinyl or sealed wood, ensure the surface is level and firmly attached. They are not designed for carpet.
Acclimatization: Allow the tiles to sit in the room where they will be installed for at least 24 hours before beginning. This lets the rubber adjust to the ambient temperature and humidity, ensuring dimensional stability.
Layout Planning: Determine your starting point. For a symmetrical look, begin in the center of the room and work outwards. For most installations, starting against the longest straight wall is simplest. Dry-fit a few rows without locking to confirm your plan and tile orientation.
Professional Installation Procedure
Begin the First Row: Place the first tile in your chosen corner. Our 48.5cm x 8.5cm tiles feature a precision gear-tooth interlock system. Position the second tile so its “female” edge engages with the “male” edge of the first. Using a rubber mallet, tap firmly along the seam until you hear and feel a solid “click” and the seam becomes virtually invisible.
Build the Field: Continue assembling the first full row. For the second row, stagger the joints for stability (like brickwork). Engage the long side of the new tile with the first row, then lock the short side to its neighbor. Always work in a “pyramid” pattern, expanding from your starting point, to maintain alignment.
Cutting Tiles: For edges or obstacles, tiles are easily cut. Measure the space needed, mark the tile with a straight edge and chalk line. A sharp utility knife with a heavy-duty blade is sufficient for most cuts. Score deeply along the line multiple times, then snap. For complex cuts, a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade works perfectly.
Fitting and Finishing: Once all full tiles are locked, install the cut border pieces. No adhesive is needed. The system’s mechanical lock and the weight of the tiles (approx. 2.5 kg per tile for the 2.0cm composite) keep the floor perfectly flat and immovable.
Pro-Tips for Commercial-Grade Results
Heavy Traffic/High-Drop Zones: In areas directly under weight racks or where heavy weights are consistently dropped, consider a double-layer installation for maximum protection and longevity. Simply install a full base layer, then lock the top layer directly onto it, ensuring seams are offset.
Perimeter Expansion Gap: In very large installations (>100 sqm), leave a small expansion gap (3-5mm) around the room’s perimeter. This can be covered with a rubber wall base or threshold.
Maintenance: The installed floor requires minimal upkeep. Sweep or vacuum regularly. For deep cleaning, use a damp mop with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or steam cleaners.
The Result: A Performance Floor, Installed.
As Tony discovered, the transformation is immediate. What you gain is not just a floor, but a high-performance asset: a joint-protecting, noise-reducing, ultra-durable training surface. The DIY-friendly installation translates to significant cost savings on professional labor, with professional-grade results.
Ready to see this floor in action? Read about Tony’s personal testing journey and the tangible benefits for gym owners in our article: When we finalize a product at Suelofit, my first question is: “Can I live with it?”.
