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Thoughts about putting a treadmill on wood floors?

8 years ago

Anyone have thoughts on whether or not it's a good idea to put a treadmill on wood floors? I will be running on it, not just walking so there will be a lot of impact/vibration.

Should I put something under the treadmill where it makes contact with the floor?

Featured Answer

alwaysonabudget

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We have a commercial type treadmill on our hickory floors. Underneath there is a rubber mat that was made specifically for exercise equipment. As rubber isn't recommended for wood floors, I placed a cut to size old cotton sheet under the mat. I haven't had any problems in over 10 years. The treadmill is heavy enough that it doesn't budge. Hope that helps!

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Comments (10)

Lisa G
8 years ago
I would put a special equipment pad/mat material over the area you want to set the treadmill. With running, I'd think without a thick grip type material the treadmill may move over time and scratch your hardwoods. I believe there are interlocking squares you can use.
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uscpsycho
Original Author
8 years ago
Does having the cotton sheet under there allow the treadmill to shift? I don't imagine it provides much resistance. But then again a treadmill is pretty heavy.

No problems with the weight of the treadmill denting the wood floor over time?
alwaysonabudget
8 years ago
It hasn't shifted at all, and yes, it is pretty heavy. No dents yet. :)
Vith
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The equipment mat takes the denting instead of the floor.
paultunstall1
7 years ago
Hi I have just had the whole of my downstairs tiled (porcelain)on top of my old floorboards. Would anybody recommend putting a treadmill on top of the floor and if so would i need anything in particular to do so. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Paul
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
7 years ago
It all comes down to deflection rating. If the joist/subfloor system is good enough to handle tile...it is good enough to handle tile+treadmill. In theory this is just fine.

But of course that assumes you had the joists/subfloor thickness assessed prior to installing the tile.
paultunstall1
7 years ago
Yes the floor was really solid, we also put down 12mm cement boards with a good quality flexible adhesive. Do you think with a good quality rubber mat down we will have any problems?
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Cement board doesn't add structure...just height. Rubber + tile is no problem. Rubber + hardwood = BIG problem.
bossyvossy
7 years ago
Alwaysonbudget, can you share where you got the mat?

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