INSTRUCTIONS FOR

JIGSAW MAT FLOORING

Jigsaw mats are one of the easiest and most cost-effective flooring solutions for home gyms, commercial fitness spaces, garages, and workout areas. Their interlocking design makes installation quick and straight forward, but following a few key steps will ensure a professional finish that looks great and lasts for years.

Use this simple installation checklist to achieve the best results.

 

1. PREPARATION

Start by thoroughly sweeping and mopping the installation area. Any dirt, grit, dust, or debris left beneath the mats can cause uneven surfaces, unwanted movement, and may even damage the foam over time.

CHECKLIST

1. Clean the Subfloor: Sweep and mop the area thoroughly. Any grit, dust, or debris left under the mats will cause them to shift and may puncture the foam over time. 

2. Acclimate the Mats - : Allow your mats to sit in the room for 24 hours before installation. Foam mats contract and expand according to the environment conditions like humidity and temperature. Allowing the mats to acclimate reduces the risk of expansion / contraction during installation. 

3. Remove the Edging: If you are doing a wall-to-wall installation, keep the border strips only for the outer perimeter of your final layout to create a straight edge.

PRO TIP: A clean, dry subfloor helps the mats sit flat and prevents premature wear.

 

2. LAYING THE MATS

Before installation, leave the mats in the room where they will be installed for at least 24 hours.

EVA foam naturally expands and contracts depending on temperature and humidity. Allowing the mats to acclimate helps minimize movement after installation and reduces the risk of gaps or buckling.

CHECKLIST

1. Start in a Corner: Place your first mat in an inner corner of the room, with any straight border edges facing the walls. 

2. Connect the Tiles: Align the interlocking tabs and gently push the edges together. Do not glue them to the floor; the mats are designed to be held in place by their own weight and the pressure of the adjoining pieces. 

3. Leave an Expansion Gap: Always leave a 6 mm to 10 mm gap between the mats and the wall. EVA foam expands and contracts with temperature changes, and this gap will help prevent the amount of lifting or buckling. 

 

3. CUTTING AND FINISHING

Most jigsaw mats come with removable border strips. For wall-to-wall installations, these edge pieces should be removed from mats that will be installed against each other.

Keep the border strips for the outside perimeter if you want a clean, straight finished edge.

CHECKLIST

1. Measure Twice, Cut Once: When you reach the end of the room, you will likely need to cut the mats to fit the space. Measure the remaining distance, marking the mat with a marker or chalk line.

2.  Making the Cut: Place a straight edge (like a T-square or heavy ruler) along your mark. Using a sharp utility knife, score the top surface of the mat, bend the mat backward to expose the cut, and slice cleanly through the rest of the foam.