marigolds6 t1_j6oijsy wrote
Test them out first. There is a lot of variability in quality of these kinds of tiles. They often need to be taped together to prevent gapping, sliding, and spreading. Some tear very easily, others will take impressions easily (and permanently).
Even with quality tiles, there is a good chance they will still slide on the concrete and you might need something underneath to prevent that. When I have seen these used in dojos and gyms, they frequently use carpet tiles.
marigolds6 t1_j6om8hr wrote
If you look for Tatami tiles, that's another type of closed cell EVA foam tile, also commonly called judo mats (normally 7/8" thick) or MMA mats (normally 1" thick). A step up from that would be cross-linked polyethylene foam (XLPE), with a vinyl facing; these are marketed as lightweight home wrestling mats. If you go that route, you will want rollout mats over folding mats for a more permanent installation.
Check out the video section here for some great and overly dramatic explanations:
https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/gym-mat/4-6-114-junior-wrestling-mat.html#!
(They have some very extensive buyer's guides on this site too.)
Mklein24 OP t1_j6opumt wrote
Slipperiness is considered. I may put down some double sided tape or maybe a small dab of construction adhesive on a few of the tiles. Something to give it a bit of shear strength. They will be going wall to wall in one direction so I'm hoping that they'll have some structure that way.
marigolds6 t1_j6oucyd wrote
Wall to wall won't hold them, because they expand and contract a significant amount with any temperature change. Before using double sided tape or construction adhesive, I would suggest using low pile carpet tiles under the mats. With this, the mats won't get damaged if they shift, and it is easier to pick them up and clean them or clean under them (like if something gets spilled on them).
Buy a few rolls of mat tape and use those to cover all the seams. You can go with clear, or get colored opaque "striping" mat tape if you want to have some sort of pattern to your edges and completely hide the seams. That will make the tiles shift as one big mat, reduce gaps, resist spills and dirt getting under the mats, and make anchoring the mats more effective.
Mklein24 OP t1_j6ovuqr wrote
Tape would be a good idea. I wonder if a couple of well placed thick carpet-pads would work to hold it down. We have some of those holding down rugs on a wood floor and they work really well.
Edit: norsk website actually says just put it on the floor. The use of an adhesive or other backing isn't advised.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments