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The Best Treadmill Mat For Noise Reduction

So you have finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a treadmill. Or replace the one you have. Don’t forget to buy a noise reducing treadmill mat at the same time. It just makes more sense to put them both down together. 

A good treadmill mat serves two main purposes. 

  1. It cuts down noise and vibration passing into, and through, the floor to annoy the neighbors and family members.
  2. It protects your flooring–hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet.

Here are some of the best noise and vibration-reducing treadmill mats available.

 

Best Thin Roll Up Mat:
Best Exercise Mat for Hardwood:
Best Interlocking Rubber Mat:
Best PVC Exercise Mat:
Best EVA Puzzle Mat:
Best Thick Rubber Mat:


 

 

Noise Reducing Treadmill Mat – Why Get One?

Treadmills can weigh up to 300 lbs. The person on the machine will probably weigh at least 100 lbs.–probably more. In my case, much more. Treadmills usually have 6 points of contact with the floor. There is going to be a lot of weight and impact on those points as someone walks or runs on the machine. This transfers directly onto the floor in a very small area. (Even giving the treadmill feet the benefit of the doubt, there is not much more than 6 square inches in total touching the floor.)

There is also the noise of the motor, belt, and rollers, and maybe some wheezing and grunting. A good treadmill mat will reduce the noise passing into the floor.

Your treadmill mat should also be thick and strong enough to prevent damage to the floor. Concentrating that amount of weight in 2 or 3 small locations can easily damage hardwood, linoleum, and even laminate.

Treadmill belts will, over time, begin to wear small bits off them, or the motor could leak (if a bearing starts to wear out), or the runner could spill something. A good treadmill mat can also protect your floor from these problems.

 

10 Best Treadmill Mats For Noise Reduction

Here are 10 of the best vibration absorbing treadmill mats available. We have included thin rubber, thick rubber, EVA foam, and PVC mats. 

 

1) RevTime Heavy Duty Rubber Treadmill Mat

The RevTime Heavy Duty Rubber Treadmill Mat is most commonly used to provide noise reduction for heavier exercise equipment. The large 78″ x 36″ design is suitable to be used under most exercise equipment. Made of heavy duty SBR and EPDM rubber, it is more durable than foam based mats. The 3 mm thick heavy weight mat is virtually immovable and non-slip.

This mat is suitable for use on carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile. It is odorless, non-toxic, anti-slip, and anti-shock.

 

The Good

  • Large heavy rubber mat 78″ x 36″
  • Most commonly used for noise reduction
  • 1/8″ thick
  • Made of SBR and EPDM rubber
  • Suitable for carpet, hardwood, laminate
  • Odorless, non-toxic, anti-slip, anti-shock

 

The Not so Good

  • Some complaints about odor

 

2) PEXMOR Treadmill Mat for Hardwood Floors

This PEXMOR Treadmill Mat for Hardwood Floors is available in 2 sizes–3′ x 8′ and 3′ x 6.5′. (I have seen treadmills 7′ long making standard sized mats too short.) Made of high quality PVC, this mat is almost 1/4″ thick. It absorbs machine vibrations and reduces other equipment noise. The non-slip textured surface helps keep machines in place during use.

The PEXMOR is suitable for treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, among other machines. It can also be used for aerobics and as an exercise mat. Easy to clean with a damp cloth.

 

The Good

  • High quality PVC
  • 1/4″ thick
  • 2 sizes
  • Absorbs vibrations and other equipment noises
  • Suitable for treadmills and other exercise equipment
  • Easy clean

 

The Not so Good

 

3) Rubber-Cal Eco-Sport Interlocking Mat

 

Rubber-Cal Eco-Sport Interlocking Mats are manufactured from recycled rubber–3/4″ thick industrial grade. Made to absorb shocks and vibrations from industrial machinery, these mats work exceptionally well to reduce noise from treadmills and other exercise equipment. 

These mats are available in 4 colors–coal black, red, blue, and green. They are 20″ x 20″ with predrilled holes around the edges and dowels to fit, and hold, them together. Sold in packages of 5 mats. Easy to clean and suitable for numerous applications–exercise rooms, gyms, garages, basements, indoor, and out door.

 

The Good

  • Industrial grade 3/4″ thick recycled rubber mat
  • Made to absorb shocks and vibrations from industrial equipment
  • Great for noise and vibration reduction of treadmills
  • 20″ x 20″ mats – shipped in packs of 5
  • Available in 4 colors – coal, red, blue, green
  • Suitable for exercise rooms, gyms, indoor, outdoor

 

The Not so Good

 

4) BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Treadmill Mat

The BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Treadmill Mat is available in two sizes–2 1/2′ x 5′ and 3′ x 6 1/2′–that should fit most exercise equipment. The anti slip properties protect both the floor and equipment. It is suitable for all types of floors–hardwood, laminate, tile and carpet. Moisture resistant technology makes it easy to clean with just soap and water.

The high density PVC material absorbs vibrations and reduces machine noise providing quieter workouts for neighbors and family members. It will not bleed color into, or onto, the floor and is covered by BalanceFrom’s 2 year warranty and 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

 

The Good

  • High density PVC absorbs vibrations
  • Reduces machine noise
  • Anti-slip
  • Moisture resistant
  • Two sizes – 2 1/2′ x 5′ and 3′ x 6 1/2′
  • No color bleed
  • 2 year warranty with 100% satisfaction guarantee

 

The Not so Good

  • Some hesitation to trust reviews because of free gift offer for a good review

 

5) ProsourceFit Puzzle 1/2″ Treadmill & Exercise Mat  

The ProsourceFit Puzzle 1/2″ Treadmill & Exercise Mat is an excellent mat for treadmills and other exercise equipment, or as a workout mat. You can buy as many or as few pieces as necessary for your needs. It is available in 3 colors–black, blue, and grey. Also available in 3 thicknesses–1/2:, 3/4″, and 1″ for even more vibration absorption and noise reduction.

The non-skid textured tiles protect floors and provide a comfortable workout mat. They are compatible with any type of floor–hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet. Each tile is 24″ x 24″ and the packages include enough border pieces to provide a finished perimeter.

 

The Good

  • Thick EVA foam absorbs vibrations and reduces noise
  • Available in three thicknesses – 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
  • Versatile – can make any size required
  • 3 colors – black, blue, grey
  • Each tile is 24″ x 24″ c/w border pieces
  • Compatible with any flooring

 

The Not so Good

  • May require double sided tape to keep in place
  • Some issues with a second order not matching a first order

 

6) Rubber-Cal Maxx Tuff Heavy Duty Protective Mat

The Rubber-Cal Maxx Tuff Heavy Duty Protective Mat is 1/2″ thick vulcanized rubber. Originally designed for use under heavy industrial machinery, it has also found a home under heavy exercise equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines. These mats do a great job of absorbing vibrations, shock, and sound. 

Manufactured of reclaimed rubber, they are heavy, non-slip (both sides), and easy to clean. Compatible with all types of flooring–hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet, they will protect floors from even the most intense workout on any machine. Virtually impervious to weather, they are an excellent option for either indoor or outdoor use.

 

The Good

  • Absorb vibrations, shock, and sound
  • 1/2″ thick reclaimed rubber
  • Work under all exercise equipment
  • Non-slip and easy to clean
  • Compatible with all types of flooring
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Available in multiple sizes – 2′ x 3′, 3′ x 4′, 4′ x 6′ 

 

The Not so Good

  • Some complaints of strong chemical smell. Said to dissipate if left outside

 

7) AR-PRO Shock Absorbent Exercise Equipment Mats 

The AR-PRO Shock Absorbent Exercise Equipment Mats are 4″ x 4″ pads made to be placed under the individual feet, legs, or rollers of the treadmill. These shock absorbing pads are a full 1/2″ thick made of high density rubber. Their unique punched design increases friction between pad and floor to reduce movement on the floor preventing damage. It also reduces vibration, making for quieter workouts.

Perfect for all types of flooring–hardwood, tile, laminate, and perfect for all types of exercise equipment–treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and more. The non-slip design will work for all of them.

 

The Good

  • Inexpensive individual pads for treadmill feet
  • Full 1/2″ thick
  • Made of high density rubber
  • Reduces machine vibration
  • Protects floors
  • Non-slip design

 

The Not so Good

  • A little more difficult to position under the machine feet than a mat

 

8) SuperMats High Density Commercial Grade Solid Equipment Mat 

The SuperMats High Density Commercial Grade Solid Equipment Mat is manufactured in the USA since 1985. This super tough mat is 36″ x 78″ and approximately 1/4″ thick. It dampens vibrations and muffles equipment noise to provide peace and quiet to neighbors and your family. This mat protects any type of flooring–hardwood, laminate, carpet–from heavy exercise equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, bikes, etc.

Available in black or grey and in multiple sizes to suit your equipment. Made in the USA from parts sourced in the USA. It contains no harmful chemicals and is safe for children and pets.

 

The Good

  • Dampens vibrations and muffles equipment noise
  • Approximately 1/4″ thick
  • Protects all types of flooring
  • Made for heavy exercise equipment – treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, etc.
  • Available in 2 colors – black or grey
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • USA made since 1985

 

The Not so Good

  • A few complaints that it is too soft

 

9) Stamina Fold-to-Fit Equipment Mat

The Stamina Fold-to-Fit Equipment Mat is 84″ long x 36″ wide x 1/4″ thick–making it large enough for almost all types of exercise equipment including treadmills, rowers, bikes, and more. The mat has seven 12″ folding sections allowing you to easily customize the length to accommodate smaller equipment and save space. Closed cell foam and tough design absorbs vibrations, reduces noise, and protects both floors and equipment. 

It has a textured ‘grippy’ surface to prevent slippage, which is especially beneficial on hardwood, laminate, tiled, or linoleum floors. The mat will also protect carpets. As with most Stamina products, this mat comes with a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee.

Stamina Products was founded, and still operates, in Springfield, Missouri.

 

The Good

  • Large equipment mat – 84″ x 36″ x 1/4″ thick
  • Length is foldable in 12″ increments
  • Good for all types and sizes of exercise equipment
  • Closed cell foam absorbs vibrations and reduces noise
  • Protects all types of floors
  • Non-slip easy clean surface
  • USA company founded in 1987
  • 30 day money back guarantee

 

The Not so Good

  • Virtually none

 

10) Kasmet Home Gym Non-Slip Equipment Mat

The Kasmet Home Gym Non-Slip Equipment Mat is made of 100% heavy duty PVC. These black mats are available in 3 sizes–small 47″ x 27.5″, large 71″ x 38.6″, extra large 96″ x 38″. All sizes are 1/4″ thick. The glossy, high density foam has a non-slip surface and has a weight capacity of 600 kilograms (over 1200 lbs.).

This mat dampens vibrations, reduces noise and protects all types of flooring. It will not bleed color to stain hardwood, laminate, or carpet. It is also non-toxic and odor free. Water resistant and self-healing (marks and indentations will return to original shape when weight is removed), it is easy to keep clean. The 2 year money back guarantee provides peace of mind.

 

The Good

  • Available in multiple sizes – small, large, extra large
  • 1/4″ thick heavy duty PVC mats
  • Non-slip easy clean surface
  • Weight capacity over 1200 lbs.
  • Dampens vibrations, reduces noise
  • Protects all types of floors
  • 2 year money back guarantee

 

The Not so Good

  • Virtually none

 

Treadmill Noise

Most treadmills will produce between 50 and 70 decibels of noise. (Somewhere between the sound of a refrigerator and a dishwasher.) But, depending on the construction of your house or apartment building, that can be amplified up to 100 decibels (noise made by a handheld drill) in the room below because of vibration and impact of running on the machine. This is why anti vibration mats can be a necessity. 

If you are in the process of buying a new treadmill, make sure you look for a quiet one such as the NordicTrack T Series. You should still use a mat to reduce the noise even more. 

If you prefer a bike, please see our article The Quietest Exercise Bike of 2023.

 

How We Chose the Best Treadmill Mats For Noise Reduction

This appears to be–and probably is–a long list of considerations. But most of us probably think about quite a few of these things–consciously or subconsciously–every time we buy something.

 

Material

Treadmill mats are made from one of 3 materials.

  • EVA Foam. Usually available in puzzle format, it is fairly soft and has many of the same qualities as rubber–absorbs vibrations, dampens noise, protects floors, non-slip. But it is lighter and not as durable.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Generally the least expensive type of full size mat available. Provides good sound reduction. May have to be taped down. Easy to clean. May have an off gassing issue.
  • Rubber. Usually made from blend of SBR and EPDM or recycled vehicle tires. Very durable. Excellent at absorbing vibrations and sound reduction. A once and done purchase. Tend to be more expensive.

 

Durability

Treadmill mat durability is highly dependent on the treadmill user. If, like me, you just want to keep the joints from seizing up–the mat will last forever. If you are training to run the Miracle Mile, it will have a much shorter life span.

Note: Because of my advanced age, The Miracle Mile is not a movie in my world.

 

Dimensions

The most common size of treadmill mats is 78″ long x 36″ wide and should fit under most machines. Measure your machine before ordering the mat. Don’t worry about handles that extend past the main body of the machine. You want a mat that extends about 6″ past the treadmill in all directions. Having your treadmill feet sitting right on the edge of the mat does not provide enough material around the feet to protect the floor or act as an effective vibration absorber and noise reducer.

 

Thickness

Typically, treadmill mats range in thickness from a little less than a quarter inch to around 3/8 inch. Being this thin allows for them to be rolled up or folded up (if designed for it) when not in use. The downside of the mats being that thin is the increased possibility of tearing or being compressed by heavy machines. Tears and holes in mats are not always noticed early enough to prevent floor damage. And even having one leg on the floor will increase vibrations and noise. At least partly because the machine will be slightly off level.

Unfortunately, the thickness of the mat will not always be a good indicator of how well the material will stand up. Although I am nowhere near being a chemical engineer, I suspect that the way SBR and EPDM rubber is combined or PVC is made determines wearability and tearability. 

If your treadmill never–or very rarely–moves, then thicker is invariably better. Some of the 1/2″ (or thicker) mats on the list will provide superior vibration absorption and sound damping. They also provide much better floor protection. The heavy rubber ones do not roll up or fold up. But the thick puzzle mat comes apart easily and can be stored or even just leaned in a corner.

Note: I know a little about PVC from the window business. Some frame extrusions are brittle, some soft and pliable, some tougher than a $2.00 steak (as the saying goes). All of this depends on the combination of the chemical mix and the beads.

 

Maintenance

Other than cleaning, there is not much maintenance required on a treadmill mat. And because most mats are impermeable, even cleaning usually consists of  just wiping them down with a soft wet cloth. If heavier cleaning is required–because someone using it gets enough sweat on it to make it smell like a wrestler’s armpit–dish soap or any non-abrasive product should solve the problem.

Although your mat should not deteriorate, your treadmill can. The treadmill can deposit oil and bits and pieces of belt on the mat. Running the vacuum over it before wiping it down may become necessary.

 

Brand

Buying from a company whose advertising reads “Makers of fine treadmill mats since Thursday. Cheap.” may not be the best plan. With so many products looking like knock offs, it is a good idea to check into the background of the manufacturer. In my mind, the longer they have been around, the more likely they will be to protect their reputation. By honoring warranties and providing quality service for quality products.

 

Warranty

Most treadmill mat manufacturers seem a little shy about providing any warranty information. I listed any warranties or guarantees I could find because I consider a company’s warranty as an advertisement of their faith in their own product. Before buying, make sure you find our what the warranty covers, and for what length of time, and what kind of hoops you will have to jump through to make a claim.

 

Cost

Treadmill mats will range in price from around $20.00 to over $200.00. The most inexpensive mats will probably be the 4″ x 4″ individual pads, although you may also see full sized mats for that price. Cheap full sized mats are much more likely to compress, tear, and be less durable. For first time treadmill buyers, make sure you get a decent mat so your equipment experience is complete. You should expect to spend well under $100.00 for a reasonable mat of the proper size and decent thickness.

Anyone who has used a treadmill for some time probably has a fair idea of what she/he wants and needs in a treadmill mat. Hopefully the list we provided will help add some clarity to your choice.

 

Customer Ratings

I almost always look at customer ratings before buying–specially for products I am unfamiliar with. I am more inclined to seriously consider spending money on something with good reviews. Unfortunately, the cynic in me is losing a little faith in ratings. The more I hear about companies offering free gifts for 4 and 5 star ratings, the more ratings I see from people who received the product free, and the more ratings I read that look like they were run through translation soft wear–the less I rely on them. 

I still consider customer ratings a valuable tool. I am just a little more judicious. Just because a delivery company apparently tied a rope to it and dragged it down a gravel road, that does not, in my opinion, reflect on product quality.

Note: Many excellent looking products do not make my lists because of poor customer ratings. Just as I suspect, many people will not buy a product with too many bad ratings.

 

Noise Reducing Treadmill Mat Definitions

To help make your decision easier, here are explanations of some of the products used to make treadmill mats.

 

Types of Rubber Used in Treadmill Mats

  • SBR Rubber. SBR stands for Styrene Butadiene Rubber–a synthetic rubber with good abrasion resistance and good aging stability.
  • EPDM Rubber. EPDM stand for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer–a synthetic rubber that can be used to provide cushioning and elasticity.
  • Vulcanized Rubber. Vulcanization is defined as the curing of elastomers–in this case the hardening of rubber with the use of sulfur.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Polyvinyl Chloride is the world’s 3rd most produced synthetic polymer. Depending on the types of additives used it has hundreds, if not thousands of uses–including the manufacture of treadmill mats.
  • EVA Foam. Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate is an elastomeric polymer that produces materials that are rubber-like in softness and flexibility.

 

FAQs About Treadmill Mat For Noise Reduction

Here are some of the questions about noise reducing treadmill mats.

1) Do I really need a treadmill mat?

No. But not having one can be annoying–at least. A good mat absorbs noise and vibration–keeping the neighbors and family happier. It also protects your floor–be it hardwood, laminate, or carpet–from dents, scratches, liquid leaks, or stuff coming off the machines.

2) Will treadmill mat really make a difference to noise?

Yes. Even putting an old rug or blanket under your treadmill will make it quieter. But treadmill mats are designed to absorb vibrations, reduce noise, provide impact protection, and to be slip resistant. 

3) Can you soundproof a treadmill?

Not in the true sense of the word. Treadmills are kind of wide open to the room. The motor, belt, media (if used). But you can attenuate the noise and vibrations transmitted to the floor with a good noise reducing treadmill mat which will absorb and dampen the sounds.

4) What is the best thickness for a treadmill mat?

Generally thicker is better. 3/8″ or more is a standard recommendation. But keep in mind that treadmill mats are designed to have heavy exercise equipment on them. And to absorb vibrations and noise. So most of the good ones, regardless of thickness, are manufactured from heavy and dense rubber or PVC. 

5) Which type of treadmill mat is better–rubber, EVA foam, or PVC?

All 3 products are designed to reduce treadmill noise and protect floors. Rubber mats are harder, and the thicker ones offer more protection. EVA foam is a bit softer and the puzzle mats offer more versatility. PVC mats are thinner and a little softer. Personally, I like the EVA puzzle mats because I can make the treadmill mat as big or small as I want and choose from many colors, and mat thickness.

 

 


Terry Schutz

I have worked as a contractor, sales person, and business owner in the construction industry for over three decades--mostly in home renovations and also as a home builder. I have been married to the same wife for 46 years. We have 3 children and 4 granddaughters. I have also been writing semi-professionally for about 20 years--construction articles, personal stories, and politically incorrect social commentary.


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