Frequently Asked Questions

Product Technology & Manufacturing

Who is North West Rubber?

FitFloor™️  products are manufactured by North West Rubber – the largest manufacturer of recycled rubber products in the world, with over 50 years of leadership in producing innovative flooring and matting products that lead the way in strength, safety, and sustainability. We own and operate manufacturing facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, Beijing, Texas, and Quebec. We have been proudly protecting the environment by recycling over a billion pounds of scrap tire rubber into useful products since 1968.

When I first unboxed my FitFloor™️ product, I noticed a rubber odour. Is it safe and non-toxic?
Yes! Recycled rubber is safe based on many published reports, including dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies and a comprehensive 2019 study conducted by the US-EPA. These reports all agree that recycled tire crumb rubber is safe and poses no significant health, air quality, or environmental risks. The rubber smell will dissipate with ventilation and time, however, if you are particularly sensitive to odour and fragrance, we recommend placing the product in your garage with the doors open or outside on a covered deck or porch for 4-5 days to aid in the odour dissipation.
What’s the difference between foam gym mats and tiles and FitFloor™️ performance rubber flooring?

Polyethylene foam mats and tiles are inexpensive for a reason. They are soft and comfortable making them ideal for yoga or a child’s playroom, but cannot provide the same level of protection from the demands and high impacts of a comprehensive home workout that includes aerobics, cardio, and strength-training equipment, weight lifting, and plyometrics. Foam tears easily is more difficult to clean and provides little antibacterial protection. FitFloor™ products are engineered from 100% high-density, vulcanized recycled rubber. This unique vulcanization manufacturing process means there are no pores for water or sweat to seep into giving you antimicrobial protection and commercial grade durability. Used in commercial sports complexes, ice rinks, and gyms all across North America for the last 20 years, FitFloor™ is engineered to last.

Why is a Vulcanized Rubber floor superior to a Polyurethane Bound Rubber floor?

All rubber flooring is not created equal! Polyurethane-bound crumb rubber flooring is porous and will absorb water and sweat which causes odor and bacteria and which will degrade the floor over time. FitFloor™ products are engineered from 100% high-density, vulcanized recycled rubber. This unique vulcanization manufacturing process means there are no pores for water or sweat to seep into giving you antimicrobial protection and commercial-grade durability. Used in commercial sports complexes, ice rinks, and gyms all across North America for the last 20 years, FitFloor is engineered to last.

What makes FitFloor™️ the best performing rubber gym flooring on the market?

Long used by commercial sports complexes, professional sports training facilities, and commercial gyms, FitFloor™’ s vulcanized recycled rubber was engineered for the demands of these high-traffic facilities and can withstand skate blades, cleated shoes, and extreme weight drops. Unlike polyurethane-bound recycled rubber flooring which can puncture and tear, FitFloor will provide your home gym with a virtually indestructible foundation. In addition, FitFloor absorbs up to 20 times less moisture than polyurethane recycled rubber alternatives because there are no pores for moisture such as water and sweat to seep into and most importantly no way for bacteria to enter. With over 7 million square feet installed in commercial gyms and ice rinks, FitFloor is proven to last.

Usage

How do I choose the right FitFloor™️ product for my needs?

FitFloor™, FitFloor™ PRO, and FitFloor™ MAX each offer different characteristics (resistance, friction, impact absorption, noise and vibration absorption, etc.) that will determine what activities it is suitable for. It is important to select flooring based on the activities which will be performed on it. FitFloor™ is 8mm (5/16”) thick and is ideal for aerobics, under cardio and strength training equipment, and for light-free weights. FitFloor™ PRO is 10mm (~3/8”) thick and is ideal for all FitFloor™ applications plus the demands of your high-impact workouts such as plyometrics, Cross Fit, and moderate to heavy weight lifting. For the ultimate protection, select FitFloor™ MAX which is 12mm (~1/2”) thick and ideal for all FitFloor™ and FitFloor™ PRO applications plus extreme plyometrics, Cross Fit, and very heavy weight lifting.

Why should I choose FitFloor™️ performance rubber flooring for my home gym?

Whether you’re working out to improve your muscle tone and overall conditioning, to burn off excess energy and de-stress, or are an aspiring athlete training for your next big event, FitFloor™ is the professional-grade performance rubber flooring of choice with over 7 million square feet installed in sports facilities and commercial gyms across North America. FitFloor™ now brings its tried and trusted protection, antimicrobial hygiene, and outstanding durability into the home gym as the perfect support for moderate to heavy weights, plyometrics, aerobics, and cardio training activities. FitFloor™ is available in 3 thicknesses depending on the demands of your workout routine and is offered in a variety of colors.

Cleaning & Installation

What is the best way to clean my FitFloor™️ product?
FitFloor™ recycled rubber flooring can be cleaned much like carpeting by vacuuming to keep dust to a minimum. Damp mop as needed with a mild soap and water solution using a mild cleanser such as Dawn dish detergent. Be sure to use a clean mop to keep your floor smelling fresh and clean. Sealing the floor is not recommended. It is important not to use any solvent or oil-based cleaners such as Pinesol, Lysol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD40, paint thinner, etc. since these types of cleaners will break down the flooring over time.
Does FitFloor™️ need to be glued to the subfloor?
No, FitFloor™ uses a loose-lay installation, so there is no need for any special tools, underlay or glue.
What surfaces can FitFloor™️ be installed over?
FitFloor™ can be installed over any clean, flat, dry surface including stone, tile, wood, vinyl, and concrete. While it is possible to install rubber flooring over low-pile carpet, we do not recommend this because softer surfaces can affect the connection of interlocking tiles and because the recycled rubber material could stain the carpet.
Are FitFloor™️ interlocking tiles easy to install? Will I be able to install the flooring myself?
With FitFloor™’ s loose-lay installation, there is no need for any special tools, underlay or glue. FitFloor™ and FitFloor™ PRO 2’ x 2’ interlocking tiles each include 2 removable edges which allow each tile to act as a center tile (remove both edges), border tile (remove one edge), and corner tile (leave both edges attached). FitFloor™ MAX’s 3’ x 3’ dedicated center, corner and border tiles are even easier and provide fewer overall seams for your installation. For your convenience, FitFloor™ interlocking tiles can easily be removed and stacked in a closet or moved to another area of your home as needed.
How do I install FitFloor™️ products?

Please refer to our installation video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oimEuEJTg9U

Warranty

What is the warranty on FitFloor™️ products?
NWR warrants the product to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of 5 Years and agrees to replace those products which disclose such defects when used under normal conditions. Unless otherwise approved by NWR, this warranty will commence on the date of sale as documented by an invoice or bill of lading with the Original Purchaser. Refer to the warranty portion of our website for full details.

Sustainability

Are FitFloor™️ products environmentally friendly?

Yes, for over 50 years, NWR has partnered with governments, industry stewardship groups, and other environmentally conscious organizations across North America to reduce the number of end-of-life tires destined for the landfill. We have transformed well over a billion pounds of scrap tire rubber into useful, recycled products with our clean energy, closed-loop production process which generates virtually zero rubber waste during manufacturing. All FitFloor™ manufacturing surpluses (off-cuts, residual materials, etc.) go straight back into production to create our FitFloor™ performance rubber flooring.

Where to Buy

Where can I buy FitFloor™️ Products?

FitFloor™️ products are distributed across the United States and Canada. You can purchase our products through one of our partners here.  If you cannot find a location near you, please contact our customer support team here or call us toll-free at: 1.888.222.1073. We will be happy to help.

How to Contact/Discuss a Project

How can I get a sample of one of your products?

Should you wish to receive a product sample so that you can evaluate which product and color is right for you before placing your order, please request a sample from here https://fitfloor.com/pages/request-a-sample

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