Recycling old Car Tires into Gym Tiles

Recycling old Car Tires into Gym Tiles. How many Car Tires it take to make a Rubber Gym Tile.

Why Recycled Rubber Is the Best Gym Flooring

When setting up a gym, choosing the right flooring is critical for safety, durability, and aesthetics. Legend Rubber Gym Tiles, particularly the 1m x 1m x 15mm variety, are a top choice for fitness facilities worldwide due to their superior performance and eco-friendly composition. Made from recycled car tires, these tiles offer unmatched durability, shock absorption, and sustainability. In this blog, we’ll explore how many tires it takes to create a single 1m x 1m x 15mm Legend Rubber Gym Tile and why recycled rubber car tires make the best gym flooring.

How Many Tires for a Rubber Gym Tile?

To determine the number of car tires required to produce a single 1m x 1m x 15mm Legend Rubber Gym Tile, we need to break down the process of transforming recycled tires into gym flooring.

Step 1: Calculate the Tile’s Volume

A Legend Rubber Gym Tile measures 1 meter by 1 meter with a thickness of 15mm (0.015 meters). The volume of one tile is:

• Volume = Area × Thickness = 1 m² × 0.015 m = 0.015 cubic meters (m³).

Step 2: Account for Rubber Content

Legend Rubber Gym Tiles are primarily made from recycled tire rubber (crumb rubber) combined with a polyurethane binder and often feature a 2mm performance wear layer with EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) flecks for color and durability. According to product specifications, these tiles are constructed using a lamination process, with a 13mm shock pad and a 2mm top layer, and contain approximately 6% EPDM flecks for vibrant color.

Assuming the tiles are ~90% recycled tire rubber (with the remaining 10% being binder and EPDM), the volume of recycled rubber needed is:

• Rubber volume = 0.015 m³ × 0.9 = 0.0135 m³.

Step 3: Estimate Rubber Yield from a Car Tire

An average passenger car tire weighs about 10 kg, with approximately 55% of its weight being recoverable rubber (after removing steel belts and textiles), yielding ~5.5 kg of crumb rubber per tire. The density of crumb rubber used in Legend tiles is approximately 930 kg/m³, as noted for similar high-quality gym tiles.

• Volume of rubber per tire = 5.5 kg ÷ 930 kg/m³ ≈ 0.00591 m³.

Step 4: Calculate Tires Needed

To find the number of tires required for one tile:

• Tires per tile = 0.0135 m³ ÷ 0.00591 m³/tire ≈ 2.28 tires.

Accounting for ~15% material loss during recycling (due to shredding and cleaning):

• Adjusted rubber volume = 0.0135 m³ ÷ (1 – 0.15) ≈ 0.01588 m³.

• Adjusted tires = 0.01588 m³ ÷ 0.00591 m³/tire ≈ 2.69 tires.

Thus, it takes approximately 2.7 car tires to produce one 1m x 1m x 15mm Legend Rubber Gym Tile, rounded up to 3 tires for practical purposes.

Why Recycled Rubber Car Tires Make the Best Gym Flooring

Recycled rubber from car tires is the gold standard for gym flooring, and Legend Rubber Gym Tiles exemplify why. Here’s a deep dive into the benefits that make this material ideal for fitness environments.

1. Unmatched Durability

Car tires are designed to withstand extreme conditions—highway speeds, heavy loads, and harsh weather. When recycled into crumb rubber, this durability translates into gym flooring that can endure intense workouts, heavy equipment, and constant foot traffic. Legend Rubber Gym Tiles are engineered to resist wear and tear, ensuring a long lifespan even in high-impact settings like CrossFit boxes or commercial gyms.

2. Superior Shock Absorption

The 15mm thickness of Legend Rubber Gym Tiles, with a 13mm shock pad and 2mm performance layer, provides excellent impact absorption. This reduces stress on joints during high-impact exercises like weightlifting or plyometrics, protecting athletes and equipment. The shock-absorbing properties also minimize noise and vibration, making them ideal for multi-story buildings or home gyms.

3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Recycling car tires into gym flooring diverts millions of tires from landfills, reducing environmental impact. For example, companies like A1 Rubber report that their tiles help repurpose approximately 30 million tires annually in Australia alone. Legend tiles, made from premium-grade recycled rubber, contribute to a smaller carbon footprint compared to virgin materials, aligning with sustainable fitness practices.

4. Non-Slip and Safe

Car tires are inherently water-resistant and provide excellent traction. Recycled rubber tiles, like Legend’s, offer superior slip resistance in wet or dry conditions, enhancing safety during sweaty workouts. The non-porous finish of these tiles also resists stains and odors, making maintenance a breeze—simply vacuum and mop.

5. Aesthetic Appeal and Customization

Legend Rubber Gym Tiles stand out with up to 15–20% more color than competitors, thanks to EPDM flecks in options like Black with Blue, Red, or White Speckles. This vibrant look enhances the professional aesthetic of any gym, with custom colors available to match branding or decor. The shallow beveled edges ensure a seamless, polished appearance while minimizing debris buildup.

6. Easy Installation and Portability

Unlike glued-down rolled rubber, Legend tiles are modular and require no adhesives, making installation as simple as assembling a jigsaw puzzle. They can be easily relocated or expanded, offering flexibility for growing gyms or changing layouts.

7. Non-Toxic and Low Odor

High-quality Legend tiles use non-toxic MDI binding solutions, reducing harmful fumes and ensuring safety. They meet rigorous safety standards, including tests for formaldehyde, phthalates, and VOCs, making them suitable for both commercial and home environments.

Why Choose Legend Rubber Gym Tiles?

Legend Rubber Gym Tiles combine performance, sustainability, and style. Their unique lamination process, with a 13mm shock pad and 2mm wear layer, ensures superior comfort and durability. Whether you’re outfitting a home gym, CrossFit box, or commercial fitness center, these tiles provide:

• Protection: Safeguards floors and equipment from heavy impacts.

• Comfort: Reduces joint strain and fatigue during workouts.

• Versatility: Suitable for weightlifting, cardio, yoga, and more.

• Eco-Conscious Design: Made from recycled tires, supporting a greener planet.

Conclusion

Producing a single 1m x 1m x 15mm Legend Rubber Gym Tile requires approximately 3 recycled car tires, factoring in the rubber content and processing losses. These tiles exemplify why recycled rubber car tires are the best choice for gym flooring: they offer unparalleled durability, safety, and sustainability while delivering a professional, customizable look. By choosing Legend Rubber Gym Tiles, you’re investing in a high-performance, eco-friendly flooring solution that enhances your gym’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Ready to transform your fitness space? Explore Legend Rubber Gym Tiles today and build a gym that’s safe, stylish, and sustainable!