When the rainy and colder seasons hit, it becomes increasingly harder to go on runs or even mild walks. And we know regular runs can do wonders to the body and mind, therefore it’s understandable that people would want to keep up that habit.
Maybe in order to do that, you are thinking of buying a treadmill but also are hesitant because you are curious to know the effect it might have on your laminate floor or, more specifically, if it might damage the floor.
Let us explore the damages a treadmill can do to laminate floors and maybe even find a solution to prevent.
Will a treadmill damage the laminate floor?
Treadmill can damage your laminate floor. The weight of the treadmill combined with the friction and vibration produced while it is being used can cause damage to the floor. The laminated floors will put up with damages like dents, scratches, or even cracks which will only get worse with time & use.
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When you first begin to use the treadmill on a laminate floor, the signs of damage will be minor and unnoticeable.
But as you will continue to use the treadmill on top of a bare laminate floor, the dents will get deeper and also larger.
Simultaneously, the scratches will start to scrape away at the glossy wood of your floor where it came into contact with the underside of the treadmill. In some cases, after prolonged use of a treadmill, laminate flooring begins to show signs of cracks.
Something else you will come to notice over time is your laminate floor will begin to get squeaky due to the bouncing motion of the treadmill when it’s in use.
Can I put a treadmill on the laminate floor?
Technically, you can! As long as the floor is clean and the surface is flat with no ridges or unevenness, you can put a treadmill on top of the laminate floor. It will definitely stand up-right on the floor and will not wobble while you use it.
However, you have to take the damage it will cause into consideration.
Maybe it won’t happen overnight but slowly you will start to notice the damage on your laminate floor which will not only ruin the appearance of your floors but you might even have to end up replacing the whole flooring.
Why shouldn’t you put a treadmill over laminate flooring?
Before you decide to move your treadmill on a laminate floor with no padding separating the two, you need to consider some irrefutable facts to ensure the safety of your floor and also the machine, which undoubtedly cost you a pretty penny.
Here are some reasons why you should not put a treadmill directly over laminate flooring:
Weight of the machine:
A treadmill can weigh anywhere from 200lbs up to 440lbs and to that add the weight of the person using it. It is a lot of pressure on the floor with no protection in between the two.
Dents and cracks:
It can leave indentions that can even deepen over time on your floor as you continue to use the treadmill and sometimes what starts as innocuous dents may begin to morph into large cracks on the floor.
Scratches due to instability:
A treadmill placed directly on top of the laminate floor will be unstable as it has nothing to grip onto. Laminate floor will slip and slide while someone is running on it which will then cause unattractive scratches on your floor.
Squeaky noise:
When we run or jog on a treadmill, a bouncing vibration is created and as you continue to use the treadmill atop the floor, over time it will turn the laminate floor squeaky, and just walking by that area will cause the wood to groan and squeak.
Read,more, How Much Weight Can Laminate Floor Support?
What is the best way to keep your treadmill from ruining your laminate floors over time?
Despite all the possible damages a treadmill can cause on a laminate floor, there is a surprisingly simple trick you can use in order to keep both your treadmill and your laminate floor relatively safe.
You need to invest in a good quality rubber mat. There are ones specially made to cover the floor beneath a treadmill which you can sometimes buy with a treadmill.
If you are still unconvinced, here is a list of all the reasons why adding a mat can be beneficial for both treadmill and the laminate floor.
To protect the floor:
Putting a rubber mat beneath a treadmill helps protect the floor from dents and also cracks that may appear on the floor over time from the pressure and motions of the treadmill.
Help keep the treadmill more stable:
A rubber mat will make the treadmill much more stable and stop it from slipping and sliding on the glossy laminate floor.
Absorbs vibration and noise:
A treadmill on a bare floor will make a lot of noise but the rubber mat will almost act as a sponge. It will help ‘soak’ up the vibration and noise created by the treadmill and reduce noise pollution.
Help avoid spillage and stains:
When a treadmill is used, a lubricant is released to help it run smoothly and prevent rust. It tends to spill down onto the floor. The mat will absorb it, and you won’t have to clean the floor after every use.
Should you put a mat under a treadmill? – Placing on laminate floor
Yes, absolutely! It is one of the best and most foolproof ways to protect both the treadmill and the laminate flooring.
It might seem insignificant but the benefits you get from rubber mats under the treadmill are unlimited. If used properly, it might even extend the longevity of the treadmill and floor.
There is a wide selection of treadmill mats available in-store and online. But the best course of action would be to buy the one recommended by the manufacturer of your treadmill.
Often, they know which mats are the best for which individual treadmill based on weight, size, and functions. Sometimes they even have mats specifically made for each design of the treadmill.
Will treadmill mats really protect your laminate floors?
It is natural to be skeptical to invest in accessories that are being advertised with your treadmill. But unlike other gimmicky products, the rubber mat has proved to be worthy of reducing damages to the floor.
Simply by placing the mat strategically on top of your laminate floor you can protect it from damages likely to be caused by the treadmill if it’s placed on the floor with no padding.
What can damage laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also one of the most durable flooring materials in the market. But they can be damaged too. Here are the few things that can damage a laminate floor.
Water:
Laminate flooring tends to be water-resistant but it is not water-proof. Small water spills on the floor that get wiped quickly won’t affect the flooring.
However, when water is left on the floor for too long, the moisture will cause the floor to buckle. To avoid that, it is pertinent to wipe away any water spills on the floor.
Furniture:
When furniture is regularly moved or slid on the laminate floor, it will scratch the top layer of the laminate floor.
To avoid this, either lift the furniture to move it or use padding on the bottom of the furniture and slide it to the desired spot. Try to avoid dragging furniture at all costs to prevent scratches.
Termites:
Laminate flooring has wooden elements in them which makes them a target for termites.
They are known for chewing through the laminate and forming small holes on them. To save yourself from this, try to buy laminate flooring that comes with a termite warranty.
How do I protect my treadmill floor?
The best way to protect your treadmill floor would be by placing a mat underneath it to act as a buffer between the treadmill and the floor.
Even if you plan on placing it on top of your carpet, it is best to use a mat as padding between the two in order to protect the treadmill floor. A treadmill can damage carpets as well if it stays on top of it long enough.
Where should I put my treadmill in my house?
You need to find a room in your house with minimal direct sunlight, heat and also somewhere dry and little chances of water spillage. Also, someplace the sound of the treadmill would not reach and disturb others.
Ideally, that would either be your garage or basement. But if you live somewhere with limited space. The living room can be a great place too.
You can watch television while running and also the chances of your treadmill getting in the way will be lower than the kitchen or bedroom.
Whether you are trying to lose a few extra pounds or to build your stamina, investing in a treadmill will be a great idea.
But before you commit, it is better to consider the available space and also take into consideration things that will protect your flooring and also walls. If you look in the right places, you will be sure to find a treadmill that suits your specifications perfectly.