Standard treadmill mats are only 4 to 5mm thick, enough to protect against scratches and sweat but not much else. If you run on an upper floor, have soft flooring like vinyl plank or plush carpet, or simply want a quieter workout, a thicker mat makes a noticeable difference by absorbing more impact and vibration before it reaches the floor.
Thickness is only useful if the mat is also dense; a thick, soft mat can let a treadmill rock. We compared thick treadmill mats on true thickness, density, stability, size, grip and price, including dense rubber pads for under treadmill feet.
Below are our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews and a buying guide. For all treadmill mats, see the best treadmill mats, and for quieter floors in general, compare the best home gym flooring for noise reduction.
Top 3 Thick Treadmill Mats
GWT 1/4 in. Thick Workout Mat 36 x 78 in.
- 6mm PVC
- 36 x 78 in.
- Dual-texture non-slip
- Waterproof
Cycleclub 6mm Bike and Treadmill Mat
- 6mm PVC
- Non-slip
- Sweatproof
- Fits bikes and treadmills
Thick Treadmill Mat Comparison
| Treadmill Mats | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. GWT 1/4 in. Thick Workout Mat 36 x 78 in. | Best Thick Treadmill Mat | 6mm PVC; 36 x 78 in.; Dual-texture non-slip | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 2. GymCope 6mm Treadmill Mat | Best Large Thick Mat | 6mm dense PVC; Up to 7 x 3 ft; Textured top | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 3. Cycleclub 6mm Bike and Treadmill Mat | Best-Rated 6mm Mat | 6mm PVC; Non-slip; Sweatproof | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. SuperMats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat | Best Dense Vinyl | Dense vinyl composite; Fits large treadmills, ellipticals, rowers; Non-slip textured surface | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 5. Nisorpa 1 in. Rubber Equipment Mats (4-Pack) | Best Under-Foot Rubber Pads | Four 20 x 20 x 1 in. tiles; High-density rubber; Crush resistant | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 6. Marcy Equipment Mat | Best Foam Option | 1/4 in. EVA foam; Non-slip matte layer; Fits treadmills, bikes, benches | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 7. Amazon Basics Treadmill Mat | Best Value | High-density PVC; 72 x 30 x 0.3 in.; Non-slip | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
1. GWT 1/4 in. Thick Workout Mat 36 x 78 in. – Best Thick Treadmill Mat
- 6mm PVC
- 36 x 78 in.
- Dual-texture non-slip
- Waterproof
Pros
- ✓ Thick for a treadmill mat
- ✓ About $39
- ✓ 225 ratings
Cons
- ✗ PVC odor at first
- ✗ One size
- ✗ Heavier to fold
GWT’s 36 by 78 inch workout mat is our top thick treadmill mat because it delivers a full 1/4 inch, or about 6mm, of high-density PVC in a size large enough for full-size treadmills, at a budget price of about $39. That is noticeably thicker than the 4 to 5mm mats sold by most brands, and the extra material absorbs footfall impact and motor vibration that would otherwise travel into the floor.
GWT’s 36 by 78 inch mat is 1/4 inch (6mm) high-density PVC with a dual-texture non-slip surface and waterproof top.
Thicker than most treadmill mats.
PVC odor at first.
A dual-texture design puts a textured top under the treadmill to stop it creeping and a reinforced backing that grips the floor, and the waterproof surface wipes clean after sweaty sessions. GWT says it suits spin bikes and treadmills alike. It has a mild PVC smell at first and comes in one size, but with a 4.6-star average from more than 200 ratings, it is the best value thick mat for quieter, better-protected treadmill workouts.
Best for: Quieter treadmill running on upper floors
May not fit: Small walking pads
2. GymCope 6mm Treadmill Mat – Best Large Thick Mat
- 6mm dense PVC
- Up to 7 x 3 ft
- Textured top
- Anti-slip base
Pros
- ✓ Quiet and thick
- ✓ 576 ratings
- ✓ Many sizes
Cons
- ✗ Larger sizes cost more
- ✗ PVC odor at first
- ✗ Not foldable
GymCope’s 6mm dense PVC mat comes in sizes up to 7 by 3 ft and has nearly 600 ratings with a 4.7-star average.
GymCope’s 6mm treadmill mat comes in sizes up to 7 by 3 ft, made of dense PVC with a textured top and anti-slip base for wood, tile and carpet.
Thick, quiet and well rated.
Larger sizes cost more.
Long-deck treadmills On paper, you get 6mm dense pvc, up to 7 x 3 ft, textured top. Its biggest strengths are quiet and thick and many sizes; keep in mind larger sizes cost more before ordering.
Best for: Folding storage
May not fit: undefined
3. Cycleclub 6mm Bike and Treadmill Mat – Best-Rated 6mm Mat
- 6mm PVC
- Non-slip
- Sweatproof
- Fits bikes and treadmills
Pros
- ✓ Nearly 3,000 ratings
- ✓ Thick
- ✓ About $50
Cons
- ✗ Sized for bikes
- ✗ Too small for big treadmills
- ✗ PVC smell
Cycleclub’s 6mm mat has nearly 3,000 ratings, but it is sized mainly for bikes and compact treadmills.
Cycleclub’s 6mm mat fits bikes, treadmills and ellipticals, with a non-slip, sweatproof surface and nearly 3,000 ratings.
Thicker than standard 4mm mats.
Sized mainly for bikes.
Compact machines The specifications to note are non-slip, sweatproof, fits bikes and treadmills. In daily use the advantages are thick and about $50, and the drawbacks are too small for big treadmills and pvc smell.
Best for: Large treadmills
May not fit: undefined
4. SuperMats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat – Best Dense Vinyl
- Dense vinyl composite
- Fits large treadmills, ellipticals, rowers
- Non-slip textured surface
- Protects hardwood, tile and carpet
Pros
- ✓ 20,000+ ratings
- ✓ Durable vinyl
- ✓ Long-standing brand
Cons
- ✗ About $50
- ✗ Heavier
- ✗ Check size options
SuperMats’ heavy-duty vinyl composite mat is dense and stable under heavy treadmills, with more than 20,000 ratings.
SuperMats’ heavy-duty equipment mat uses dense vinyl composite and fits large treadmills and ellipticals. It has more than 20,000 ratings.
It protects hardwood, tile and carpet.
Check size options.
Heavy treadmills Key details include dense vinyl composite, fits large treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, non-slip textured surface. Buyers most often praise that it is 20,000+ ratings and durable vinyl, while the main trade-offs to weigh are about $50 and heavier.
Best for: Maximum cushioning
May not fit: undefined
5. Nisorpa 1 in. Rubber Equipment Mats (4-Pack) – Best Under-Foot Rubber Pads
- Four 20 x 20 x 1 in. tiles
- High-density rubber
- Crush resistant
- Anti-vibration
Pros
- ✓ Solid rubber, not foam
- ✓ Quiet
- ✓ Good under racks
Cons
- ✗ Small coverage
- ✗ 24 reviews
- ✗ About $100
Nisorpa’s 1 inch solid rubber mats can sit under treadmill feet to absorb vibration, combined with a thinner full-size mat.
Nisorpa’s 1 inch rubber mats are solid high-density rubber, not foam, in 20 by 20 inch pieces. They are crush resistant under racks and machines.
They reduce vibration and noise.
Small coverage.
Vibration control On paper, you get four 20 x 20 x 1 in. tiles, high-density rubber, crush resistant. Its biggest strengths are solid rubber, not foam and good under racks; keep in mind small coverage before ordering.
Best for: Full coverage alone
May not fit: undefined
6. Marcy Equipment Mat – Best Foam Option
- 1/4 in. EVA foam
- Non-slip matte layer
- Fits treadmills, bikes, benches
- Lightweight
Pros
- ✓ Protects floors under machines
- ✓ 5,200+ ratings
- ✓ About $36
Cons
- ✗ Thin
- ✗ Not cushioned for floor work
- ✗ Single size
Marcy’s 1/4 inch EVA foam mat is light and cushioned, with more than 5,000 ratings, best for lighter machines.
Marcy’s equipment mat is a 1/4 inch EVA foam mat with a non-slip layer, sized for treadmills, bikes and benches. It has more than 5,200 ratings.
It protects floors under machines.
Thin for floor work.
Light treadmills The specifications to note are non-slip matte layer, fits treadmills, bikes, benches, lightweight. In daily use the advantages are 5,200+ ratings and about $36, and the drawbacks are not cushioned for floor work and single size.
Best for: Heavy running
May not fit: undefined
7. Amazon Basics Treadmill Mat – Best Value
- High-density PVC
- 72 x 30 x 0.3 in.
- Non-slip
- Fits most treadmills
Pros
- ✓ 4,400+ ratings
- ✓ About $32
- ✓ Durable
Cons
- ✗ Too short for long decks
- ✗ PVC odor
- ✗ Not foldable
Amazon Basics’ 0.3 inch PVC mat is thicker than many budget mats and has more than 4,400 ratings.
Amazon Basics’ treadmill mat is high-density PVC measuring 72 by 30 inches and about 0.3 inches thick, with more than 4,400 ratings.
Proven, cheap protection under most treadmills.
Too short for some long-deck treadmills.
Most home treadmills Key details include high-density pvc, 72 x 30 x 0.3 in., non-slip. Buyers most often praise that it is 4,400+ ratings and about $32, while the main trade-offs to weigh are too short for long decks and pvc odor.
Best for: Long decks
May not fit: undefined
How to Choose a Treadmill Mat
Size: measure the treadmill footprint
The mat should extend at least a few inches beyond the treadmill on all sides. Measure the length and width of your treadmill frame, including side rails, and add six inches of margin. Full-size folding treadmills often need 78 by 36 inch mats or larger, while walking pads fit 55 by 24 inch mats. If you are unsure, size up: a mat that is slightly too large is never a problem, while a mat that is too small leaves treadmill feet on the bare floor and lets sweat and lubricant drip past the edges.
Thickness
Most treadmill mats are 4 to 6mm thick. Thicker 6mm mats absorb more vibration and noise and protect soft flooring better, while thinner mats are lighter and fold more easily. For upper floors, choose the thickest mat that fits your space. Thickness also affects stability. Very soft mats can let a treadmill rock slightly, so dense PVC or rubber is preferable to squishy foam, especially for running at higher speeds.
Material
High-density PVC is the most common material, offering durability, waterproofing and low cost. Rubber mats are heavier and grippier but more expensive and may smell. Avoid soft foam, which compresses unevenly under a treadmill. Look at the backing as well as the top: a textured or rubberized underside keeps the mat from creeping, while a smooth top makes it easy to wipe away sweat after every session.
Flooring type
On carpet, a firm mat creates a stable, level surface and reduces static and dust being pulled into the motor. On hardwood and tile, a mat prevents dents and scratches from treadmill feet and protects finishes from sweat. Non-slip backs keep mats from sliding on smooth floors. On thick, plush carpet, consider placing a thin rigid board under the mat for extra stability, and check that the treadmill’s leveling feet sit flat after you add the mat.
Noise and vibration
Mats reduce noise from footfalls and the motor and dampen vibration traveling through floors. For apartments, combine a thick mat with anti-vibration pads under treadmill feet. A mat alone will not stop all noise. Running produces impact noise that travels through joists, so lower-impact walking, a slower cadence and anti-vibration feet all help in apartments.
Cleaning and odor
Waterproof surfaces wipe clean easily. New PVC mats may smell at first; air them out before use. Unroll new mats a day before use so creases relax, and air out any PVC smell in a ventilated room or garage.
Price
Treadmill mats range from $20 for foldable PVC to $50 for thick 6mm mats in large sizes. Even a basic mat is cheap insurance against floor damage. Because mats are inexpensive, it is worth buying a good one rather than the absolute cheapest; thicker, denser mats last years longer and protect more expensive flooring.
FAQ
What is the best thick treadmill mat?
GWT’s 6mm mat is our top pick for thickness and value. GymCope’s 6mm mat is best for large treadmills, and SuperMats is the densest option. Measure your treadmill so the mat extends past every edge.
Is a thicker treadmill mat better?
Thicker, dense mats absorb more noise and vibration, but very soft mats can reduce stability. Dense PVC or rubber keeps the treadmill steady while absorbing impact.
How thick should a treadmill mat be for apartments?
At least 6mm, ideally combined with anti-vibration pads under the feet. Slower, lower-impact walking also reduces noise for neighbors.
Can I stack two mats?
Stacking can make the treadmill unstable. Use one dense mat plus rubber pads under the feet. Rubber pads under the feet spread the load and dampen vibration.
Do thick mats work on carpet?
Yes, dense thick mats help stabilize treadmills on carpet. On plush carpet, a rigid board under the mat adds stability.
Are rubber mats better than PVC?
Rubber is denser and heavier but costlier and may smell; PVC is lighter and cheaper. Air out new rubber or PVC mats before using them indoors.
Do thick mats fold?
Some do, but thicker mats fold less easily. Store foldable mats flat when possible to avoid permanent creases.
Final Verdict
GWT’s 6mm mat is our top thick treadmill mat because it delivers real thickness at a budget price. GymCope’s 6mm mat suits long treadmills, and Cycleclub is the best-rated 6mm mat for compact machines.
SuperMats is the densest, Nisorpa’s rubber pads add vibration control, Marcy is lightweight and Amazon Basics is the value pick. For carpet, see the best treadmill mats for carpet.
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