Reddit mentions: The best flooring materials

I'll be posting links to related items in Amazon and elsewhere so you can get an idea. By no means is this an endorsement for Amazon (peh, I wish) but just to get an idea of costs. This would be identical to the platform my coach and I made and it dampens sound very well. As mentioned, stable mats are quite dense and do not deaden the vibrations particularly well. Going with a composite "fleck" rubber flooring holds it's shape well and deadens the sound much better. A layer of cork between your base layers will further deaden the vibrations. Finally, making sure you have a full 8'x8' platform (or larger if you can manage it) will deaden the vibrations the most.

IF you shop around you can likely build this for under $200 (provided you can use HDF/particle board for the runway). Most likely if you are in a hurry it might cost about $50 more.

• 5 Sheets of plywood. 4 of them can be "builder grade", i.e. cheaper and 3/4" thick. Top layer will need to be as thick as the rubber sheeting you select and should be of a better quality to avoid splinters and knots. In dry climates High density particleboard actually makes a great platform because it is cheap, has a dry, paper-like texture which is great for grip, but it can swell in humid climates.
  
  
• Enough cork sheeting to sandwich a single layer on two 4'x8' sheets of plywood. amazon link for cork sheeting
  
  
• 1 roll (for an 8x8 or 8(w)x10(l) platform of fleck composite gym flooring. amazon link for gym flooring
  
  
• Flooring adhesive, 8 flat-head wood screws with washers, and 6 3/4" "taper head" wood screws.
  
  

1. Set two sheets of plywood lengthwise, lightly coat with flooring adhesive, and place a single layer of cork on top of it. Coat the top of the cork with flooring adhesive as well.
   
   
2. Layer two more sheets of plywood on top of the cork, in the opposite direction as the first layer.
   
   
3. Cut the rubber to size, using the "outside" edge for the interior so the factory cuts line up easily with your runway. Place the runway in the middle of the platform. (Note: I don't advise using flooring adhesive on the top layer if you need to replace a component it makes it much easier)
   
   
4. Secure the runway with 3 screws at the front and back (one in each corner with another in-between, none in the middle). Secure the wells (rubber) with the flat top screws and washers in each corner.
   
   
   Extra credit - lay your platform down on cheap rubber drainage mats to further ease vibrations, and to also have a place where plates can fall to the floor without damage to either plate or floor. link for drainage matting

It's great that they are free roam buns! :)

I would still consider though just gluing some colorplast or a couple carpet tiles to the wire bottom and also a fleece on the metal floor (unless that has bedding and serves as their litter tray).... bunnies feet are pretty sensitive and if they do spend time there and develop the sores it would be pretty tough to heal and be very uncomfortable/painful for the bunny.

You could do the whole set up with barely any expense, and very little time, so hopefully it would not be something too hard.

https://www.amazon.com/24-36-Coroplast-Sign-frames/dp/B00YG1PNTW/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538141593&sr=1-4&keywords=colorplast

You could secure a blanket to that with some sticky velcro. Even bare it would still be better than wood and is totally washable with water if needed.

https://www.amazon.com/Nance-Industries-17665-Commercial-Assorted/dp/B07CYTRLNH/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1538796288&sr=1-10&keywords=peel+and+stick+carpet+tiles - these are peel and stick, and you get 10 for only 28 bucks.

Thanks for the info. I don't love the idea of schlepping two 100 lb mats up 5 flights of stairs, but it looks like Amazon actually carries a 3/8" thick 4x6 rubber mat similar to the horse stall ones with free shipping, so those might be good for my purposes.

A reviewer noted that it has an odor that fades over time as well (I actually have a roof space where I do some of my workouts, though if the smell isn't too bad I don't see myself washing floor mats up there).

Do these types of rubber leave any scuff marks or anything? My hardwoods are a pretty light color.

I appreciate the advice. I'll definitely make sure to do that and play around with positioning. I completely forgot about needing speaker stands. I have a pair of wooden TV trays like this- https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/11053804?wid=520&hei=520&fmt=pjpeg

And I can also afford to buy a pair of Yoga blocks like these to place underneath the speakers- https://www.amazon.com/Reehut-1-PC-Yoga-Block-Flexibility/dp/B01LW50A1L/ref=sr_1_1?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1501115832&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=yoga%2Bblocks&th=1&psc=1

I can also get this stuff and place it at the bottom of both speakers- https://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Neoprene-Thick-CLEVERBRAND-INC/dp/B01GWD5WOW

I know it's not ideal, but with all of that do you think it will work just fine? Or is there a better solution with different materials you would recommend? Maybe placing something underneath the tray?

I saw this reviewer from NO Audiophile used a lot of miscellaneous materials to raise his speakers- http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR305/JBL_LSR_305_Desk.jpg

So maybe it's not so bad?

If you like bright rooms, you might try to find a more modern yellow color that you like that will pick up the flecks in that counter. I like these two for bright colors:

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6676-butterfield#/6676/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6677-goldenrod#/6677/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0

In other random suggestions from an internet stranger, there is such a thing as peel & stick countertop. "Instant granite". It is getting pretty decent reviews online. I have no experience with it myself, but you do not have a ton of counter space, and it is fairly affordable in small pieces. So if you get it and hate it, it would not be a big deal to get rid of. You might like the kitchen better if you didn't feel your counter came from hell. And then you could do whatever color scheme you've always dreamed of.

For example:

Great Falls for the wall color: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6495-great-falls#/6495/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0
White Marble on the counters: https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Granite-Adhesive-Laminate-Application/dp/B00DSRG376
And a touch of fake backsplash for fun (I'd use half the height of what is shown): https://www.amazon.com/Art3d-Stick-Kitchen-Backsplash-Sticker/dp/B01AJ4O8FO/

that floor tho..... I hope you get the laminates.

Yup. I have a 3 shelf entertainment center that best buy doesn't sell anymore. Putting the center on the top of it was perfect for me. Since my shelves are glass I also used this to isolate the center from any vibrations it might send to the glass. I also used it between the bookshelves and the stands because the bookshelves just sit on top of the stands and the stand legs are hollow.

Did the same with a thinner mat that was huge 15x15 that i cut to size. instead of going wall to wall, I decided to cut the mat to only about 2 feet from wall edges. this way you can feel with your feet as you start to step off play area. even a super thin mat you will be able to feel the edge and it becomes a comfort zone. I got this mat from a gym/TKD studio that was closing down. I'm pretty sure this is the exact same stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/IncStores-Flooring-Equipment-Treadmill-Elliptical/dp/B00SJN7MLK

Sounds like a decently large space. I'd start by putting these teak tiles down to make it seem more like a deck- tiles

Then make yourself a cool plant wall. Get some pots and soil and herbs from a local place and grow stuff. Even if you don't have much sun there's options for some greenery.

Hang some cool outdoor lights like these: lights

Finally, give yourself some seating with either a cafe style table and chairs, a small outdoor couch, or a couple of outdoor rocking chairs with a small side table.

1. table option
   
   
2. sofa
   
   
3. rockers

Something like this.

Yeah Ive been looking into it and its very beautiful.

Those are the exact risers, Id have to build something under it to get it risen. To be frank, its probably last on my list. I love the none squeaky and low bed, also I always fear my kitten will get squashed!

I ordered some 2x2 tiles for my basement and it was a snap. For the most part you're laying full tiles. Edge tiles need to be cut, sure, but most of them are straight cuts. There will be a handful that require more intricate cuts. I think dealing with the tiles was far easier than it would've been trying to negotiate putting down a giant roll.

I got these and loved them: http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Carpet-Tile-Random-Assorted/dp/B001PF303I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409164883&sr=8-1&keywords=commercial+carpet+tiles

I bought some heavy duty floor mats, like they have in gyms. The have edges that fit together. I drop anywhere from 1 or 2 to 4 or 5 down and have a soft, dry, clean spot to work.

Kind of like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Ergocell-Rubber-Horse-Stall-Mat/dp/B07RQVQQ3B/

With perception of sound...it's really tricky...as it is difficult to understand how sensitive of a ear your neighbor has (or the acoustics of her home)

Would you be willing to ask her help to find a way to make things better for her?

Some possibilities:

• Buy earplugs in bulk, and go around to the other apartments in your building to ask if they have sound issues (even if not from you ---- you can offer them a jar of disposable earplugs...and refill if necessary)
  
• Ask the neighbor who is most affected by the sound from your home to let you know if laying carpet tile would make a difference.
  
• Check with your neighbor regarding party plans --- maybe even invite your neighbor (and build the party according to her likes/dislikes)
  
  Btw...is your neighbor in her 30's or in her 70's?

Maybe these? These aren't as thick but they're available to ship from Amazon. Multiple cut sizes available too.

Rubber Cal Elephant Bark Floor Mat, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LT4LNS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_HKrCub1SPPV8B

Post was edited to a better priced mat with free shipping...

It's 3mm thick unsealed sheets that I used. Amazon don't stock the ones I bought, but it was something along these lines:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NATURAL-TILES-FLOOR-300x300mm-thick/dp/B00FPKV2WK/

Slightly thicker, but should do the same. Oh, and it's worth keeping an eye out for a fine grain of cork as that makes it much easier to shape.

I think it's a console sink. Haven't seen any quite like that except in old interior design books, but maybe something like this would feel similar?

And something like these [peel-n-stick tiles] (http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-Afton-Self-Stick-Diamond-Flooring/dp/B001DKNUSU) might also give a similar effect, albeit without the decorative edge.

Agreed, you can get 1 inch tiles pretty easy too:

https://www.amazon.com/Daltile-Hexagon-White-Porcelain-Mosaic/dp/B00A3CDTW6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=1+inch+hexagon+tile&qid=1567650109&s=gateway&sprefix=1inch+hexagon+tile&sr=8-3

Actually, they seem to be about 1/3 the cost of a proboard, which is considerably better. Are they flexible enough to roll up easily?

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/s/luxury-vinyl-plank

This stuff? Looks like they are still selling 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm versions.

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/Kane-County-Oak-LVP-Tranquility-2KC-KC/10039546

^ link to 2mm version

Looks like Amazon sells these too, when in stock:

https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-County-Resilient-Vinyl-Flooring/dp/B009Q6EWC6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8

Just peel and stick! Tip: Subfloor surface must be clean- smooth- and level.

^^ says Amazon

So you still might be able to get 3mm, maybe.

But I doubt you would want it, given the failure of the product.

I would guess that if the flooring gods were with you and the floor was nice and flat and the surface of a good material to which the planking' adhesive would bond well to, that this product could work as a decent flooring material. In the real world though, I would not use it...too many opportunities for failure.

I think that the fault is more on the installer than Lumber Liq. myself. The subflooring has to be flat and clean; I don't see how this would be possible w/o either pouring self leveling concrete or putting down a new plywood subfloor (plywood being 1 side pre-sanded variety) prior to install.

And plywood? Usually takes well over a month to get nice and flat...sitting in the place where its to be installed...for this application.

I know with my plywood I got, most were flat after a week but some sheets took 3 mos to get flat (I did not play the water this side-water that side game...I just let them sit against a wall so that they could breath). ..I ordered all boards at once (50 of 'em--4 ended up being extra, so pretty good estimating there) once I figured out after ripping out some carpeted areas that a new subfloor would be needed...so it did not delay my project timeline).

My advice? Tear up the vinyl, put in 3/4 hardwood or quality engr. wood (that I refuse to buy) to replace.

Want $$$ from 1st install - sue installer.

When I see "just peel and stick" .. I shudder.

Something like this ? Would allow the run off and hopefully not interfere with the bumps.

It does a bit. Another use for this foam is putting it under your pump or HDDs. I actually did this (with neoprene) in my build, but I don't have a clear picture of it. If you want "sound dampening" material, I recommend some this neoprene.

Other uses include on case panels opposite your fans, putting your actual case on the material to reduce vibration through the feet, and to fill in any gaps in your case around the rear fan area (also prevents re-circulation).

There's also products like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Metro-Products-Attic-Flooring-6-Pack/dp/B004OY8KHI/

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Theres another brand too called Attic Dek.

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Its a bit pricier than plywood but makes it easy to install, not cuts, etc. Made for 16" on center joists.

I found slightly cheaper mats that are a 10 foot roll and 1/4" thick off Amazon. Rubber flooring is stupid expensive

IncStores 1/4" Tough Rubber Roll (Black, 4' x 10') - Excellent gym floor mats for medium/large equipment and light/moderate free weights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SWPD5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_esEEAbADH680T