Introduction
Safety is a priority in any sports environment. Whether equipping a school gym, a community sports hall, or a martial arts dojo, the right matting can prevent injuries, protect property, and enhance overall performance. Sports safety matting provides cushioning, impact absorption, and durability, creating a safe environment for all users, from beginners to professional athletes.
At Foams4Sports, we are proud to be the leading UK manufacturer of sports safety matting, supplying schools, sports halls, leisure centres, and police facilities. Our expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to your exact requirements. This guide will walk you through the types of matting available, how to choose the right mat, installation tips, and maintenance advice to ensure your facility remains safe and functional for years to come.
Why Sports Safety Matting is Essential
High-quality matting is more than just padding. It serves several critical purposes:
Impact Absorption: Reduces the risk of injuries from falls, jumps, and high-impact activities. Protecting joints, muscles, and soft tissues ensures users can train confidently without fear of long-term damage.
Durability: Designed to withstand daily use, mats can endure the wear and tear of energetic school PE classes, rigorous martial arts sessions, or community sports events without losing their protective properties.
Hygiene: Easy-to-clean surfaces prevent bacteria and mould build-up, creating a healthy environment essential in shared or high-use facilities.
Versatility: Suitable for multiple sports and activities, from gymnastics and martial arts to pole fitness and parkour, allowing a single matting solution to serve multiple purposes.
Foams4Sports mats are designed with these principles in mind, offering a range of options that combine safety, durability, and practicality while meeting UK safety standards.
Types of Sports Safety Matting
Different activities and environments require different matting solutions. Understanding the options will help you choose the most suitable mats for your facility.
1. Gymnastics Mats
Gymnastics mats are versatile and ideal for general physical education, exercise classes, and stretching areas. They provide firm, cushioned surfaces that protect users during low to medium-impact activities.
Recommended Product: Promat Super Deluxe Gym Mat
Applications: School gyms, leisure centres, and multipurpose sports halls
Key Features:
Shock-absorbing foam core
Durable PVC covering
Available in multiple thicknesses to suit varying impact levels
Mat Type | Ideal For | Core Material | Weight (approx.) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Gym Mat | High Schools | High-density recycled chip foam | 4-10kg | Heavy-duty PVC cover, superior latex anti-slip base, heat-welded corners, flame retardant | General PE & Gymnastics Activities |
Super Lightweight Gym Mat | Primary Schools | Low-density closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam | 1.5–5.5 kg | Leather-effect PVC cover, reinforced latex anti-slip base, flame resistant, easy to handle and store. | Easy Handling & Storage |
Midweight Blend Gym Mat | Primary & Secondary Schools | 50/50 blend of chip foam and lightweight closed-cell foam | 3–7 kg | Combines lightweight properties with anti-slip features, heavy-duty flame retardant PVC | Versatile Use Across Age Groups |
Stretch Mat | Home Use & Light Exercise | High-density chip foam core | Not specified | PVC top cover, waffle cellular anti- slip base, firm yet comfortable feel | Balancing, Stretching & Yoga |
2. Crash Mats
Crash mats are essential for high-impact sports or activities involving jumps or throws. They offer maximum protection for users performing challenging manoeuvres.
Recommended Product: Promat Crash Mats
Applications: Martial arts dojos, gymnastics training, sports halls
Key Features:
Extra-thick foam for maximum cushioning
Heavy-duty PVC cover for durability
Available in custom sizes and colours
3. Roll-Out Mats
Roll-out mats offer flexibility for multi-purpose spaces. They can be deployed quickly for classes, competitions, or events and rolled away for storage when not in use.
Recommended Product: Promat Hybrid Roll Out Mats
Applications: School assemblies, sports halls, martial arts competitions
Key Features:
Lightweight and portable
High-density foam for impact protection
Non-slip backing for safety
4. Jigsaw Mats
Interlocking jigsaw mats are modular, making them perfect for martial arts, play areas, and gymnastics spaces. Their design allows easy assembly, reconfiguration, and expansion.
Recommended Product: Promat Grey/Black 20mm Jigsaw Mats
Applications: Martial arts clubs, schools, recreational centres
Key Features:
Easy to assemble and customise layouts
Excellent shock absorption
Anti-slip surface for added safety
Key Considerations When Choosing Matting
Selecting the right sports safety matting requires careful consideration:
Thickness and Foam Density: High-impact activities require thicker, denser foam to minimise injury. Low-impact areas can use thinner mats to optimise space and cost.
Surface Material: PVC covers are waterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to wear. Anti-slip surfaces reduce accidents, while UV-resistant coverings may be needed for outdoor use.
Size and Layout: Accurate measurement ensures mats cover the intended area fully. Modular options such as jigsaw mats allow flexibility, while bespoke mats can be tailored to unique spaces.
Compliance and Safety Standards: Ensure mats meet relevant UK safety regulations. Foams4Sports mats comply with industry standards for schools, sports halls, and training facilities.
Versatility: Choosing multipurpose mats maximises usability. Roll-out or jigsaw mats can serve various activities without compromising safety or performance.
Maintenance and Care
Proper care ensures mats remain safe and durable:
Cleaning: Wipe PVC surfaces with mild detergent regularly.
Storage: Keep mats in a dry, cool space to prevent foam deterioration.
Inspection: Check for tears, worn edges, or compressed foam and replace damaged mats promptly.
Hygiene: Regular sanitisation in schools and public facilities prevents bacteria or mould growth.
Gymnastics and PE
Physical education and gymnastics classes present unique challenges when it comes to safety and facility design. Students of all ages are performing movements that can range from stretching and floor exercises to flips, tumbles, and jumps. Without the right matting, even routine activities carry a risk of injury.
For schools and sports halls, the focus should be on creating a safe, adaptable surface that can accommodate a variety of activities. Mats need to provide impact absorption to protect joints and prevent injuries, while also being durable enough to withstand daily use. Hygiene is another key factor—PVC-coated surfaces that are easy to wipe down help maintain a healthy environment, especially in areas with high footfall.
Versatility is essential in multipurpose spaces. Some matting can be rolled out, moved, and stored with ease, allowing the same area to host gymnastics one day and general PE or fitness classes the next. Thickness and density should be chosen carefully: younger students or beginners often benefit from thicker, softer surfaces, whereas more advanced gymnasts may require firmer mats for balance and performance.
By considering these factors, schools and sports facilities can ensure that every activity—from stretching and circuit training to advanced gymnastics—takes place on a surface designed to protect students, enhance confidence, and make the most of the available space.
How-To: Installing Jigsaw Mats
Clear the area for a flat surface.
Lay out mats according to the planned configuration.
Interlock edges securely.
Check alignment and adjust if needed.
Optional: secure seams with mat tape in high-traffic areas.
Conduct regular inspections to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should gym mats be for schools?
General PE use: 25–50mm. Gymnastics or high-impact activities: 50–100mm.
Are mats suitable for outdoor use?
Some mats, like roll-out mats, can be used temporarily outdoors, but long-term exposure may damage foam or coverings.
Can I have custom-sized mats?
Yes. Foams4Sports offers bespoke matting solutions with precise measurements and tailored installation.
How do I maintain hygiene in schools?
Wipe mats regularly with mild detergent and disinfect during high-use periods.
Conclusion
Selecting the right sports safety matting is essential for protecting users, preventing injuries, and maintaining a functional, versatile facility. Understanding the different types of mats, key selection considerations, and maintenance practices ensures long-lasting safety and performance.
Foams4Sports combines expertise, bespoke solutions, and fast delivery to provide the right matting for every requirement. Whether you need a single gymnastics mat or a full sports hall installation, our team will guide you through every step, creating a safe and professional sporting environment for all.