Golf Simulator Flooring Guide 2026: What to Put Under Your Mat and Why It Matters

Most simulator builders focus on the screen and launch monitor but overlook what is under their feet. Here is why flooring matters and what to install.

Why Flooring Matters

Your hitting mat sits on top of your floor. If the floor is hard concrete, the mat provides some cushioning but not enough to protect joints over thousands of swings. Hard floor plus thin mat equals knee and back stress over time. If the floor is too soft or uneven, your mat moves during the swing, affecting feel and ball striking feedback. The floor needs to be flat, firm, and shock-absorbent.

Best Options

Rubber gym flooring (3/4 inch thick interlocking tiles): the most popular choice. Provides shock absorption, is durable, and sits flat. Cost: to per square foot. Foam interlocking tiles: cheaper but compress over time and are less durable. Good for temporary setups. Artificial turf installed over rubber: some builders lay turf over their rubber base for a more realistic feel. Carpet: not ideal (compresses unevenly, fibers catch the mat), but acceptable for casual setups.

Concrete Floors Specifically

Bare concrete is hard and cold. At minimum add 3/4 inch rubber tiles across the full swing area. If you plan to spend multiple hours per session, add a second layer of foam under the rubber in the hitting zone for additional cushioning. Your back will notice the difference after 6 months of use.