Can You Put a Treadmill on a Carpet? Our Answer...

When buying a treadmill, one question that often comes to mind is where to place it. Do you have enough space? How heavy is it?

After that, there is still one fundamental question most people ignore… can you put a treadmill on carpet?

You’re probably thinking, “I’ll just ask the delivery people.” But you don’t have to wait until the delivery day to figure this out! We can help. So, leave the delivery people alone, and read on to discover whether placing your treadmill on the carpet is a feasible idea or not.

Of course, I won’t let you go without recommending some excellent treadmill options to take your workout sessions to the next level.

Table of Contents

Can You Put a Treadmill on Carpet?

Yes. You can put a treadmill on a carpet. A carpet is good at protecting the floor and the treadmill itself, but you still may want to consider a treadmill mat, which is much most effective.

Treadmill mats work well with carpets to minimize floor vibration and noise. It will also help protect the carpet itself, as well as help prevent damage to the treadmill, floor, and carpet.

When Not to Use a Treadmill on a Carpet

Placing your treadmill on the carpet is okay. However, some instances and reasons may leave you inclined to do otherwise. For example:

When you don’t have a mat and are concerned about causing constant vibrations on the floor while you run
You are worried about dust accumulation, which can damage the machine
When you want to ensure proper airflow beneath the machine
You don’t want to damage or wear out your carpet, should you ever intend to move the treadmill

While a treadmill is typically no heavier than a large piece of furniture, it can wear out the carpet without an added layer of protection.

How to Effectively Use Your Treadmill on a Carpet

I like to do some workouts in the morning before heading out to my daily errands. However, when I bought my treadmill and placed it on my carpet, the neighbors below me complained of the early morning vibrations from my treadmill. This is worse, especially if you don’t have an underlay below the carpet.

After purchasing a high-density treadmill mat, my problem was solved. High-density mats will:

Absorb vibration and noise: When in use, the treadmill can vibrate, and the noise can travel to other floors if you live in an apartment. Or have the treadmill on a higher level of your home. Treadmill mats are specially designed with high-density material that absorbs vibrations and helps reduce noise.
Prevent carpet damage: The friction between the treadmill and the carpet may cause dents or wear and tear on your carpet. A mat will come between the treadmill and your carpet, thus protecting it.
Prevent treadmill damage: Studies show that carpets act as dust reservoirs. As you use the treadmill, the wear and tear on the carpet may release dust and other particles onto the treadmill’s moving parts. This may cause damage or shorten its life span.
Enable good hygiene: Unlike carpets which are not easily cleaned, treadmill mats are easily removable and designed with easily washable material. You can keep all the dust, bacteria, and sweat particles in check with your soap and water. You can use a damp cloth to wipe the mat.

What to Consider When Buying a Treadmill Mat

Consider these two things when selecting a mat for your treadmill or any other fitness equipment:

Size of your treadmill: Mats come in different sizes, so consider the size of your equipment when buying a mat. It’s good to choose a more oversized mat to allow space for the treadmill and your constant step-offs when working out.
Quality of the mat: The mat should have a durable material that will withstand the machine’s weight and protect your floor and the carpet from pressure. A good mat should also dampen the vibration and noise that the machine makes when using it.

Our Top 3 Treadmill Mats

Choosing a treadmill mat is not a complex affair. Knowing the measurements for your treadmill will help you buy the correct size. Below are my top three treadmill mats:

1. Best for Hard Surfaces: Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Equipment Mat

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With this mat, your floor and machine are safe from damages. The material used is heavy-density PVC foam that reduces the vibration and pressure exerted on the floor.

Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Equipment Mat is non-slip, water-resistant, and easy to clean. In addition, it comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, making it easy to choose the right fit for your treadmill.

PROS

Affordable
Made of high-density material
Non-slip material
Waterproof
Easy to clean

CONS

Extra thin

2. Best for Carpets: MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat for Under Treadmill

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The textured top surface keeps your machine steady, making it easy and comfortable to use. In addition, MotionTex Exercise Equipment Mat is great for preventing your treadmill and flooring damage.

PROS

You can easily roll up the mat
Available in six sizes
Waterproof
Easy to clean

CONS

The mat is too thin and may not dampen vibrations and noise well

3. Best for Concrete floors: Amazon Basics High-Density Exercise Equipment and Treadmill Mat

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Amazon Basics High-Density Exercise Equipment and Treadmill Mat create an optimal workout environment with three sizes available. It’s also excellent for preventing dust from the machine giving it a long life.

It provides excellent cushioning to the treadmill, making it sturdy and comfortable during workouts.

Also, for maximum comfort during your exercise on the treadmill, ensure you have the appropriate gear for the job.

PROS

Thick enough to absorb vibrations
Soft and durable material
Great for step-aerobics
Easy to clean
Offers stability

CONS

It’s soft and thin
May reap if not handled with care when placing the treadmilln

What’s the alternative to Treadmill Mats?

It would be best always to use your treadmill mat. However, a decent alternative to a treadmill mat is a plywood board.

Plywood board will work to reduce vibration and pressure on your floor. It’s affordable and readily available in a single piece. Plywood boards are also great for the stability of your treadmill deck. But, of course, you can still place a mat on plywood for more effective results.

Final Thoughts on Putting a Treadmill on a Carpet

So, can you put a treadmill on the carpet? My answer is yes. But it really comes down to personal preferences. Think of investing in a mat if you want to protect your floor and extend the life of your machine.

Remember, mats are affordable compared to treadmill or floor repairs. Treadmills aren’t cheap, depending on the model. If a mat saves you the cost of buying another one, why not consider it? A good treadmill mat will give you a sturdier and more comfortable experience as well.

If you’re interested in getting more from your treadmill training, check out this article on what virtual races are and where to find them.