Getting Started with the Floor Project
So last month my garage gym floor started peeling like old sunburn. Messy rubber crumbs everywhere when I deadlifted. Decided it’s time to fix this crap. Searched online for sport flooring contractors near me and found three places in Oakland NJ that looked legit.
Reaching Out to Contractors
Called all three Monday morning. First guy sounded half asleep, second never picked up. Third dude actually answered enthusiastic-like – “Yeah man we specialize in home gyms!” Sent him pictures right away. He came over Tuesday with samples.
- Showed me this crazy thick rubber tile stuff
- Had textured options so plates won’t slide
- Promised install would take one day tops
Price quote was okay but I pushed back hard. Said if they matched another bid I’d pay cash same day. That sealed the deal. Scheduled installation for exactly two weeks later.
Installation Day Chaos
Contractor crew showed up at 7AM sharp with a truckload of black rubber squares. First they ripped out my nasty old floor. Big mistake – found like twenty pounds of rat poop under there. Place smelled like death. Workers started bitching in Spanish, almost walked off. Had to give ’em extra $200 cash for the nasty work.
After hosing down concrete, they laid this fancy moisture barrier. Made everything look like a murder scene with red plastic everywhere. Then finally started snapping those tiles together. Best part: zero cutting needed. These tiles fit my weird shaped garage like LEGOs. Done by 3PM.
Final Results & What I Learned
Floor feels like walking on cloud rubber now. Tested it by tossing bumper plates – bounced right back no problem. Sweat wipes clean too. Only screw up was one corner where they left a gap. Made ’em come back next day to fix it.
Lessons for Oakland NJ folks:
- ALWAYS check under your old floor first
- Have extra cash for nasty surprises
- Keep drinks cold for workers – they hustle harder
Honestly? Worth every damn penny. Garage finally looks like a proper gym, not a murder basement.
