How to lay a gym sled track
Transform your gym with perfectly laid sled tracks. Whether you're enhancing a home gym or a commercial space, our step-by-step guide will ensure a seamless installation process.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need sled tracks, adhesive, a measuring tape, a utility knife, and a roller. Ensure you have a clean and dry surface for optimal adhesion.
Precise Measurements
Start by measuring the area where you plan to lay the sled tracks. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure a perfect fit and avoid any gaps or overlaps. Ideally you'd get the sled track in and lay your gym tiles around it.
Preparing the surface
Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any dust or debris. A clean surface ensures better adhesion and longevity of the sled tracks. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 0: Choose the Best Sled Track
To ensure optimal performance, start by selecting the best sled track for your needs. At Recharge Fitness, we offer three main options:
Fully Bespoke Sled Tracks: Tailored to your brand, gym, and space, these are our most popular choice.
2m x 10m Tracks: Available in black or green, these tracks are also highly sought after.
Plain Sled Tracks: Ideal for those on a budget, offering great value.
When selecting a supplier, consider company reviews, the thickness of the sled track (our tracks are primarily 15mm thick, perfect for commercial use, while the budget-friendly plain track is 12mm), and the density (higher density is preferable).
Step 1: Layout Planning
Plan the layout of your sled tracks carefully. Consider the direction and flow of movement in your gym. Mark the starting point and outline the path using chalk or tape for precision.
Step 2: Cutting the Tracks
Most of our tracks are designed to fit your space, but if adjustments are needed, use a utility knife and a metal ruler to cut the sled tracks to the measured area. Ensure the edges are straight and even for a professional finish.
Step 3: Preparing the Subbase
Choosing the right subbase is crucial. If using a 15mm sled track with a 20mm tile, you can lay it directly on an even concrete floor, resulting in a 5mm height difference, which is acceptable. For larger gaps, such as with a 30mm tile, or if you prefer a flush fit, consider bridging the gap. Options include laying thin rubber tiles beneath the sled track with ample adhesive or using plywood as a flat base, securing it to the floor before attaching the sled track.
Step 4: Applying Adhesive
Position the sled track correctly and ensure it fits perfectly. Secure one end with weights (Recharge bumper plates are ideal due to their weight and flatness). Roll up half of the track (non-weighted end) and apply adhesive to both the floor and the underside of the sled track. Allow the adhesive to become tacky, then unroll the track one meter at a time, starting from the centre. Repeat this process for the other half, moving the weights to the newly secured side.
Step 5: Ensuring Adhesion
Once fully glued, use a weighted sled like an iron to smooth out any air bubbles or imperfections. Add weights to key areas such as corners, edges, and joins. Avoid using the track for at least 24 hours, and refrain from sled use for 48 hours. Maintain a room temperature between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius for optimal adhesion.
Step 6: Final Touches
Inspect the tracks for any issues and reglue problem areas if necessary. Vacuum the track thoroughly to remove debris, as small stones can cause damage when combined with a heavy sled. Regular vacuuming is recommended to maintain the track's condition.
