Interlocking rubber tile flooring is an easy-to-install and Do-it-yourself flooring option that can be easily installed through their interlocking mechanism. These temporary flooring options offer an adhesive-free installation method that make it easy to disassemble for easy storage and transportation. Most often, rubber interlocking tiles are available with puzzle-like edges that make it easy to piece together interlocking floors. Other times, for thicker interlocking tiles, small connector pins are used to connect the tiles together through holes that line each rubber interlocking mat. Additionally, depending on the level of wear and tear as well as the settings they are installed in, a semi-permanent double-sided tape adhesive may be used to secure the rubber tiles to the subfloor.

How Do You Install Rubber Tiles?

You install rubber tiles by connecting them through their puzzle-like edges or through small plastic connector pins that fit into holes that line the edges of each tile. There are two types of interlocking rubber tile flooring available: tiles with puzzle-like edges and tiles with small connector pins. Interlocking rubber tile flooring does not require the use of any adhesives to install. This adhesive-free installation method makes it easy to remove or replace any of the tiles in case of any damage. In addition, it makes it easy to disassemble for storage and transportation. For rubber interlocking tiles featuring puzzle-like edges, simply piece the tiles together, like a puzzle, and keep adding on tiles until you have reached your desired size. Other times, an interlocking rubber tile floor made of thicker tiles use small plastic connector pins to connect the tiles together through the holes that line the edges of each tile. Because interlocking floors are meant to be temporary flooring options, they are designed to be able to remain in place without the use of any adhesives. One exception to this is in outdoor settings. Generally, an interlocking rubber tile floor does not require the use of adhesives to install; however, because outdoor settings may be exposed to varying levels of wet weather, you can secure rubber tiles with the use of simple adhesives, such as a polyurethane-based adhesive or a double-sided tape adhesive. A polyurethane-based glue is ideal for outdoor settings that often experience precipitation. On the other hand, a double-sided tape adhesive is generally used for a semi-permanent installation in areas that may receive higher levels of wear and tear rather than in areas that can be exposed to precipitation.

• (a) How Do You Install Rubber Tiles Indoors?

  You can install rubber tiles indoors by connecting them through their interlocking mechanism or with the use of a semi-permanent double-sided tape adhesive. Because interlocking rubber tile flooring is designed to be a temporary flooring option, it should not be glued down indoors, especially on expensive home flooring. To install interlocking rubber tile flooring indoors, simply connect the tiles together and lay it on the intended surface. The sheer weight of the rubber materials will keep the interlocking rubber tile floor in place without shifting or sliding around while in use; however, for areas that may see a bit more abuse, you may use a double-sided tape adhesive. You may use a double-sided tape adhesive for a more permanent installation, but the use of glue is not recommended as it is a permanent method of installation and can damage expensive home flooring options, such as hardwood. A double-sided tape installation is semi-permanent, allowing it to be easily removed for easy repairs and replacements or without damaging the surface of the subfloor. Indoors, interlocking rubber tile flooring is used for a wide variety of applications. Rubber tiles are used in homes to create safer and more comfortable surfaces for areas, such as children’s playrooms. In industrial and commercial settings, rubber tiles are used to protect surfaces from heavy foot traffic and vibrating or shifting machinery/equipment. Depending on the setting and level of abuse the floor will experience, you may either loose lay your indoor tiles or use a double-side tape adhesive for a semi-permanent installation.

  (b) Can You Put Rubber Tile on Concrete?

  You can put rubber tiles on concrete as concrete floors are highly susceptible to abrasions and cracks caused by heavy objects. Concrete floors, such as basement and garage floors, experience damaging factors, such as excessive moisture and heavy objects and furniture. Interlocking rubber tile flooring is one of the most convenient customizable and temporary flooring options available. Rubber tiles offer a customizable flooring option that can be made to fit floors of different sizes. Concrete can get slick when wet but, with the addition of a rubber tile floor, you can increase non-slip traction. Because concrete floors are in areas where moisture is prevalent, rubber tiles are ideal for creating a moisture resistant floor covering. Despite their interlocking mechanism, the seams between each rubber interlocking mat produces a tight seal to prevent the permeation of moisture on the subflooring. For concrete floors that receive heavy abuse, such as garage floors, you can use a double-sided tape adhesive to secure each rubber interlocking mat. This offers a more secure surface for moving vehicles and large objects.

What are the Disadvantages of Rubber Flooring?

Some of the disadvantages of rubber flooring include the rubbery odor and difficulty finding cleaning detergents that will not damage the rubber material. Rubber produces a unique chemical, rubbery smell that eventually goes away with time. Despite this, it can last for a long time before fading away and it can irritate some people, especially those who are sensitive to strong smells/odors. Additionally, rubber interlocking floors may be highly moisture resistant but, depending on the type of rubber used to create the floor, it can be difficult to find a chemical cleaner that will not damage the rubber material. Some synthetic rubber variations may stand up to certain mild chemicals; however, most rubber flooring rolls and tiles are made of post-consumer rubber or natural rubber variations that can be damaged from exposure to chemical cleaners. Despite these minor disadvantages, interlocking floors are easy to clean with water or a damp rag and they can also provide excellent surface protection as well as non-slip safety to any surface they are installed.

Temporary flooring options, such as interlocking rubber tile flooring, are generally simple and easy to install without the use of any adhesives. Due to their easy installation method, it is easy to customize the size of the floor simply by adding or removing tiles during installations. A rubber interlocking mat is available with puzzle-like edges or with small connector pins and holes that line the edges of each tile. In addition, interlocking rubber tile flooring can be used in any setting, whether it be residential, commercial, or industrial, and can be secured with a double-sided tape adhesive depending on levels of wear and tear it will experience. Furthermore, despite some minor disadvantages, interlocking rubber tile flooring can provide durable surface protection and promote non-slip safety in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.