Hardwood may make for beautiful flooring installations, but it is also notoriously fragile and slippery. Unfortunately, the same can be said of most traditional flooring types, from cold concrete and ceramic tiles to the supposedly “soft” surface of carpet. Despite any attractive qualities, these floor types can be a nuisance in the home or even a serious hazard if installed in a commercial business. We all slip and fall from time to time, but you never know when a minor slip could result in a major injury. Falls are always preventable, and the best way to do that is by installing a rubberized non-slip floor.

Rubber anti-slip flooring is popular in virtually any location, whether it is residential, commercial, or even industrial. Though it may not always be the most attractive option, rubber is the ideal material for a non-slip floor or even smaller slip resistant mats. This, of course, is all thanks to rubber’s naturally high coefficient of friction. Unlike traditional types of flooring, rubber’s high friction gives the material a unique ability to “push back” against feet and furniture that press against its surface. This unique ability allows a rubber non-slip floor to maintain its traction, even when the surface wet. With its superior degree of surface traction, rubber flooring is a perfect match for any application in which slip resistance is a priority.

With that said, when exactly should slip resistance be a priority? Some may argue that it should always be a priority, but some applications could certainly benefit from a non-slip floor more than others. Commercial establishments in particular should never be without a non-slip floor, or strategically placed slip resistant mats at the very least. Whether the location is a restaurant, theme park, or even a modest retail store, commercial establishments are at a higher risk of experiencing slip-and-fall accidents. If nothing else, this is due to the high volumes of foot traffic in such locations. The more people pass through your establishment, the higher the risk is that someone may slip, trip, or fall. Without proper anti-slip flooring in place, such accidents are inevitable, and the consequences could potentially be disastrous. If someone suffers an injury after slipping in your establishment, your business may have to face costly medical bills and a messy lawsuit. Liability should always be a top priority and major concern for businesses. Skipping important safety precautions such as a non-slip floor may save you time, but you will likely pay for that shortcut later when a customer sprains an ankle after slipping on your slick linoleum floor.

Anti-slip flooring is also incredibly important in locations that experience frequent or excessive spills. This includes pool areas, locker rooms, water parks, and commercial kitchens—among countless other moisture-prone possibilities. It comes as no surprise that most traditional floor types become extra slippery when wet, but a rubber non-slip floor does its best to maintain surface traction under such conditions. Fortunately, among the many unique varieties of rubber anti-slip flooring are options that feature traction-enhancing surface textures. There are several different kinds of surface-textures as well, such as diamond-plating, coin-top, and corrugated ribs. A textured non-slip floor works by providing additional points of contact for shoes to grip onto. Some patterns even feature protrusions that are small enough to lock into the grooves of shoe soles, holding them firmly in place to prevent any potential slips. An option with corrugated ribs could take slip-prevention even further, as these types of slip resistant mats and floors lead excess moisture down and away from the walking surface. The walking surface is slightly raised by the material’s ribs to offer a dry and reliable place to walk whenever possible. This type of non-slip floor is the perfect option for outdoor applications in particular, as the design virtually eliminates the hazards created by sprinklers and rainfall. Rubber runners and slip resistant mats can bring a serious safety upgrade to any sidewalk path.

Slip resistance isn’t just important for commercial and outdoor locations—you can install a non-slip floor in your home, as well. After all, we do spend most of our lives in our homes, so accidents are bound to happen. The National Floor Safety Institute reports that 50% of accidental deaths at home are caused by falls. And to top it off, most fall injuries in the home occur on flat ground rather than from stairs or another type of elevation. If you have pets or children in particular, it’s usually a smart choice to take extra safety precautions by installing a non-slip floor. The kitchen, bathroom, and garage are just a few parts of the home that are at a high risk for slip-and-fall accidents. Consider for a moment the types of flooring usually found in these rooms: concrete, ceramic tile, or even vinyl. These types of surfaces are infamously cold, rigid, and slippery—especially is they are slick with water or oil. If you’re too in love with your existing floor or replacement isn’t an option, then rubber slip resistant mats can be just as effective! Anti-slip mats can be strategically placed just outside your shower or in front of the kitchen sink as a fast and easy safety solution. Place rubber mats beneath your car in the garage or just inside the door of your home—anywhere that needs a little extra slip-prevention.

Whether you’re looking at a non-slip floor for your home, business, or another location entirely, you will find the installation process stress-and-worry-free. There are many types of rubber anti-slip flooring available, and they are all designed for easy DIY installations. Rubber flooring comes in two basic forms: rolled mats and interlocking tiles. In most cases, the rubber non-slip floor can be adhered with double-sided carpet tape, but many tiled flooring options can be installed without any adhesives at all. Regardless of your chosen method, anti-slip floors can be installed temporarily or permanently without damaging the flooring below. This is an excellent thing to keep in mind for applications such as outdoor events and rented homes, as the flooring is used for limited amounts of time and actually protects the sub-surfacing below. With the many varieties of anti-slip flooring and how easy they are to install, there is never a reason to leave your home or business susceptible to slips. Install a rubber non-slip floor and save yourself the worry.