Rolled rubber matting is the ideal flooring option for creating a safe and protective surface. Rubber matting for floors will offer durable and long-lasting protective properties not only for the safety of the subflooring below, but also for those traversing its surface. Long rubber runner mats are commonly used to cover entire floors or line walkways both indoors and outdoors. In contrast, customized rubber mats, or interlocking tile rubber flooring, are generally used for customizable flooring. Depending on the type and how permanent it must be installed, rubber matting can be installed using a polyurethane-based glue or a double-sided tape adhesive. Rubber matting will provide a durable and protective layer between damaging environmental and physical factors and the sensitive surface of the subfloor while also offering non-slip safety and comfort qualities.

Is Rubber Good for Flooring?

Rubber is good for flooring due to its resilience as well as its comfort, non-slip, and protective properties. Rubber is a durable material that retains a high tensile strength, low compression set, and a naturally grippy surface which allows for non-slip safety and ample surface protection. It is also a versatile, weatherproof material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor flooring. Rolled rubber matting can stand up well against damaging environmental factors, such as harsh UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. It can also offer excellent surface protection for subflooring due to its high tensile strength and vibration/impact absorption properties. The tensile strength of rubber refers to the amount of force the material can handle before breaking or tearing. The high tensile strength of rolled rubber matting helps ensure that the material will remain intact and offer excellent protection in the face of heavy impacts. Case in point, “Vibration isolators and dampers that are subjected to cyclical loads frequently fail due to a fracturing…” (mtec.or.th). Additionally, rubber’s soft nature allows it to be a safe and comfortable flooring option. Rolled rubber matting retains a high compression set which allows it to provide soft padding and return to its original form without becoming deformed. For instance, “Compression set is the amount of permanent deformation that occurs when a material is compressed to a specific deformation, for a specified time, at a specific temperature” (sciencedirect.com). Rubber offers a firm, yet cushioned, surface to stand on which offers excellent anti-fatigue properties for added comfort. Furthermore, rubber’s natural high coefficient of friction gives it excellent anti-slip properties. Rubber naturally retains a grippy surface that aids in increasing surface friction and traction. This, along with its resistance to moisture, helps rubber retain a high coefficient of friction that will not be affected even in the presence of moisture.

• Is Rubber Flooring Durable?

  Rubber flooring is very durable and retains excellent properties, including environmental resistance and resistance against physical damage, such as tears and abrasions. Rolled rubber matting and interlocking tile rubber flooring can be made of either synthetic, natural, post-consumer rubber materials, or a combination of two types of rubber. In general, rubber is an abrasion resistant material that will resist abrasions caused by heavy objects shifting or falling. Outdoor rolled rubber matting is often made of synthetic and recycled rubber materials which are very environmentally resistant materials that will not be damaged by UV rays, ozone, oxygen, or moisture. Rubber’s resistance to moisture helps prevent the growth of microbial byproducts, including mold and mildew, which not only helps maintain a healthy atmosphere, but it also helps extend the life of the rubber floor.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Rubber Mat Flooring?

Due to its easy Do-it-yourself installation method, the cost of installing rubber mat flooring depends on the type of rubber flooring and the adhesive you choose. Depending on how permanent you would like your rubber flooring to be determines how much the installation will cost. Rolled rubber matting can easily be installed using a double-sided tape adhesive or a polyurethane-based glue. For a more permanent installation, you may use a polyurethane-based glue to secure longer rubber runner mats to the surface of the subfloor. However, because it is generally used for permanent installations, polyurethane-based glue installations will cost more as the glue itself is more expensive than other semi-permanent adhesive options. On the other hand, installing interlocking customized rubber mats, or tile rubber flooring, do not require any adhesives to secure due to their easy interlocking mechanism. Overall, installing rolled rubber matting can be a cost-effective decision as rubber can efficiently protect the surface of the floor below from abrasions and impacts. Most home flooring options, such as hardwood or ceramic tile, are expensive, yet very fragile, flooring options. By installing rubber mat flooring over these expensive flooring options, you can cut costs in repairing expensive flooring options.

• (a) Should I Glue Rubber Flooring?

  You should glue rubber flooring if it needs to be permanently adhered to a surface, if they are outdoors, or if they will receive heavy foot traffic, such as commercial rubber floor mats. Examples of areas where rubber flooring must be glued down include the outdoors, heavily abused floors, and permanent commercial rubber floor mats. Due to their interlocking mechanism and mobile nature, interlocking tile rubber flooring does not need to be glued down to a surface. When gluing rubber flooring in place, it is important to use a polyurethane-based glue adhesive as other glues may damage the rubber material by either deteriorating the material or causing it to tear due to its stiffness and diminished pliability. Another popular method of installing rolled rubber matting is using a double-sided tape adhesive. However, this method of installing rubber flooring should be reserved for dry settings, such as indoors, as moisture can wear out the tape’s adhesive over time. Glue installation is generally reserved for more permanent installations or for installation in outdoor settings where it may get wet. A polyurethane-based glue is the ideal glue for rubber flooring due to its excellent mechanical properties that are highly compatible with the properties of rubber and harsh environments as it is highly resistant to weathering, tearing, and moisture.

  (b) How Do You Install a Rubber Mat?

  You can install a rubber mat three different ways: through a polyurethane-based glue, a double-sided tape adhesive, or without the use of any adhesives. The method of installing rolled rubber matting depends on the location and the amount of foot traffic the mat will experience. A polyurethane-based glue is the most permanent method of installing rolled rubber matting. This method of installation is most used outdoors where it may experience harsh or wet weather conditions that may loosen the adhesion of double-sided tape. A polyurethane-based glue is highly resistant to moisture and aging caused by damaging environmental factors. Contrastingly, a double-side tape adhesive is ideal for a semi-permanent installation. This method of installation is perfect for rubber stair mats and indoor rubber runner mats (i.e., indoor walkways). A semi-permanent installation makes for easy removal and replacement in case of any damage or if the rubber mat needs to be transported to a different location. Loose laying rubber mats are generally reserved for smaller, mobile rubber mats, such as entrance mats, anti-fatigue-mats, and kitchen mats. These mats are commonly moved around with use and are often taken outdoors for cleaning – therefore, they should not be adhered to the surface.

Rubber is the ideal material for creating non-slip safety and surface protection for both indoor and outdoor settings. Rolled rubber matting and interlocking tile rubber flooring can offer durable protection against slips, trips, and falls while also working to protect the surface of the subflooring. Additionally, a rubber floor is a cost-effective flooring option as it will offer ample surface protection for sensitive flooring options, including hardwood and ceramic tile. Furthermore, these rubber runner mats and customized rubber mats are easily installed using either a polyurethane-based glue or a double-sided tape adhesive. Overall, rolled rubber matting and interlocking rubber tiles will provide a long-lasting and protective flooring option for any setting, both indoors and outdoors.