Rubber mats are generally used for safety and protective purposes in both industrial and residential settings. Rubber matting material is offered in both natural and synthetic rubbers allowing rubber mats to be used in almost any setting or environment. Rubber is a very resilient material that retains high tear strength and resistance against damaging environmental factors, such as UV rays, ozone, moisture, and oxygen. They are also available in two main forms, including rolled rubber mats and smaller, sometimes, interlocking rubber mat squares, which makes it easy to fine the perfect sized mat for large flooring application and for smaller stationary or smaller spaces.

What are Rubber Mats Used for?

Rubber mats are used for creating safe, comfortable, and non-slip surfaces in both industrial and residential settings whether it be indoors or outdoors. Rubber matting material is extremely resilient and retains a high tensile strength, outstanding traction, excellent resistance to damaging environmental factors, and durable flexibility. It is strong enough to provide long-lasting protection in high impact applications while also being soft enough to provide supple padding to relieve pressure on leg joints. Rubber mats are available in both natural and synthetic rubber materials; however, synthetic rubber matting material is better used in more abrasive physical and chemical applications. Rolled rubber mats can offer excellent abrasion resistance, surface protection, high tensile strength, and outstanding tear resistance. On the other hand, synthetic rubber mats can offer better resistance to caustic chemicals, higher tensile strength, and resistance against damaging outdoor factors, such as UV rays, ozone, and oxygen (sciencing.com). Despite their differences, both natural and synthetic rubber mats will create durable and long-lasting mats for versatile indoor/outdoor usage in industrial and residential settings.

• (a) Why Do We Use Rubber Mats at Home?

  We use rubber mats at home to create non-slip surface wherever they are placed and to protect the surface of the existing floor from heavy or vibrating appliances. Rolled rubber mats and rubber mat squares can be seen all around homes in places such as kitchens, entryways, and under appliances to provide non-slip protection as well as surface protection against cracks and dents. Larger rolled rubber mats can be used to cover entire floors to create a non-slip floor while interlocking rubber matting can be customized to create smaller mats for smaller spaces or stationary applications. Rubber is highly resistant to moisture and can retain its ultra-grippy surface. Rubber kitchen mats and entryway mats are generally used to create safe and non-slip surfaces to reduce chances of dangerous slip, trip, and fall accidents from occurring. Kitchens are prone to frequent spills of both water and grease/oils – synthetic rubber mats are available that are resistant to greases and oils. Entryways can possibly be exposed to wet weather conditions and other environmental factors, such as UV rays, ozone, and oxygen. Rubber naturally retains a high coefficient of friction which allows a rubber mat to retain traction even when moisture is present on its surface. Rubber mats are also used to protect delicate home floors from damage caused by vibrations, falling objects, and shifting furniture. Rubber matting material has excellent shock absorption properties allowing them to absorb the force of impact or vibrations and evenly spread them across the surface of the mat to reduce the amount of damaging energy reaches the subflooring.

  (b) Can Rubber Flooring Get Wet?

  Rubber flooring can get wet due to rubber’s excellent moisture resistance that can resist the permeation of moisture and ability to retain traction. Rubber mats can keep moisture on their surface until it can be wiped away without it being absorbed into the material. Case in point, rubber is “hydrophobic, thus not absorbing water” (iopscience.iop.org). On top of its excellent resistance to the permeation of moisture, rubber matting material also retains a high coefficient of friction which allows rubber mats to remain tacky even when moisture is present on its surface – allowing rolled rubber mats and interlocking rubber matting to offer a safe and non-slip surface anywhere even when moisture is present. Rubber flooring can get wet without suffering any damage caused by absorption and, thanks to its high coefficient of friction, rubber flooring will retain its grippy surface even when moisture is present on its surface.

Which Floor is Safe for Dogs?

A rubber floor is safe for dogs due to its soft and cushiony nature that is comfortable for dogs’ sensitive paw pads and joints. Harder surfaces, such as concrete, can cause abrasions and scrapes on sensitive paw pads. Rubber is also a softer and more supple material that will improve anti-fatigue properties and will help relieve some pressure off joints. The soft and cushiony nature of rubber matting material also absorbs the force of impact to offer a safer surface to land on in case your dog takes a tumble. Soft rubber is also more comfortable to lay on rather than concrete or other hard home flooring options, such as ceramic tile or hardwood. Rubber mats for kennels are offered in different durometers which allows you to choose the hardness of the rubber mat. They are available in both soft and hard variations; however, there will be a degree of flex in any durometer which aids in comfort qualities.

(a) Is Rubber Flooring Good for Dogs?

Rubber flooring is good for dogs as it will provide a comfortable and cushioned surface that will relieve pressure on their paws while simultaneously providing a degree of padding while also being easy to clean and maintain. Rubber mats make for excellent anti-fatigue material that will reduce pressure on your dogs’ joints. This cushioning property can be attributed to rubber’s compression set – instead of becoming permanently deformed, rubber will “bounce” back to its original form (sciencedirect.com). Rubber mats are offered in a range of durometers, or hardness, ranging from as soft as 40A to as hard as 70A. This allows you to choose a rubber mat that is better suited for the size and weight of your dog. Rubber is an extremely resilient material that retains high tear strength making them resistant to damage caused by dogs’ nails. Additionally, some kennels can be in the outdoors where they can be exposed to harsh environmental factors, such as UV rays, ozone, oxygen, and moisture. Concrete floors can become scorching hot in the sun and can become unbearably cold at night. Finally, Rubber’s excellent moisture resistance makes rubber mats easy to clean in case of an accident, making them perfect for kennel floor surfacing.

Does Home Depot Have Rubber Mats?

Home Depot has rubber mats and offers them in various sizes and two different forms. They carry numerous Rubber-Cal rubber mats including rolled rubber matting and interlocking rubber matting. Rubber-Cal mats are available with various surface patterns that help increase traction, such as diamond-plate and coin-grip. Home Depot offers rolled rubber matting in a set width of 4 feet and in pre-cut lengths ranging from 1-foot to 10 feet. Interlocking rubber matting is offered in 4 different pack sizes, including 6, 8, 12, and 16 tiles.

Rubber mats are great protective and non-slip surfacing options that are available in both natural and synthetic rubbers. They are commonly used in homes and industrial settings to protect surfaces from damage, such as abrasions, dents, and cracks. Rolled rubber matting can also be used to cover entire rooms to create a safe and non-slip floor or smaller interlocking rubber matting can be used to customize dog kennel flooring. Rubber mats’ soft and durable natural structure makes it the perfect material for creating safe, comfortable, and protective surfaces.