“What is a rubber tile?” That is a question that those in the commercial and industrial rubber flooring fields find themselves being asked frequently. Rubber tiles are many things: they are resilient, they are cost-effective, they are easy to clean, and they are multi-purpose. A rubber tile is, in technical terms, generally a square or rectangular segment of material capable of being attached to other like-alike tiles. A rubber tile can be interlocking or can be without any interlocking features. Interlocking tiles are generally installed in areas were foot-traffic is heavy and there is a fear of tiles moving. In addition interlocking rubber tiles make for a betterinstalled floor, since they cover the subsurface from showing.

It is common for interlocking rubber tiles to range in size, but the most common types of rubber tiling will fall between 2.5 to 24 square feet. Most common sizes are 20” by 20”, 24” by 24” and 4ft by 6ft in width and length. The smaller square versions are more functional, since the rubber tile is easy to handle and are lightweight. A larger rubber tile, the 4by6ft variety, is usually thicker and is used in heavy-duty applications were the floor surface is getting abused like, crossfit gyms and horse stalls.

The durability and life-span of a rubber tile are benefits many people may not be aware of; in fact, some kinds of rubber flooring can last for years due to their thickness and physical makeup. In commercial gyms, the rubber tile flooring will generally outlast most of the equipment and perhaps be around as long as the gym is in operation. When you compare that figure against the average number of years most Americans keep any one car (11.5 years, according to IHS Automotive), a simple rubber tile truly begins to look like a long-lasting and extremely cost-effective product.

Indeed, when it comes to cost, it is hard to beat the value and “per dollar” worth of a rubber tile floor. In general, rubber tile costs can start as low as several dollars per square foot (though, as a rule, as the price per tile goes up, so too does the quality and sizing of the tiling in question.) The versatility of the composition of rubber tile also helps make it such a ubiquitous product. Because the thickness of rubber tiling is changeable (some types can be as thing as half an inch, while playground rubber tiles may exceed even 3 inches in thickness), it is a safe bet to say that, no matter the need, the right size rubber tile is out there. It is important for you –the consumer- to perform your own research on the type of rubber tile you require (and their associated costs) so that you make the best decision for your situation – and your wallet.

It is hard to imagine a flooring product that fits into as many environments as the rubber tile. From home gyms to daycares to outdoor playgrounds to industrial kitchens, rubber tiles can be found in almost any environment where slips, trips, and falls are possible. This is because rubber has both a naturally high degree of traction ability, as well as superior levels of comfort protection over other types of surfacing. Not only does installing rubber flooring in your home and office help to prevent falls, but they also help to mitigate any damage should an unfortunate fall occur.

In our modern society, environmental stewardship has become more important than it has ever been. That is why most brands of rubber tile are made from recycled and natural rubbers, lowering the environmental impact of both you the consumer, as well as the tile manufacturer. A the end of the day, rubber tile is an excellent and versatile product whose host of benefits makes it perfect for homes and offices of all types and in situations of all kinds.