What Are Rubber Tiles? How & Where To Use Rubber Tiles?

What Are Rubber Tiles

There is no better flooring option for a home gym than rubber tiles. Rubber floor tiles are known as the DIY gym flooring solution because of its accessibility and ease of installation.

You’ll need to think about the following things when you’re looking for the right rubber floor tile:

• Awaiting your response
• Size of a tiling
• Appearance and color
• Installation
• Durability
• Price
• Material

About Those Interlocks

Choosing interlocking rubber tiles is not an easy task. So, what’s the difference between tiles, exactly?? The thickness, price, colors, and materials are often the most important factors.

Another way tiles can be differentiated is by their cutting and interlocking design. Both waterjet-cut and stamped tiles can be found on the market.

• Waterjet. Waterjet cuts are known for their precision. These have the best overall appearance due to their near-perfect blending.
• Stamped. A rolling stamp is used to cut the tiles. As compared to waterjet cuts, these aren’t quite as precise.

Customer Favorite Rubber Tiles

Isn’t it great to have so many options? However, they can be a bit much at times! To make sure you receive exactly what you want, we have the widest assortment of rubber floor tiles.

If you’d want some help narrowing down your options, we’ve put together a list of our customers’ favorites:

Durable Rubber Floor Tiles Sport-Lock Rubber Gym Floor Tiles

Tiles made of rubber Dura Lock

Versa-Lock Rubber Tiles by Monster Tiles

How & Where To Use Rubber Tiles

In terms of design, rubber floor tiles are a no-brainer. You may not have heard of them before, but they’re a popular choice for gym and outdoor flooring.

Rubber Gym Tiles

The most popular option for home gym flooring is rubber tiles. Rubber is the most adaptable gym flooring choice. It may be used in any gym or activity, and there are several variations to choose from to find the best fit for your needs.

Rubber gym tiles are available in a variety of thicknesses to meet your specific requirements. Rubber tiles that are specifically developed to protect your joints during high-impact, plyometric exercises are available for purchase.

Rubber gym floor tiles are ideal for a variety of reasons.

• Personal training in the comfort of one’s own home
• Fitness studios of this type
• Flooring for a portable gym
• Do-it-yourself projects

For the following reasons, we recommend using rubber gym flooring rolls:

• Spaces that are incredibly expansive

Rubber Playground Tiles

It’s no surprise that playground tiles are our most popular product. The colors and thicknesses of these tiles are endless. The porous nature of playground tiles means that even in the event of a severe downpour, the floor will remain dry enough to play on.

When it comes to playground surfacing, rubber tiles are the most dependable option. A verified fall height safety rating* is included with each playground rubber tile, ensuring that your children will be safe while having fun.

Rubber playground tiles can be used for a variety of commercial applications, including:

• Parks
• Schools
• Daycares
• Skateparks

If you have a smaller backyard, you may not need rubber playgrounds. Rubber mulch or playground grass are good options in these situations.

An individual can fall to their greatest possible extent without being badly injured when they reach their fall height. For example, if a tile’s fall height is 2 feet, then they will not be seriously injured if they fall 2 feet off the playing surface. The floor’s shock absorbency is tested to establish the fall height.

Outdoor Rubber Paver Tiles

Rubber tiles are frequently asked if they may be used outside.

They can, of course! Rubber is an excellent choice for outdoor flooring because of this.

Rubber pavers are the best choice for outdoor flooring since they are long-lasting, non-slip, and suitable for any climate. Rubber is naturally anti-slip, so it’s a good choice for footwear. When it’s wet, outdoor rubber gets much more slippery. Take it easy on our pavers, Rainmaker.

Outdoor rubber tiles are available in a wide variety of attractive designs, akin to those seen in natural stone. However, there are no downsides to this option.

In direct sunshine, outdoor rubber tiles are cooler than concrete and more comfortable to walk on. Soak the tiles if they start to get too hot underfoot.

Outdoor rubber tiles can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• A patio’s pavers
• A porch’s flooring
• The decking
• Horse stall floor covering
• Pavers for walkways
• Pool coping

Rubber Tile Thickness Options

The thickness of your rubber floor is one of the most critical selections you need to make. However, there is more to it than this: thicker rubber means a more durable floor.

Rubber tiles that are ultra-thin can withstand bodyweight activities, light dumbbells, high-traffic areas, etc. For commercial gyms, crossfit, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, etc., medium thickness is ideal. When it comes to playgrounds, you’ll often find ultra-thick rubber tiles because they provide superior shock absorption and safety ratings.

Our most popular thicknesses are summarized as follows:

• Eight-millimeter tubing is the most popular choice for home gyms.
• This size is most commonly used for commercial gyms and CrossFit.
• Commercial gym and CrossFit floor tiles with a thickness of 1/2 inch.
• Ultra-thick commercial gym / CrossFit tiles of 3/4″ thicknesses.
• Gym tiles that are 1″ thick and can be installed over carpet or playground tiles.
• Residential playground tiles measure 2-3 inches in height.
• Commercial playground tiles with a thickness of 3″ or more.

Rubber Tile Materials

Unbeknownst to many, rubber tiles are actually comprised of… rubber!

Finality.

I’m kidding, of course. Rubber floor tiles can be made from any one of three basic types of rubber.

Vulcanized Rubber Tiles

Rubber made from vulcanized rubber is the best of the best. The rubber is squeezed into a dense, ultra-durable, non-porous rubber during the vulcanization process.

Vulcanized rubber tiles are the best option if you don’t want to deal with the odor of rubber. Vulcanized rubber has a gentler odor than non-vulcanized rubber, which many homeowners find appealing.

Is there any more? Non-porous rubber tiles are much easier to clean and don’t retain any of your perspiration from your workout, making them ideal for gym floors.

Vulcanized gym flooring are excellent at absorbing the shock of your heaviest weights. Let go of the barbell, it’s too heavy. It’s not a fad.

The drawback? These are a tad more pricey. A higher price per square foot must be paid for the vulcanization process.

Non-Vulcanized Rubber Tiles

Non-vulcanized rubber tiles are becoming more widespread. The most noticeable distinctions between vulcanized and non-vulcanized rubber tiles are the density, porosity, and fragrance.

As easy to clean and maintain as non-vulcanized rubber tiles, they are not completely non-porous as vulcanized rubber tiles. They’re also less heavy and less dense.

Non-vulcanized rubber, on the other hand, is quite economical and can be found in a wide range of thicknesses and styles.

Virgin Rubber Tiles

Virgin rubber floor tiles are the best option if you’re looking for the purest kind of rubber. No additives or latex can be found in virgin rubber.

Non-vulcanized rubber tiles have nothing on virgin rubber tiles. With the same advantages, they also offer the most natural rubber flooring alternative available.

Virgin rubber tiles give the option of brilliant colors running the length of the tile, making them one of a kind. The color is only present throughout the tile if it is made of virgin rubber. Virgin rubber tiles won’t fade in tough settings because of the color density.

Despite their hefty price tag, these ultra-dense rubber tiles are worth the extra money because of their unique qualities.

Rubber Tiles Appearance

Inquiring customers frequently question if rubber tiles can provide the same look as rubber roles. Yes, that’s the general consensus.

A few interlocking tiles have small seams where they interlock; however, the majority have a uniform appearance similar to rolled rubber flooring.

A waterjet-cut rubber tile will provide the most smooth appearance. If you’re planning on putting your head down in there a lot, they’ll look better than stamped tiles. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tell the difference, to be honest.

They are well recognized for their speckled, flecked look, rubber floor tiles. The majority of rubber tiles have a black foundation with confetti-like colored bits. However, playground tiles, designer series tiles, and virgin rubber tiles are all available in a variety of colorful hues.

The Best Subfloor For Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles work best when placed on top of compacted earth, concrete, low-pile carpet, hardwood, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. It is critical that any subfloor be leveled in order to provide a safe working environment.

Is it possible to put rubber tiles down on top of carpet?

Rubber Tile Installation

Rubber tiles are popular because of their DIY-friendliness as a gym flooring alternative. The majority of tiles easily fit together like jigsaw puzzles, and you’re ready to go. There you go!

Some tiles are so hefty and thick that they don’t need to be glued together in the first place. For a more long-term remedy, glue can be used. Though it is not required by the majority of individuals.

Rubber Tiles Shipping

Our rubber floor tiles can be shipped from any of our three distribution centers: the East, West, or Midwest. Larger shipping costs can be incurred by thicker and heavier tiles. To save money on shipping, order tiles that are shipped from a place close to where you are located.

Additionally, the lead time for each tile is different. It’s possible to get an item shipped within one or two business days if you’re in a rush.

The lead time for rubber floor tiles should be checked if your project has a tight deadline, as this will allow you to finish your work on time.

Rubber Flooring Tiles Review: Pros and Cons

For commercial, high-traffic areas, rubber has a number of intrinsic advantages that have made it a popular flooring option. The enormous variety of colors, patterns, and textures available in rubber flooring has also led to its use in residential interiors and exteriors. For DIYers, tile products, which normally come in squares of 12 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches, are a great option. However, there are a number of negatives to consider before making a final selection about your flooring.

Resilient flooring, such as rubber, has the most evident benefits. If you’re in a place where you’re going to have to deal with lots of foot traffic, like a gym, basement, rec room, or kids’ playroom, rubber flooring is a great option because of how easy it is to maintain.

Rubber tile flooring is a specialty product in the flooring industry. In comparison to other major flooring materials, there are fewer manufacturers and dealers—and thus fewer options—for laminate. There are less uses for rubber flooring in the ordinary home as well. It’s fantastic for activity areas, but most rubber flooring doesn’t look or feel right in a living room (at least for most people).

There is a distinct odor associated with rubber flooring that some homeowners find bothersome, even if it eventually goes away. Products made from natural rubber have a stronger scent than those made from synthetic rubber.

Rubber Flooring Cost

The price of high-quality rubber flooring can be prohibitive. Tiles suited for gyms can be as low as $2 per square foot, but those suitable for living rooms can cost up to $12 to $15 per square foot, which is equivalent to the price of certain natural stone and other high-end flooring goods… If you want a good rubber floor, you’ll pay between $3 and $8 per square foot.

Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance is a breeze when it comes to rubber flooring. Rubber floors may usually be cleaned with nothing more than a damp mop (never wet). It is important to check with the manufacturer before using a cleaning product, as powerful detergents can harm some floors. Natural rubber tends to be more porous, making it easier to discolor. A water-soluble wax can be used to protect some varieties against damage and discoloration, but the wax must be removed and reapplied frequently, adding to the ongoing maintenance requirements.

Several substances can discolor rubber flooring, despite its resistance to most staining agents. Rubber floors are particularly vulnerable to abrasive cleaning solutions and detergents. Grease and oil can discolor rubber flooring, therefore it’s not a good idea for serious home cooks to use it in their kitchens.

Design

In terms of design, rubber flooring might be a benefit or drawback depending on your personal preferences. Rubber flooring options were once limited to polished black or slate gray, but today you may choose from a wide range of colors and textures, including coin, leaf, and diamond-plate textures.. Some variants even resemble wood flooring or ceramic tile in appearance. For all the progress it has made, rubber flooring still lacks the variety of colors and designs available in vinyl and linoleum, and the “wood-look” materials are a poor imitation of the real thing.

Rubber Flooring Installation

Rubber tiles are among the simplest flooring materials to put in place. Interlocking edges are used in some tile products whereas edge pins are used in others to keep the tiles together. Using a sharp knife, it is simple to cut tiles in half. For DIYers, glue-down rubber tiles are less prevalent because they need more time and effort to install.

The top and bottom surfaces of most rubber floors are highly resistant to moisture damage. A vapor barrier may be necessary to prevent moisture from seeping up through the floor if you’re placing it below grade, such as in a basement. Rubber floor tiles that have been carefully prepared for moist conditions are also available.

In spite of its water resistance, rubber floor tiles can leak water down to the subfloor if they are not put properly. Resilient flooring tiles, in general, cannot be reliably sealed to prevent water from penetrating the tile’s surface. The area around the shower or tub, as well as the entire bathroom, should not be covered with this type of flooring. Rubber sheet goods are a preferable option for these locations if you intend to install rubber flooring.

WARNING

While natural rubber has a high flame resistance, synthetic rubber materials, if ignited, can emit hazardous fumes and other byproducts. 1 Choose products that do not contain PVC components as a safeguard against this. Adhesives used to install the flooring may be flammable as well.

Top Brands of Rubber Flooring Tiles

When most rubber tile makers started out, they were making commercial and industrial floor mats to protect workers’ legs and backs. A wide range of items, including sheet rubber and rubber tiles, are now available from these companies.

• In addition to mats, American Floor Mats in Rockville, Maryland, offers a wide variety of interlocking tiles that can be used in gyms, entryways, and other areas where space is limited. Many retailers, especially internet ones, sell their goods.
• Located in Santa Ana, CA, Rubber-Cal provides an extensive assortment of interlocking and glue-down rubber tiles in a variety of colors. Home Depot and other online sellers carry this brand. Additionally, Rubber-Cal provides a wide variety of rubber-sheet flooring options.

Several of the world’s largest flooring companies also have a small selection of rubber flooring.

Comfort and Convenience

Rubber flooring’s strength, toughness, and resilience under a variety of situations are some of its most widely stated advantages. Because of the type of tile and the area in which it is installed, a rubber floor can last up to 20 years if properly maintained.

In spite of its hardiness, rubber flooring is surprisingly comfortable to walk on. Exercise and children’s rooms benefit greatly from this feature. For the most part, the thicker the flooring is, the softer it will feel. Fabric, cork or foam-rubber backings can be found on some rubber flooring. Rubber flooring is quite quiet to walk on because of its flexibility. On most hard-surface floors, heel clicks and fallen things slam and clatter, but not on this one.

When wet, rubber tiles that are smooth and untextured might be dangerous to walk on. Waxed and polished floors exacerbate this issue. Rubber tiles with a smooth surface are more vulnerable to this issue, whilst those with a rough surface are less so.

Rubber flooring improves the R-value of floors by a measurable amount. The cost of electricity is lowered. R-value for ceramic tile is 1.0, however R-value for recycled rubber flooring is 2.2.

Rubber Tiles vs. Sheet Rubber Flooring

As with rubber flooring tiles, rubber flooring that is rolled out as a sheet has all the same advantages. Rubber tile manufacturers commonly offer sheets of rubber in the same colors and designs as their tile products as an additional option to their customers. In terms of cost, sheet rubber is slightly less expensive than tiles, but cutting it to fit properly can be a time-consuming task. Rolls of sheet rubber, on the other hand, have fewer seams, which can be advantageous in moist areas.

Is Rubber Flooring Right for You?

To use rubber flooring tiles, you should only use them in parts of your home that are mostly used for recreation or utility. Because of its suppleness, it’s ideal for facilities like gyms and laundry rooms, where people spend a lot of time on their feet. In spite of their improved aesthetics, rubber tiles are not a good choice for high-traffic sections of your home where beauty is critical.

FAQs

Are rubber tiles expensive?

The price of high-quality rubber flooring can be prohibitive. Tiles suited for gyms can be as low as $2 per square foot, but those suitable for living rooms can cost up to $12 to $15 per square foot, which is equivalent to the price of certain natural stone and other high-end flooring goods…

Are rubber tiles waterproof?

Rubber flooring rolls are typically not vulcanized and are therefore water resistant rather than waterproof, as is the case with many other types of flooring. A great rubber mat bundle from Greatmats is a wonderful waterproof flooring solution for home gyms, stables, and other confined places.

Can rubber flooring get wet?

Rubber is a water-resistant substance that may be applied to any surface. Even though water doesn’t harm rubber flooring, it can get in via the gaps in rubber tiles and sheets, which is an important thing to keep in mind.

Does rubber flooring mold?

There are a number of advantages to using rubber flooring in a wet environment, including its resistance to stains, mold and mildew. In damp conditions, rubber might be slippery, but it’s water-resistant and gives traction.

Are rubber floor tiles safe?

Synthetic rubbert is latex-free, thus it is safe for use by everyone, regardless of their age or health condition. Natural rubber, on the other hand, is far less durable and reliable than synthetic rubber.

Do rubber tiles get hot in the sun?

Do rubber mats heat up in the summer? Yes, that’s the simplest response. When the temperature rises, rubber mats can become quite heated. Rubber mats, on the other hand, have a specific heat of 0.3, making them more heat resistant than asphalt, sand, or concrete.

Are rubber floors warm?

Because of its smooth and warm surface, rubber flooring is an ideal choice for underfloor heating. It has a high heat retention rate, making it ideal for use in bathrooms and bedrooms, both of which are likely to see a lot of bare feet.

Does rubber flooring need underlay?

A protective paper underlayment is required, especially for high-quality hardwood, when installing rubber floors over it. A craft paper underlayment is recommended for any rubber floors.

Can you use rubber flooring in a shower?

Choosing rubber flooring for your bathroom is a no-brainer. A rubber product’s natural properties make it more durable, safe, and easy to maintain. Installation is a snap with our products, and they look great too.

Where are rubber tiles used?

Rubber flooring is often used in gyms, playrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens because of its durability, toughness, water-resistance, and soft resilience.