Full definition
Rubber flooring is a resilient floor covering made from vulcanized rubber materials such as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Natural Rubber (NR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), or recycled tire rubber. This flooring type offers exceptional durability, impact absorption, noise reduction, anti-fatigue properties, and chemical resistance, making it a preferred choice over more traditional materials like PVC and linoleum. The thickness of rubber flooring can vary widely, typically ranging from 2 to 12 mm for commercial and industrial applications, while specialized sports and gym flooring can be between 15 to 50 mm thick to accommodate higher impact resistance requirements. Rubber flooring is available in various forms, including continuous rolls (usually 1-2 meters wide and 5-20 meters long), square tiles (commonly 500×500 mm or 1,000×1,000 mm), and interlocking modular tiles that can be easily assembled without adhesives.
The surface textures available for rubber flooring are diverse, including smooth, diamond, coin, hammered, ribbed, and custom patterns to suit aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Key performance advantages of rubber flooring include its ability to absorb impacts, thereby reducing the risk of injury from falls, which is especially critical in environments such as healthcare facilities and industrial workplaces. Additionally, rubber flooring can significantly reduce noise levels, providing an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) improvement of 15-25 dB, enhancing comfort and productivity in busy environments. The material's resistance to indentation from heavy loads means it outperforms PVC flooring in terms of durability, maintaining its performance for 15-25 years or more when properly installed and maintained.
Installation methods for rubber flooring vary; it can be adhesive-bonded to prepared concrete surfaces for a seamless finish or installed as interlocking tiles that allow for dry lay, making it easier to replace individual sections if needed. Standards that govern rubber flooring include ASTM F1344 for rubber floor tiles, ASTM D2047 for slip resistance, and EN 12199/14041, which provides guidelines for European markets. Available colors typically include standard black, with a full range of hues achievable through the addition of EPDM granulate or surface layers, providing options for both functional and aesthetic customization.