The alternative materials for your floors are nowadays vast. You thus need not stick to the same old wooden and ceramic tiled floors of yesteryears. One of the best modern options for flooring is rubber. Rubber floors are highly resilient, versatile, and durable. Moreover, they are the best options when looking for a shock-absorbent and slip-resistant surface to handle considerable weight while still maintaining a soft and cushion feel.
These properties of rubber make it an ideal choice in Wimbledon for the flooring of playgrounds, gyms, event centres, and field houses as well as residential properties. For you to benefit from everything that rubber flooring has to offer, you should pick the right type for your property. Here are the rubber floor types that might suffice for your needs.
Mats
Rubber floor mats are quite versatile and among the easiest to install. The mats are laid on any hard surface to add an extra cushion on it. The surface you are laying the mats on should be adequately prepared to guarantee they lay flat and do not trip people. The typical dimensions for rubber mats are 4’x10’ and 3’x6’. The thickness ranges for the mats are 0.25-2 inches. Thin rubber mats might suffice for floors in residential areas, but commercial spaces and sports facilities need thick mats to withstand the impact of machines and foot traffic. When installing the mats over large areas, consider getting interlocking ones for a secure grip.
Tiles
These are the most popular options for rubber floors because their designs and sizes make them suitable for a broad range of properties. Rubber tiles generally come in squares measuring 36’’x36’’, 18’’x18’’ and 12’’x12’’. The tiles are, however, quite supple and will be easy to cut to meet your property’s layout. Rubber tiles often have interlocking edges and will need no adhesive for their installation. Even so, there are glue-down tiles commonly used for commercial spaces, so they do not continually shift. For outdoor tiles, opt for a thickness of 5 inches, but 2-0.75 inches will suffice for indoor floors.
Sheets
These are the most economical for large areas. They come in rolls that will be cut to fit your room layout and dimensions, much like a carpet. The rubber sheets and have different designs incorporated into them to generate varying levels of traction. They might, however, be cumbersome to install since they are quite heavy. As such, they are often used in large workout areas and industrial floors.
Recycled
When using recycled rubber for your flooring, you will get it in different forms depending on its previous use. If it were from old tires and shoes, for instance, your rubber floors would generally come as tiles or mats. This is because the tires and shoes are too small to make into sheets.
Once you have your ideal type of rubber floor from the above, your next step is choosing the right finish for it. Most rubber floors have a matte finish. This is a perfect choice for gaming and social areas where the soft hues will not overwhelm the environment. You can wax the floors for a shiny finish.