What is rubber flooring?
Rubber flooring is an elastic substance often chosen for areas subject to heavy wear and tear over long periods of time. Rubber flooring is generally made from recycled rubber products, most often vehicle tires. This makes rubber one of the most durable flooring options, as it lasts a very long time and prevents such durable products from ending up in the landfill.
Types of rubber flooring
Rubber flooring comes in three main forms. The three types of rubber flooring are
- Interlocking rubber tile
- Square Edge Rubber Floor Tiles
- Rubber Flooring Rolls/Sheets
Another type of rubber flooring is spray-on. This makes rubber flooring rather than a flooring material itself. It is more often used in a residential rather than a commercial setting because it is less effective than genuine rubber flooring.
Why do people use rubber flooring?
Rubber flooring has a number of advantages over traditional flooring types. It can be used indoors and outdoors (although it is a little more common outdoors).
It can also be both residential and commercial, with common uses for rubber including gymnasiums, garages, boats, bathrooms, kitchens and playgrounds. Rubber flooring can also be made from fully recyclable materials, making it a very eco-friendly flooring option. As such it is a very versatile material and can be applied in many different contexts.
Advantages of Rubber Flooring
Sustainability
The main appeal of rubber flooring is its strength. Rubber flooring is extremely durable and will withstand continuous high levels of foot traffic for decades without showing wear. It’s also waterproof and will repel moisture, so water damage and stains are of little concern. It can withstand a lot of force, making it a popular choice for situations where impact damage is likely (like weight rooms in gyms).
Low maintenance
Rubber floors are easy to maintain. They do not require updating or treating after extended periods in the same way that concrete needs resealing or re-sanding of wood. Maintenance of rubber floors simply involves vacuuming regularly (as dirt and debris collects on rubber because it cannot penetrate) and cleaning the floor once a week with mild chemicals such as than a mild detergent.
Variety
Australia offers a wide variety of rubber flooring colors and styles. This is particularly useful in commercial settings for areas like indoor gymnasiums or sports facilities, as you can have rubber stamped with the contours of a specific terrain. Rubber can also be textured and has several finishes available, although matte is the most common.
Cost
Rubber has a higher initial cost than vinyl or linoleum, but over a twenty year cycle, rubber is guaranteed to be the cheapest. This is due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. In the short term, rubber costs depend on the form of rubber flooring you intend to purchase.
On average, rubber tiles cost between $15 and $65 per tile. Rubber mats or sheets usually cost between $45 and $150 per linear yard.
Rubber Flooring Australia – Best Matte Rubber Flooring from Brisbane to Melbourne
5. Bunnings: Ultimate Flooring Shed Paver
Available: here
Cost: $30.98 per square meter
Bunnings offers a wide range of high quality rubber flooring at affordable prices. The rubber mat shown above comes in the form of a 10mm thick sheet of one square meter. It is easy to cut with a utility knife and can be adjusted to shape the area.
It is made with recycled Australian tires and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This rubber mat can be glued to a solid subbase or laid loose on a concrete/compacted subbase.
4. Bunnings: poured-in-place rubber flooring
Available: here
Cost: $74.90 per 1.5 square meters
Another stellar rubber flooring option from Bunnings, wet rubber flooring is the way to go if you’re looking for a seamless look. Wet casting rubber is made from a mixture of rubber granules and polyurethane resin, which you apply over existing firm subbases. It can be applied to just about any firm base that has been properly prepared, including wood, concrete, tarmac, metal, and even just plain dirt.
This product covers up to 1.5 square meters and is recommended for driveways, playgrounds, swimming pools, sheds, ramps and stairs. Like all rubber flooring, it is a non-slip surface. This product is also suitable for DIY and has an easy working time of only 30-50 minutes.
3. Aussie Fitness: Red Spot Gym Floor Tiles
Available: here
Cost: $35.96
Speckled rubber is a symbol of indoor exercise, dominating the floors of many gymnasiums across Australia. These speckled rubber tiles are available in many other different colors from Aussie Fitness. They are non-slip, non-toxic and made from recycled materials. These tiles are 15mm thick and suitable for indoor use only.
2. Appliances Plus: Fall protection tiles
Available: here
Cost: 281.99 (12 tiles of 50 x 50 cm)
These rubber tiles are designed specifically to prevent fall damage and cushion impact. They are ideal for outdoor recreation, high-intensity sports, children’s playgrounds and senior exercise areas. They are resistant to all weather conditions, making them perfect for the outdoors.
Green rubber is also slightly more attractive than regular black rubber because it mimics the look of lying grass. This product comes with 12 tiles, each 50cm x 50cm with an extreme thickness of 3cm. The extra thickness helps the rubber better absorb shocks and cushion falls, making it one of the safest flooring options.
1. Clark Rubber Deck Tile
Available: here
Cost: $68.95
Clark Rubber is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of rubber flooring. Clark Rubber provides high-quality rubber flooring and tiles for just about any scenario, from indoor kitchen, garage, bathroom and playground rubber flooring to patio outdoors, playgrounds, walkways and swimming pools.
The rubber deck tile featured above is a stylish and practical way to protect an exposed outdoor entertaining area from the weather while keeping a mature aesthetic intact. For an overview of the rest of their extensive catalog of rubber flooring, see here.
Comments are closed.