A homeowner looking for affordable and durable flooring that can stand up to all sorts of conditions might do well to consider rubber floor tiles. Rubber flooring comes in a variety of options, but tiles are among the easiest to install. Most are made in an interlocking fashion so that they are easy for the average person to install without the use of odorous adhesives or special tools. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet both indoor and outdoor needs, and can be made to match nearly any need or décor.
Rubber floor tiles are most commonly used in high-traffic areas where easy cleanup is a priority. For this reason, they are considered the ideal choice for a basement, workshop, garage or even a home gym. Some rubber floor tiles have raised surfaces to prevent slipping, and these are ideal for areas where water is a factor, such as a mud room or patio. Like other rubber products, rubber floor tiles come with a distinct odor that diminishes with time, which may make them a concern for those who are sensitive to the scent.
In a push for more eco-friendly home options, many companies have begun to manufacture their rubber flooring in part or whole out of recycled rubber. This rubber can come from a variety of sources, including old tires and tennis shoes. While the idea of buying recycled rubber tiles is appealing to those who wish to make their home more “green,” the process of refining and recycling rubber uses up many resources that may make the flooring less eco-friendly than it appears.
In some cases, rubber floor tile is not the best option because of both cost and the installation process. Another option is rubber flooring that is made in the form of large, roll-out mats that can be retracted when necessary or attached permanently with adhesive. Rubber mats have some of the same advantages of rubber tile, including shock absorption and noise reduction. Rubber floor tiles and mats also have the advantage of being a more “springy” surface than other flooring options with similar properties, making it easier and more comfortable to stand and move around.
The price of rubber floor tiles varies depending on the quality, thickness and source of the rubber. It can cost as low as $1.50 US Dollars (USD) per square foot for thin interlocking floor tiles to $10 USD per square foot for thick, recycled interlocking tiles. For those who do not want to install the tile themselves, it may be a good idea to seek help from a home improvement store where the staff is trained to help calculate how much square footage is needed and the right thickness.