Rubber Flooring

Juliet Taylor

What is rubber flooring?

Rubber flooring is an elastic substance often chosen for areas that see heavy wear over long periods of time. Rubber flooring is usually made from recycled rubber products – most commonly, vehicular tyres. This makes rubber one of the more sustainable flooring options as it lasts a very long time and avoids similarly long-lasting products from ending up in landfill.

Types of rubber flooring

Rubber flooring comes in three main forms. The three types of rubber flooring are

Another type of rubber flooring is spray on. This makes rubber floor coverings rather than a flooring material itself. It is more often used in a residential setting rather than commercial as it is less effective than authentic rubber flooring.

Why do people use rubber flooring?

Rubber flooring has a number of advantages over traditional flooring types. It can be used both indoors and outdoors (though it is somewhat more common outdoors).

It can also be both residential and commercial, with common uses for rubber including gyms, garages, boats, bathrooms, for kitchens, and for playgrounds. Rubber flooring can also be made from completely 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 settings.

Advantages of rubber flooring

Durability

The number one draw of rubber flooring is its strength. Rubber flooring is extremely resilient and will resist continual high levels of foot traffic for decades without showing wear. It is also waterproof and will repel moisture, so water damage and staining are of little concern. It can withstand a lot of force, making it a popular choice for situations where impact damage is likely (such as weight rooms in gyms).

Low maintenance

Rubber floors are easy to take care of. They do not require updating or treatment after prolonged periods of time in the way that concrete needs resealing or timber re-sanding. Maintaining rubber floors is simply a matter of regular vacuuming (as dirt and debris will collect on top of the rubber since it cannot permeate through) and mopping the floor once a week with gentle chemicals such as a mild detergent.

Variety

Australia has a wide variety of rubber flooring colours and styles available. This is particularly useful in commercial settings for areas like indoor gyms or sports facilities, as you can have rubber printed with the outlines of a specific court. Rubber can also be textured and has multiple available finishes, though matt is the most common.

Cost

Rubber has a higher upfront cost than vinyl or linoleum, but over a twenty-year cycle rubber is guaranteed to cost the least. This is because of 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-$65 per tile. Rubber matts or sheets usually cost around $45-$150 per linear metre.

Rubber flooring Australia – the best rubber matt floor coverings from Brisbane to Melbourne

5. Bunnings: Ultimate flooring shed paver

Available: here

Cost: $30.98 per square metre

Bunnings has an extensive range of high quality rubber flooring at affordable prices. The rubber carpet pictured above comes in a 10mm thick sheet of one square metre. It is easy to cut with a utility knife and can be fitted to shape the area.

It is made with recycled Australian tyres and is equally suited to indoor and outdoor use. This rubber carpet can be adhered to a solid sub base or loose laid to concrete/compacted sub base.

4. Bunnings: Pour-in-place rubber flooring

Available: Here

Cost: $74.90 per 1.5 square metre

Another stellar rubber flooring option from Bunnings, wet pour rubber surfacing is the way to go if you are after a seamless look. Wet pour rubber is made from a mix of rubber granules and polyurethane resin, which you apply to existing firm sub bases. It can be applied on just about any firm base which has been properly prepared including timber, concrete, tarmac, metal, and even simply dirt.

This product covers up to 1.5 square metres and is recommended for pathways, playgrounds, pool areas, garden sheds, ramps and stairs. Like all rubber flooring, it is a non-slip surface. This product is also DIY friendly and has an easy working time of only 30-50 minutes.

3. Aussie Fitness: Red fleck gym flooring tiles

Available: here

Cost: $35.96

Flecked rubber is a symbol of indoor exercise, dominating the flooring of many gyms across Australia. These flecked rubber tiles are available in many other different colours from Aussie Fitness. They are slip resistant, nontoxic, and made from recycled materials. These tiles are 15mm thick and are suitable for indoor use only.

2. Home 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 impacts. They are perfect for outdoor recreation, high intensity sports, children's playgrounds, and senior exercise areas. They are resistant to all weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoors.

Green rubber is also slightly more appealing than plain black rubber as it mimics the look of laid grass. This product comes with 12 tiles, each 50cm x 50 cm with an extreme thickness of 3cm. The extra thickness helps the rubber to better absorb impacts and cushion falls, making it one of the safest flooring options.

1. Clark Rubber patio tile

Available: here

Cost: $68.95

Clark Rubber is one of Australia's leading rubber flooring providers. Clark Rubber supplies high quality rubber flooring and tile for just about every scenario from indoor kitchen, garage, bathroom and play area rubber coverage to outdoor patio, playgrounds, pathways and pool areas.

The patio rubber tile featured above is a classy and practical way to protect an exposed outdoor entertainment area from weather events while keeping a mature aesthetic intact. For a look at the rest of their extensive rubber flooring catalogue, see here.