Flooring options are numerous and versatile, and you as a buyer may find it an exhausting mission—what to choose, where to install, and so on. Yes, you may feel confused from carpets, rugs, and vinyl coverings to parquet, tiles, and rubber flooring mats. Let me facilitate it. In this article, I aim to give you everything you need to learn about rubber flooring mats to narrow the options, and then you are free to choose the best for your space.
Rubber mats’ origins and manufacturing
Rubber mats were first known by American scientists a long time ago, which makes life easier for humanity; they are used in everything from flooring to vehicle mats. Rubber flooring mats are made from both natural elements and synthetic recycled materials, but natural rubbers are the best for a healthier lifestyle. Rubber flooring mats are made from rubber blends such as polyurethane (PU and PUR) and silicone. Polyurethane foam rubber ranges in hardness, stiffness, and density to ensure you get the best for your space condition and requirements. Alternatively, silicone foam rubber is a perfect choice as a slip-resistant material, which makes it great for industrial and sanitary ambiances.
Rubber flooring mat characteristics
Rubber mats are really versatile, and they incredibly fit any space. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to fit every room’s flooring and corners.
Thickness
The rubber flooring mats vary in thickness, and each thickness is suitable for a specific application. Their thickness ranges from ¼ inch to 2 inches; the thicker the rubber flooring is, the softer and more durable it will be. In addition, it will provide comfort underfoot, shock, and sound absorption, along with better cushioning.
Textures
Thanks to creative designers, rubber flooring mats come in many texture options to give your space a unique character and style. The textures are various, from dimples and rivets to more complex textured patterns such as diamond plates or waffles. Smooth rubber textures are also available, but you need to equip them with an anti-slip surface feature in case you need that.
Rubber flooring mats’ advantages
When it comes to talking about their advantages, we may need a book to write. We can summarize them as follows:
– Durability
– Hardness
– Stiffness
– Safety
chemical, abrasion, and tearing resistant
waterproofing, as it is not likely to absorb water.
– Anti-slip
anti-thermal properties
– Soundproofing
aesthetic appearance
high tensile strength
high flexibility and stretching ability
– Withstand high traffic
anti-fatigue properties
Disadvantages
Rubber flooring mats may have a few disadvantages, but they can be easily treated.
Bad smells could be easily fixed with perfect ventilation and regular cleaning and maintenance.
For larger spaces, it may take a lot of time; you may hire a professional company to do that task quickly.
Easily faded, you can protect your rubber mats by keeping them always clean and always taking care of them.
Where is the best place to install rubber flooring mats?
Rubber flooring mats, thanks to their features and versatility, can be installed and used in many various spaces (domestic or commercial floorings), such as:
Gym centers and homes’ gyms
Commercial kitchens
– Hospitals
Playroom or kid’s room
– Garages
Workshops, factories, and even tire centers
Walkways, stairs, and corridors
Studios and showroom flooring
Cleaning and maintenance tips
To keep your rubber mats last longer and to be more durable and safe with a stylish look, you should follow these cleaning and maintenance tips:
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining your rubber flooring mats’ appearance and quality. Use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt. Then, cleaning with detergent and mopping with warm water are the best ways to start the second step of cleaning your rubber mats properly. Lastly, fresh air or good ventilation is great for drying your flooring and then letting it shine.
Professional tip: when cleaning your rubber mats, keep in mind to go soft, never use harsh cleaning methods, and never clean your rubber flooring after 72 hours when first installing them.
Stain cleaning
For watery stains like sweat or drinks, you can use a vinegar solution with water and rub it softly. When finishing this, you can use warm water and cleaner as per the above steps to complete this cleaning mission. Instead, if you have oil stains, you need to use turpentine on a dry cloth and clean the required spot, but keep in mind to ventilate the area well and wear protective gloves. Then, follow your regular cleaning steps.
Maintenance is all about keeping your rubber flooring mats clean and caring about them regularly to make them last longer than usual.
Rubber mats cost
It is considered a more expensive material than other options, but it will still be a cost-effective choice due to its durability and long-lasting features. Be sure you will get the best for what you pay in terms of designs, shapes, colors, and quality. They are available in aesthetic coloring appearances such as black, gray, and tan, along with some vibrant colors like teals, oranges, and reds, to add a pop of color to your space.
I hope you find what you seek in this article. And then, enjoy shopping for your rubber flooring mats.