Rubber Flooring – Before you Buy

Rubber floors can be natural, synthetic, or a mix of the two. Natural rubber, also known as India rubber is a sustainable product. Most of the time, natural rubber is made by using the latex of plant sap from the Hevea brasiliensis, also known as the Pará rubber tree. However, natural rubber can also be made from latex in dandelions, lettuce, and fig trees.

Natural rubber flooring is a friendly, “green” addition to any home or business. Some companies have discovered that rubber tires can be recycled into rubber floors. Recycled rubber floors are something that helps the environment and also creates a floor that can be used in a variety of settings.

Determining whether or not rubber flooring is a good fit for you requires knowledge of the characteristics and performance of natural and synthetic rubber floors in comparison to other flooring surfaces.

Durability:

Rubber flooring stands up well to high traffic areas and has an expected lifespan of 15 years. The lifespan could be much longer, depending on how well maintained it is. Rubber flooring is even durable and long-lasting in gyms, a high-impact area, where heavy weights are constantly being dropped on the floor. Rubber is both low maintenance and stain resistant, other attributes that make it so durable.

Sound Reduction:

Rubber is a great material for sound reduction. Most sound waves that hit rubber will be absorbed instead of reflected like with hardwood flooring. While footfalls on rubber flooring are not completely soundproof, rubber floors are one of the best choices for sound absorption.

Cushioning:

Rubber flooring provides plenty of underfoot cushion that other types of flooring, such as ceramic flooring and vinyl flooring do not. This cushioning reduces both fatigue and injury to the foot. Rubber flooring is a great choice for areas where people stand for long amounts of time, such as restaurant kitchens, workout facilities, and more.

Slippery Surface:

Rubber floors are more slippery than most other types of floors when wet. Spills should be cleaned up immediately in order to prevent injuries.

Overall Price:

When deciding whether or not rubber flooring is a good choice for you, be sure to keep in mind the entire project cost. The cost of your rubber floor project includes:

• Rubber Floor Installation
• Rubber Floor Delivery
• Furniture Removal and Replacement (If applicable)
• Removal of Old Flooring (If applicable)
• Sub-Floor Preparation
• Other Necessary Materials (adhesives, moisture barriers, etc.)

Be aware that a properly cared for rubber floor will last a long time and the investment will be well worth your money. If you have any additional questions about rubber floors, call America’s Floor Source 877-237-2317 to speak to one of our flooring experts.