Not only have new concepts as smart flooring been developed thanks to technology, but also a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colors for rubber floor are now possible. Besides rubberized flooring becoming popular among high traffic environments, it’s also made its way into exterior and interior applications at home. For DIYers, rubber flooring squares in 36, 24, and 12 inches are particularly friendly. Nevertheless, you must be wondering, “how long does rubber flooring last?” Besides its durability, there are other advantages and disadvantages that a rubber floor offers and should be considered.
What is it Best Used For?
Because of its resiliency, rubber tile flooring is an easy-to-clean, durable, and good option for environments such as laundry rooms, gyms, basements, etc.
However, as great as it is for activity areas, most people do not see it as a choice for several applications in the typical home. Moreover, some homeowners find the natural rubber odor unpleasant, even when it goes away after a while.
Cost
While you can expect to spend from $3 to $8 per square foot for adequate rubberized flooring, attractive, premium rubber flooring can go up to $12 to $15 per square foot.
Repair and Maintenance
How long does rubber flooring last in good condition? Basically, rubber flooring tiles require little maintenance, which contributes to its durability. When it comes to stain-resistance, synthetic rubber flooring is better than its natural type. To clean rubberized flooring, make sure you use a damp mop and specialized cleaning products.
Although rubber flooring tiles are resistant to the majority of staining agents, strong detergents and cleaning liquids can discolor and damage them. Moreover, this type of flooring must stay away from oil and grease, which makes it a terrible choice for kitchens.
Also, if your dog nails scratch your wood floors, imagine that something similar could happen to your rubberized floor with pets around.
Design
Depending on your decorating preferences, rubberized flooring appearance could be either an upside or a downside. Even when some types of rubber flooring mimic ceramic or wood flooring unsuccessfully, there is a wide variety of textures and colors available, such as a leaf, coin, and diamond-plate textures.
Installation
Rubber floor tiles are an excellent choice for DIYers due to how easy they are to install. Whether the tiles use interlocking edges or an edge pin system, they can be easily cut with a knife.
Even when rubber tile flooring can be resistant to water, you need to include a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping up, especially if you install it in a basement. Also, consider that water can pass through the flooring seams, which does not make rubber bathroom floors a convenient option. If you wish to use rubber flooring near showers or tubs, sheet products are a better option.
Top Brands
Most manufacturers offer a wide variety of products nowadays, including both rubber tiles and sheet rubber. For instance, American Floor Mats offers an excellent collection of interlocking tiles for gym areas and entryways. Rubber-Cal offers a colorful collection of sheet rubber flooring products, as well as both interlocking and glue-down rubber tiles.
Comfort
How long does rubber flooring last? As this material is resilient, tough, and strong, it can last about 20 years with the proper care. Due to its softness, this material is highly popular for playrooms and gyms. Moreover, some types have added cushion from cork, fabric, or foam-rubber backing, and their elasticity makes them very quiet to walk on.
Nevertheless, rubber tiles can be slippery when they are wet if they are smooth and do not have texture, which worsens after polishing and waxing.
Sheet Rubberized Flooring
Sheet rubberized flooring includes all the advantages found in rubber flooring tiles, in addition to having fewer seams, which makes rolls of sheet rubber an option for damp locations. Furthermore, lots of manufacturers offer sheet products in the same patterns and colors as their tile products, and even at a lower price. However, as cutting the sheets for a perfect fit can be difficult, the installing process is more complicated as well.
Conclusion
Although rubber tile flooring is more attractive than it used to be, it is still not well suited for public areas of your home. Therefore, it should be considered for informal spaces where you work on your feet, such as a workshop and a laundry room.