Rubber flooring for basement
Rubber flooring for the basement is a flexible mat material made from rubber, including synthetic and natural rubbers. The main feature of the rubber flooring for the basement is that it has a lower thermal conductivity rate than other kinds of materials or floors, so this would be an excellent choice to keep your feet warm.
In addition, since elasticity and its weight reduction are also amazing features, it could help reduce labor intensity when you change your decoration for rooms or any other rooms in the future. It is no doubt that it would be an excellent choice to use as the flooring material for the basement.
Benefits of Rubber Flooring for Basement
Rubber flooring for the basement can reduce sound and vibration, so it’s an ideal choice if you want to solve noise problems in your basement rooms. Its design flexibility also helps architects and homeowners create various attractive patterns on the walls and floors of their basements.
Another benefit of rubber flooring for the basement is its anti-slip function. You do not have to worry about your safety when you walk on this kind of rubber mat. This is because they always give people a solid footing that will never let them slip even on wet or slippery surfaces such as those in basements with pools or home spas installed! Rubber flooring for the basement is also a kind of material that has strong durability and elasticity.
Besides, since rubber flooring for the basement does not contain lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, this kind of flooring material will not cause any damage to your family’s health or environment even if you install it at home or work area! It’s the best choice for eco-friendly flooring materials!
What kind of Basement Flooring should you choose?
Your choice of type of basement flooring will depend on the following factors: cost, durability, moisture resistance, installation ease, and your planned uses for the basement flooring.
1. Rubber Flooring Tiles
These are a popular choice of materials for basement floors because they are cheaper than most other types of basement flooring materials. They have been given rubber ratings from R0 to R4 depending on how much compression their thickness can take before they deform. Rubber tiles may be as thin as 3/8 inch or as thick as 2 inches, depending on the quality and intended use you want it for.
The wider the tile, the more expensive it will be, too – this is due to their longer life span, which results in them being cost-effective in terms of investment. Rubber tiles come with a textured surface, a smooth surface, a ribbed texture, or a grooved surface that can hold water and prevent slipping.
The textured rubber tiles generally have the lowest life expectancy as they tend to wear down over time, but they are cheaper than their counterparts that come with an embossed pattern. Rubber tiles should be nailed into place as they may not stay in place properly once you start using them if you choose not to nail them down.
If you need basement flooring for high traffic areas such as workshops and gyms where people will be moving around a lot or using equipment on the floor space, rubber mats and interlocking rubber tiles might work well, mainly if they include anti-fatigue properties suitable for standing on all day long.
2. Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are typically made of recycled rubber materials and come in different thicknesses. They can provide a softer surface to work out on over concrete floors, but their durability isn’t the greatest, so they will wear down quickly, mainly if you use them for high-impact workouts like running or jumping rope. Avoid using these for basement flooring if your household includes kids because the edges are sharp.
They are also not that easy to clean due to their structure being composed of tiny holes that trap dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants, hose them off with some water once in a while to get rid of any stains or debris, or moisture buildup. Rubber interlocking tiles are a choice over rubber mats if you need something more durable than rubber mats.
Rubber interlocking tiles are more practical to use in high traffic areas because they are not made of fragile materials that break or get punctured easily.
They are also easier to keep clean because the porous surface does not trap dust, dirt, or other contaminants compared to rubber mats. Rubber interlocking tiles typically range from half an inch thick up to two inches depending on their quality and intended uses – thicker tiles will provide more excellent cushioning. In contrast, thinner ones may be suitable for commercial applications where you need a lightweight material.
3. Interlocking Rubber Floor Tiles
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The benefit of using rubber interlocking flooring tiles is their versatility since you can install them over any existing surface, including concrete, cement backer board, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, carpeting, vinyl flooring, hardwood floors, and existing rubber flooring. They are also easy to install over concrete, provided you purchase the correct type of adhesive to use with them. Rubber tiles come in different sizes, including 12 inches by 12 inches or 8 feet by 10 feet to suit your basement flooring needs.
Their interlocking design makes it easier for installation purposes, so there’s no need for glue or nails, place them side by side, and they will lock together securely.
Depending on your needs, these rubber tiles can cover an area as small as 100 square feet or as large as 300 square feet. Make sure that you leave enough space around the perimeter to allow for walking room comfortably without accidentally stepping on the edges, which may cause them to chip or break apart. You can order rubber tiles online or purchase them from your local hardware store.
What are the disadvantages of rubber flooring?
The most significant disadvantages of rubber tiles include the following:
- Installation takes a long time in more meaningful areas.
- The floor might not look entirely smooth.
- Seams may allow moisture to get to the subfloor.
- When wet, slippery, untextured rubber tiles are slick.
- A rubbery odor within the first several months following installation.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to understand the different types of basement flooring materials available to make an informed decision based on your needs and budget. Rubber mats, rubber tiles, and interlocking rubber tiles are viable options for low-cost basement flooring solutions that provide anti-fatigue benefits and help reduce noise transfer from room to room.
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