Rubber flooring – Installation costs, upkeep requirements, benefits, and drawbacks

Things to know before rubber flooring installation

Some people refuse rubber flooring because this material doesn’t seem eco-friendly. In reality, going for this type of floor covering showcases how earth-conscious you are. The thing is that most manufacturers utilize second-hand rubber products suitable for recycling. So, when you get rubber flooring rolls, you also contribute to carbon emission reduction. 

Please note that you should avoid natural tree rubber flooring if you have a latex sensitivity. You can use a synthetic alternative instead to prevent allergic reactions in you and your loved ones. 

As there is more to rubber floors than meets the eye, it’s worth going into more detail to ensure they are what you need. Pay heed to the following aspects.

Available types of rubber flooring

Rubber is a highly versatile flooring material distinguished by its resilience, sturdiness, durability, and slip resistance. Depending on your needs and the room meant for installation, you might want to select one of the three commonly used rubber flooring types. Look below to find out what they are:

• Mats. Whatever hard surface you’re eager to cover for a better cushioning effect, mats are a great choice. They come in sizes and thicknesses galore and can be fitted into limited space. Once you decide to enlarge the covered area, you can install more pieces next to the pre-existing ones without further ado. Just make sure to select options with interlocking edges for a super secure fit.
• Rolls. If you want to overlay a large area on a budget, rubber flooring rolls allow you to do just that. You may only need a few sheets to get things done. Plus, your floors will look more stylish because of fewer seams. The only thing is that you may require assistance to install these rolls correctly. 
• Tiles. For creating second-to-none patterns or covering floors in rooms with nonstandard layouts, tiles are the best bet. Even though they have a square form of different dimensions, from 12”x12” to 36”x36”, they can be easily cut into any shape you like. For a super-fast and hassle-free installation, go for tiles with puzzle-style edges. If one piece is broken, you can replace it in no time. 

Customized designs and universal styles

Rubber flooring is no longer synonymous with the ugly covering you found in your primary school. From red to lavender to yellow, you can get any color you like. And no, it doesn’t have to be dull and monochromatic. 

Modern manufacturers go the extra mile to meet the needs of the pickiest customers, meaning your rubber flooring rolls or tiles can imitate marble or wood or come with more sophisticated designs. So, whatever home décor style you try to follow, you can do that hands-down.

If none of the cookie-cutter variants speaks to you, no worries. Nowadays, many companies specialize in printing custom patterns onto rubber products. You can let your imagination run wild and recreate any pattern you fancy. 

It’s common knowledge that rubber flooring is much softer and warmer than stone tiles and other materials. But you can get even more than that by choosing styles with cork or foam backing. 

The expected lifespan of rubber flooring

Home renovation is hardly on the list of your hobbies. When choosing materials for key interior elements like floors, you want to be sure – they will last. And rubber floors won’t let you down if installed correctly. 

Rubber floors are durable, moisture-resistant, and resilient. They can remain in mint condition for a long time, so you may only face the need to replace them in about 20 years. Even though some believe the cost of rubber floor installation and the material itself isn’t for every budget, it’s one of the best investments in your comfort and safety. 

Rubber flooring maintenance tips

The durability of rubberized floors depends on two main factors – installation and maintenance. If you want them to please the eye for many years, make sure to minimize the gap between the plates, so they are tightly located. 

Please note that some detergents may affect the color and even damage the rubber material. Choose cleaning agents that are suitable for such surfaces. On top of that, oil and grease may wreak havoc on the rubber flooring, so it's better to opt for its tile, hardwood, or stone counterparts for the kitchen. 

Constant exposure to UV rays can cause the color of your rubber floors to fade over time. But it does not mean you'll have to replace them or leave like that. The market is brimming with specific paints designed to revitalize hues and make them bright again. 

The best rooms for rubber floor installation

Hospitals, fitness clubs, and playgrounds are only a few places where you can come across rubberized floors. Well-known for their impact and sound abatement qualities, they’ve become the #1 option for public settings. And their popularity has started gaining momentum among homeowners too. By installing rubber flooring, you can stylishly upgrade your house, making it a safer place to stay in. If you are fond of workouts, think of rubber gym floor installation in a spare room. You can turn it into your ‘fitness heaven’ without bothering your neighbors. 

Anti-fatigue tiles and mats can work in multiple locations throughout your house, providing cushion underfoot and subfloor protection. For example, you can install them in:

• Garage or basement
• Music room
• Bathroom
• Laundry room
• Workshop
• Equipment storage place
• Entryways

Thanks to rubber flooring, you will get a higher level of grip in areas with excessive humidity to prevent slips and falls. And cutting down on extra noise will become an additional bonus. 

Rubberized floors stand out with durability, but they may not withstand the misbehavior of your pets. Dogs can damage and destroy much more rigid materials, so you need to make sure your four-legged friends won’t demolish your new-installed flooring immediately. 

How much does rubber flooring cost?

While more widespread for commercial usage, rubber flooring can also be a perfect option for residential buildings since it's simple to upkeep and relatively easy to install. The cost of rubber floors is highly variable, ranging based on the material thickness, subfloor state, and installation area. Thin rubber floors like rolled mats obviously cost less than their thicker counterparts, like rubber tiles and poured-rubber flooring coverages. 

The national average cost range for rubber flooring starts as low as $3 per square foot and can rise to $11 per square foot for thick-poured rubber. 

Here are the costs of rubber flooring per square foot, depending on their quality and type. 

Professional rubber floor installation costs from $2 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on the region and complexity of the project. Another factor that needs to be added to the installation cost is the amount and type of adhesive required to keep your flooring in place. Residential rubber flooring can be kept in place with double-sided tape, while flooring installed in crowded areas is better to secure with a special adhesive, the amount of which will be determined by the thickness of the flooring material. The more adhesive is required, the higher cost you will be charged for installation. Besides, the price will vary depending on the number of corners in the room. Flooring installers will need to spend more time measuring and cutting the rubber flooring to ensure it fits every corner of the room. This, together with installing new underlayment, can raise the rubber flooring installation cost by 12-15%.

If you need an accurate price on your rubber flooring installation project, look no further than MyHomeQuote. Our free contractor-matching service can be used as a handy means to acquire and compare local labor costs.