Installing Dowel Secured Rubber Tile Flooring

How To Install

Rubber Flooring Installation Instructions | PDF's
Quick Guide on How–to–Install a Rubber Floor 390kb pdf | Our short installation guide for those with DIY experience.

Full Guide – Complete Installation Instructions on Installing your Rubber Floor 480kb pdf | Our full set of DIY installation instructions.
 

Rubber tiles are fit together and secured with dowels to form a loose–lay floor. Perimeter tiles may be secured with full spread adhesive if the flooring is in an area without surrounding walls.

Install the Main Part of the Floor

Dowel secured rubber tiles are installed in–line with each other.

1. Snap a chalk line between the center points of each opposite wall to divide the room into four quadrants.
2. Layout a row of loose rubber tiles in all directions at the center intersection point. Evaluate the fit to ensure the minimum tile length along the perimeter is satisfied. If necessary, move your starting point down to better accommodate this minimum length.
3. Once satisfied, pick up all guide tiles and set aside.
4. Beginning at the center point, install the first rubber tile so it aligns with the main two chalk lines. Insert the dowels into the first tile. Push the first and second tile together. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to ensure a snug fit.
5. Work your way down the first row.
6. On the second row, insert dowels into the first center tile. Push the first two tiles in each row together then tap with the mallet.
7. Insert dowels into the side of the first second row tile. Push the second tile in that row together. Use a mallet to ensure a snug fit.
8. Gently lift the second tile in the first row and insert downs. Press the second tile in the second row to the second tile in the first row. Use a mallet to ensure a snug fit.
9. Continue working your way across each quadrant (minus the perimeter) until the floor is installed.

Install Perimeter Tiles

Once the main part of the floor is complete, install the perimeter tiles.

• If working in a room with walls, use the same method to install perimeter tiles as you used to install the entire floor. (See instructions above.)
• If working in a room without supporting walls, use a full spread adhesive to secure the perimeter tiles. (See instructions below.)

1. Scribe fit tiles for the perimeter in each row, if necessary.
2. Dry fit tiles to ensure they fit correctly.
3. Prepare and spread the flooring adhesive along the perimeter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Install all perimeter tiles within each quadrant.
5. Roll the newly installed tiles with a 100–lb roller.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the entire perimeter.
7. Re–roll the entire perimeter as recommended by your manufacturer.
8. Install rubber reducer along the perimeter to eliminate tripping hazards.
9. Let the new rubber floor cure and bond for 24–72 hours or as directed by your manufacturer. Do not move anything back into the room and keep foot traffic to a minimum during this time.

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