Is Rubber Flooring Right For Me?

Our Flooring Tips and Fast Facts chart can help you figure out whether rubber flooring is the right choice for you. Compared to other floors, rubber flooring is durable, cost–effective and easy to install – but the question is, does it truly suit your lifestyle? Use the chart below to learn helpful facts on various floor types and see how rubber flooring measures up against some of the top players!

Rubber Flooring Products

Comparing Rubber Flooring to Other Floor Types

Figuring out what floor is right for your home is simply a matter of taking a closer look at your individual needs. Do you have children? Do you have pets? Do you have a disability or use a wheelchair? Rubber floors may be a practical choice for all of these needs as they are highly resilient and can handle heavy wear.

Rubber floors are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. In other words, they can resist mold and fungi growth, as well as allergens such as mites, dust and pet dander. These characteristics are key when trying to attain cleaner indoor air quality. To top it off, rubber flooring is slip–resistant and anti–static, and may be ideal for toddlers just learning to walk.

The resilient surface of rubber flooring has made it a popular floor option with the elderly. Rubber flooring is able to "give" upon impact while still providing a firm and smooth surface that's optimal for wheelchairs. This characteristic has led to the installation of rubber floors in medical facilities in all corners of the world.

Rubber floors are built to handle the impact of commercial traffic. It's no surprise that manufacturers recommend these durable surfaces for residential installation in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and garages – pretty much anywhere a floor surface is needed!

Studded rubber, also referred to as round stud rubber, provides more grip than smooth rubber. This feature allows studded rubber to be a safer bathroom surface for people with disabilities as it can help reduce slippage. Of course, you should consult your manufacturer before installing in a water–susceptible area (such as the kitchen or bathroom). The warranty may not cover your floor in this situation. Furthermore, certain adhesives used in glue–down rubber installations may loosen under standing water.

Learn more about the benefits of rubber floors in more detail by exploring the rest of the Rubber Floor section. You'll find handy checklists, a comprehensive Rubber Buying Guide, and tips on how to care for your floors once they're installed. You can also use our Flooring Estimator Tool to determine how much rubber flooring material you need for your project. Let these tools guide you all the way from purchase to installation.

FindAnyFloor.com™ developed this flooring comparison chart to give you food for thought when making your flooring choice. We hope you'll find it helpful.

D = depends on the type of flooring you choose
S = if sealed properly
* = the best case scenario, with proper care and maintenance

Hiring a flooring professional or installing it yourself? You'll find helpful ideas on each option by visiting Pro or DIY?