Rubber Rolls or Rubber Tiles?
Decisions. Decisions. You ask yourself, “Which type of rubber flooring should I use in my home gym? Choosing between rubber rolls and rubber tiles is surprisingly easy when you look at each product a little closer. When in doubt, use a process of elimination to make your final selection. Let’s start with material.
Rubber Material
There is no reason to worry about what material RFS rubber rolls or rubber tiles are made from, because the answer is the same! BOTH products are manufactured using a synthetic rubber derived from styrene and butadiene called SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber). The primary source of SBR comes from recycled automobile tires. Tiny granules of rubber, or crumb rubber, are mixed with a urethane adhesive in a cylindrical mold to form solid rubber “logs”. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) granules can also be added in different percentages for flecks of color. The logs are then “peeled” or split by cutting into the rubber with a sharp blade at a precise thickness. The result of this splitting operation is how rubber rolls are made.
So how are tiles made from the same material? That’s where the magic of water comes in! The same rubber flooring rolls are cut into manageable size sheets. The smaller sheets are then cut into the specific tile shape(s) using a waterjet cutting machine. This machine uses high-pressure water to cut through the rubber in a precise path to form each tile. Different thicknesses, colors and different size tiles are all cut the same way – leaving an ultra-clean puzzle piece profile for tight fit between each tile.
Size Difference
The physical size of a single RFS roll is 48” wide and can be purchased in 25-foot increments. In square footage terms, that is a coverage area of 100 square feet. Rolls are ideal for large floor spaces with longer room spans for greater coverage.
In contrast, rubber tiles are considerably smaller. RFS offers two rubber tile sizes. The largest tile size measures 24” wide (inside to outside dimensions) and our smallest tile is 17” wide. These two tiles will have a 4 sq. ft. and 2 sq. ft. coverage area each, respectively. The smaller size of rubber tiles are preferred for smaller spaces or floor plans that are less rectangular and more unique.
Flooring Aesthetics
Both RFS rubber flooring options provide an incredible looking performance surface and are available in the same standard colors. The main aesthetic difference is that multiple tiles interlock to create a larger floor and the individual tile shapes create a repeating seam pattern. Although tiles are precision cut for a tight fit, seams are an inherent visual characteristic of rubber tile flooring.
Rubber rolls will also have seams along the longest run side(s) or on the shortest side(s) as butt joints for extending a roll. These straight seams are nearly indistinguishable upon installation and blend exceptionally well with the randomness of color flecks in the rolls.
Durability and Flooring Flexibility
Rubber rolls and tiles from RFS are manufactured with specific densities and properties that meet or exceed class performance standards. Simply put, the rubber you purchase is the same rubber that is installed in commercial gyms and fitness centers across America. Both flooring products offer exceptional durability and are available in the same thicknesses. Rolls, by construction, are more homogenous as a single, solid layer of rubber. Tiles are less so since they interlock and can easily be separated.
Rubber tiles, by construction, are modular and more flexible as a flooring solution for smaller spaces. Rubber tiles can be replaced and/or repositioned individually to prevent excessive wear patterns. Tiles can also be removed for more thorough cleaning.
Rubber Flooring Installation
Generally speaking, most people have never attempted to install any type of flooring. That’s why your neighborhood carpet or tile installer has a business! If you’re motivated, work well with hand tools and don’t mind lifting some weight (other than dumbbells), then installing your own rubber flooring could be in your future. Let’s review the main differences between rubber roll and rubber tile installations.
Although rubber rolls can cover more floor space quicker, they are heavier to carry and position into place. Rolls can be secured to your subfloor using double-sided carpet tape or a special adhesive that is troweled directly onto the subfloor. Trimming rolls for precise fit near door openings or short walls require more effort and expertise. Longer rolls can be more difficult to keep square against the walls of a room.
Rubber tiles are pre-cut and easily lock together; however, more tiles may be required for completing an installation. Tiles can be disassembled and reassembled for portability between spaces. Rubber tiles do not require adhesives or carpet tape for installation. Rubber tiles can easily be trimmed flush using a sharp utility knife and a T-square.
Rubber Flooring Maintenance
Rubber flooring does not typically require heavy maintenance or deep cleaning. Both flooring options can easily be cleaned with regular sweeping/vacuuming and damp mopping using a pH-neutral cleaner in warm water. Dust, dirt and debris can accumulate around equipment and between seams making rubber tiles prone to more frequent cleaning. However, rubber tiles can be removed for more thorough cleaning or even replaced if worn.
Rubber rolls provide larger surfaces and fewer seams to trap dirt and moisture. Spills and dirt are easily removed without getting stuck in-between seams.
Cost
Like other types of flooring, rubber flooring is priced by the square foot. Rubber rolls cover more area by the roll and has a lower cost per square foot price than rubber tiles. Rubber tiles require secondary cutting for their interlocking shape and that contributes to a higher cost.
Another factor to consider is the cost for installation. Rubber tiles are easy to assemble by yourself and can be installed in your space without the extra expense of tape or adhesives. The savings in labor alone can make up for the higher square foot cost of tiles. Rubber rolls, on the other hand, could require a professional contractor to install the flooring, which would increase your overall project cost.
Both rubber rolls and rubber tiles combine incredible value with durability, longevity and low maintenance.
Rubber Rolls and Rubber Tiles Comparison
Consider your space, installation needs, and overall cost when comparing rubber rolls and rubber tiles.
Ready to make your decision?
So, let’s summarize both rubber flooring options:
• Rubber rolls are best suited for large spaces where a seamless look is preferred and the cost of professional installation may offset the lower square foot price of the material.
• Rubber tiles are a more flexible choice for smaller (irregular) spaces where DIY installation can offset the higher square foot cost of the material.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what rubber flooring is the best fit for your space, how the flooring will be utilized and how much you want to invest in your new rubber floor.
RFS is committed to supplying the highest-quality, American-made rubber flooring at affordable prices.
Review the product pages on this site for additional information and contact us if you have any specific questions.