Rubber Tiles or Foam Tiles: You Get What You Pay For
In this article, RFS will examine the main differences between interlocking rubber tiles and foam tiles.
At the end, you will have a better understanding why rubber tiles are far superior than foam tiles; how foam tiles can actually set you back in your budget; applications for each product; and, how you always get what you pay for.
Different Materials and Construction
RFS interlocking rubber tiles are made from recycled tire rubber. This post-consumer material is an eco-friendly and sustainable component in the manufacture of rubber flooring. Each rubber tile is a waterjet cut from flat sheets of rubber with scrap trimmings recycled into more rubber flooring products. Only the impurities found in the tire rubber, such as reinforcement wires, are filtered and not used. Every year, millions of pounds of vehicle tire rubber is recycled instead of being discarded in landfills. Even worn-out rubber tiles that are past their usefulness can be recycled.
In contrast, interlocking foam tiles and other foam products are made primarily from EVA – Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. EVA resin pellets are mixed with additives, fillers and chemical foaming agents and extruded into sheets or fed into molds. Large closed-cell foam blocks are cut into specific thicknesses and die cut into tile shapes. EVA foam is often called “foam rubber” due to its feel, but it is a plastic copolymer. Foam tiles are not biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution when broken down. EVA foam can also release toxic emissions like formamide (used for softness) and mainstream recycling does not exist as a disposal option.
Different Characteristics
• DURABILITY – When it comes to durability, there is no argument. Recycled rubber tiles outperform foam tiles in every aspect. Rubber tiles resist tearing, cracking, gouging and deformation from heavy weights and high impact. Rubber tiles can withstand decades of heavy use and continual foot traffic without breaking down or losing their shape.
Foam tiles are extremely prone to indenting, punctures, ripping, pilling and compressing under heavy use or equipment. The chemical make-up and soft construction of foam tiles favor lighter activities with a lifespan of just a few years of moderate to heavy use.
• LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY – Rubber tiles will maintain their structural integrity under heavy weights and static gym equipment (weight racks, exercise machines, treadmills, etc.). The dense rubber has more material mass to withstand weight and resist compression.
Foam tiles have a cellular structure with air pockets, making it lighter and softer. As a result, foam will compress more quickly under heavy loads and will lose its shape and break down over time. Weight benches, weight plates and even dumbbells can cause permanent indentations.
• SAFETY AND STABILITY – One of the hallmark features of recycled rubber tiles is the unique surface texture it provides. No other flooring offers superior natural traction and slip resistance, even when wet with sweat or moisture. This feature significantly reduces the risk of slip and fall accidents. Read Why Is Recycled Rubber the Best Flooring Material for A Gym? for more reasons rubber is better for your floor.
EVA foam tiles are either smooth or oftentimes have a textured or patterned surface molded to help add more grip and traction. Unfortunately, the raised surface is still made from the same closed-cell material and can be extremely slippery when wet.
Unlike recycled rubber tiles, foam tiles lack the mass, weight and grip to adequately stay locked together during exercise. Side-to-side, or lateral movement can create enough force to shift the tiles and pull the interlocking tabs apart. High-impact aerobics where weight is applied and released will cause the foam to compress and expand. This movement will grind and loosen the connection points over time. Repeated stress on the foam causes the tiles to flex and deform at the joints. Eventually, the locking tabs lose their tight fit and come apart.
• CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE – Not only are recycled rubber tiles extremely durable, they are super-easy to clean and maintain. Simply mop with a mild cleaner and air dry. RFS recommends Betco Best Scrub floor cleaner for superb cleaning results. The solid rubber tile is water-resistant and does not promote mold or mildew growth. For greater floor protection, use Betco Rescue TruMatte floor finish to seal the wear layer of your rubber tiles.
New foam tiles are easy to clean with soap and water. However, when the foam surface begins to break down from use it can expose the cells to moisture. Cracks, tears, punctures, scuff pilling, compression marks, and gaps between tiles can help trap moisture and mold spores. Surface-damaged tiles require more “hands-and-knees” scrubbing to avoid additional wear.
• TILE WEIGHT AND COMFORT – EVA foam tiles by construction are lightweight compared to dense recycled rubber tiles. One 8mm (5/16”) thick foam tile will weigh less than one pound whereas a rubber tile of the same size and thickness will weigh about 6.5 pounds. That’s still less weight than a gallon of milk! Interlocking foam tiles are easy to put together, but they have a propensity to separate more easily than rubber tiles during movement exercises. Rubber tiles have more mass and rigidity to stay connected.
Featherlight foam tiles have a cellular structure that has a soft and warm feel to the touch. In contrast, solid recycled rubber tiles are firm and will feel cooler. Foam tiles do provide a layer of soft cushioning underfoot; however, foam compresses easily and eventually will crush and break down under continual use. Light dumbbells or kettlebells will indent, puncture or tear foam which can lead to greater foam degradation.
The firmness of resilient rubber tiles provides excellent body support during exercise by offering superior shock absorption, joint protection and stability. Rubber tiles reduce impact from high-intensity movements, heavy lifting and even floor exercises, making workouts safer, more comfortable and more effective. The rubber non-slip surface allows for better balance and performance, preventing fatigue and injury on hard surfaces.
Different Long-Term Value
Without question, basic EVA foam tiles cost less than recycled rubber tiles. The vast majority of foam tiles are made overseas where labor and material costs are artificially low. A package of large foam tiles that can cover approximately 19.26 square feet costs about $21.00, or $1.09/sq. ft.
“That sounds like a bargain! Let’s get them!”
At first, your bargain find feels like you won the fitness flooring lottery. Until it doesn’t.
RFS sells recycled rubber tiles in the same thickness and slightly larger coverage area (24 square feet) for about $56.00, or $2.34/sq. ft.
“Well, that’s over twice the cost of the foam tiles I found and it’s just going on my hardwood floor. I’ll stick with the foam tiles.”
Until you find out that was a mistake hiding in plain view.
When you consider all of the differences in product construction and characteristics detailed above, the cost of the tiles, and how you intend to use them, the better long-term value will always be recycled rubber tiles. Here’s how:
#1 Superior Durability and Longevity: Recycled rubber tiles use resilient, repurposed tire rubber that can withstand years, if not decades, of heavy use without breaking down. Foam can compress, tear or indent quickly under much lighter weight and moderate exercise. Foam tiles may only last a year or two depending on your daily use.
#2 Enhanced Safety and Performance: Rubber tiles provide better natural traction and slip resistance (even when wet), which greatly improves safety. Recycled rubber tiles have greater impact absorption qualities to protect your joints during exercise. Foam tiles, even with faux molded textures, have little traction and are slippery when wet. EVA foam has “soft” cushioning, but it does not return energy as effectively or consistently under repetitive impacts, leading to inadequate support during workouts.
#3 Compression Resistance and Floor Protection: Recycled rubber maintains its structural integrity under the weight of heavy equipment, machines, dropped weights and bodyweight. The resiliency of rubber allows it to “rebound” instantly. The resistance to compression combined with high impact absorption makes recycled rubber tiles a better choice for protecting your finished floor (hardwood) or subfloor (concrete or plywood).
Foam tiles are incapable of bearing significant weight without losing its shape, leading to permanent indentations and damage. Foam is too soft to adequately disperse the concentrated impact load of a dropped weight or dumbbell. The force of the dropped weight is transmitted through the foam tile and to the hardwood floor below it. This can result in dented, scratched, or cracked wood. Concrete subfloors can crack or chip and cause “hidden” damage that will be costly to fix. If you rent your living space, be prepared to get a bill. If you’re a homeowner and eventually sell your property, you may have to correct the damage as a condition of the sale! Are $20 foam tiles the bargain you thought they were? Wait! There’s more…
#4 Lower Replacement Frequency: RFS only sells American-made rubber products. Our high-quality recycled rubber tiles are manufactured with specific densities that will last for years – even under daily exercise use with free weights. With cheap foreign-made foam tiles, you will have to purchase and replace multiple sets of worn-out tiles that will cost you more money over the long-term. This is the dirty secret you never hear about.
#5 Lower Maintenance and Better Hygiene: Interlocking rubber tiles resist the absorption of dirt, sweat and moisture, making them easy to clean and less prone to odor and mold issues. Rubber tiles also lock together tightly. Tight seams help reduce the amount of dust and liquids that can be trapped between tiles.
In contrast, new EVA foam tiles can initially be cleaned easily. When the tiles start to deteriorate due to continual foam compression, cracking, punctures, scuffing and other surface damage, the interior foam cells become exposed to sweat, floor dust and organic materials that can lead to mold growth. The irregular surface requires more attention to cleaning. Foam tiles will flex more during exercising and begin to separate at the seams. This creates gaps that will eventually widen and hold more dirt and liquids.
Tile Applications
Floor tiles – either recycled rubber or EVA foam – are typically used in smaller rooms or irregular-shaped spaces that require more effort to install. Floor tiles are highly portable, can easily be moved into interior spaces and take little effort to assemble. Which tile product you select will largely depend on how you use the tile flooring.
RECYCLED RUBBER TILES
Simply put, recycled rubber tiles are used everywhere.
Residential and Outdoor Uses
• Home Gyms – DIY choice for garage and basement home gyms, offering the same benefits as commercial gym flooring
• Patios, Decks and Walkways – All-weather resistance and slip-resistant surface makes it an excellent choice around pools, spas and garden paths
• Laundry and Mud Rooms – Rubber tiles are ideal for areas where water and moisture may be present and may require frequent cleaning. Rubber can absorb vibration from washers and dryers.
• Garages and Workshops – Tough rubber can handle the weight of vehicles and dropped tools.
• Animal Enclosures – Durable and comfortable surface for dog kennels, pet play areas, barns and horse stalls
Commercial and Athletic Uses
• Gyms and Fitness Centers – Tiles withstand heavy impacts from dropped weights, protect subfloors and equipment, and reduce noise. Non-slip surface is a key safety feature.
• Play Areas and Daycare Centers – Safe surface for children’s play areas.
• Schools & Universities – The sound absorbing qualities of rubber tiles is ideal for high-traffic educational facilities, gymnasiums, locker rooms and hallways.
• Commercial & Industrial Spaces – The anti-fatigue benefits for people standing in retail stores, offices, warehouses and machine shops is a major health benefit.
• Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals and clinics use recycled rubber tiles for ease of cleaning and comfort underfoot for staff on their feet for extended shifts.
EVA FOAM TILES
Foam tiles can be used in a variety of light-duty applications where daily use is limited from continuous wear-and-tear.
Yoga & Pilates Surface – Soft surface for bodyweight exercising and comfortable on bare feet.
Playroom Flooring – Foam cushions toddlers from trips and falls.
Light Home Gyms – Can be used for stretching, Calisthenics, and stationary exercises.
Temporary Flooring – Lightweight and portable solution for quick install and fast removal.
RFS does not sell EVA foam tiles, but does offer two different size recycled rubber tiles (24” x 24” or 18” x 18”) in four thicknesses (6, 8, 9 and 12mm) and six standard colors. Click here to review all rubber tile options.
You Get What You Pay For
The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” where lower prices typically signal lower quality and higher prices reflect better craftsmanship, better materials, and better quality is entirely true when it comes to interlocking tile flooring.
At RFS, all of our flooring products are made from recycled rubber for a reason. It is the most versatile and resilient flooring material available for the widest number of applications. Recycled rubber tiles will outperform any other material, including EVA foam, in durability, safety, longevity and long-term value.
We acknowledge our bias for recycled rubber products, but stand by our rationale for the many benefits you will obtain by using quality rubber tiles for your application.
Cheap EVA foam tiles are not a sustainable product and are made using plastic resin and toxic chemicals. They are non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled easily. EVA foam is not a durable material and foam tiles have little shock-absorption and poor slip-resistance. Foam tiles are made for short-term use with little wear resistance and are not a good long-term value for fitness flooring.
Further making the case that foam tiles are an inferior flooring option is the fact that tiles can now be purchased with a thin laminate of recycled rubber on top of the foam. These rubber-topped foam tiles are like putting lipstick on a pig. The added layer of the rubber laminate does not change the fact that the tile is still constructed of closed-cell EVA foam. Furthermore, these tiles provide little improvement in durability and the layers can delaminate (or peel) over time when subjected to moisture. Lastly, the price per square foot is over TWICE the amount of a solid recycled rubber tile of the same thickness at RFS!
Foreign-made foam tiles are produced in a wide variety of different metric dimensions for European and Asian markets. The tiles have different regional preferences for applications and logistics in these markets, but also make their way for sale in the United States. Foam tiles generally have a smaller coverage area per tile, and will require more tiles for a room installation.
In contrast, recycled rubber tiles sold by RFS measure 24” x 24” from the INSIDE tooth to the opposite OUTSIDE tooth. Exactly 4 square feet of space per tile! This allows the rubber tile to be trimmed flush for wall placement without losing usable space when the tiles are assembled. These larger rubber tiles also eliminate the need for extra edge pieces. Foam tiles typically are supplied with edge pieces and can easily become separated or tear-out during exercise.
When it comes to selecting flooring tiles for your application, the long-term value of quality recycled rubber tiles is the far better choice over cheap EVA foam tiles or gimmicky rubber-topped foam tiles.
RFS is committed to supplying the highest-quality, American-made rubber flooring at affordable prices.
Review the product pages on this site and our blog topics for additional information and reach out to us if you have any specific questions.