Your Top Rubber Sports Flooring FAQs Answered

Written by: John Scillieri
Last Updated: February 12, 2021

Are you planning a new athletic facility and want to install rubber sports flooring? Chances are, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind when it comes to this particular gym surface. Rightfully so, as you must get the most out of your investment and purchase a safe, durable, and versatile rubber sports floor.

On this page, we’ve summed up the most frequently asked questions about this flooring solution and provided useful answers to each one. Continue reading this rubber sports flooring FAQs page to find out everything you need to know before installing a rubber sports floor.

How much does rubber sports flooring cost?

Like any other sports flooring solution, the quality, thickness, and style determine the price when it comes to rubber flooring. You can find rubber sports surfaces starting at a low of $1.50, all the way to $20 per square foot.

With that said, the most widely used rubber sports flooring solutions can be found in the $2.50-$3.50/sq.ft. range. This makes rubber sports flooring one of the most affordable solutions on the market. Not only does it come with a lower upfront cost than hardwood sports floors, but it also requires much less maintenance. Rubber sports flooring doesn’t require frequent replacement or rework, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Is rubber sports flooring safe?

Aside from being very resilient and durable, rubber quickly absorbs shock and feels comfortable to use. It’s sufficiently sturdy to provide support while still being soft enough to provide cushioning and reduce muscle stress and pressure on the joints. The rubber flooring surface offers a good grip and protects users from slipping.

Rubber sports flooring is also an environmentally-friendly option — most are made from recycled natural rubber. So, they have very low VOC emissions and don’t present any health or environmental concerns.

What types of rubber sports flooring can you get?

There are three types of rubber sports flooring options you can choose from for your facility:

Rubber Floor Tiles — Tiles are a practical option if you’re looking for convenient and straightforward installation. They usually come in 12”x12”, 18”x”18”, and 36”x36” squares, with interlocking edges. You just need to click them together, without having to use any adhesives.
Rubber Floor Rolls — Because they come in large sheets, rubber floor rolls are ideal for covering larger areas. The installation process for rubber floor rolls is more complicated than with other types of rubber sports floors. This type of rubber sports flooring allows you to create a seamless and slick look in your gym.
Rubber Floor Mats — This type of sports flooring is the most versatile of the three. These mats can be set next to another to cover a larger sports surface. Or they can be used independently in smaller areas. Rubber floor mats are the perfect choice for weightlifting rooms since they can endure heavy impact.

What design options do I have for rubber sports flooring?

Rubber flooring is a manufactured product. So, design options are practically countless. Aside from mixing up the styles and colors of the rubber surface, you can also brand the rubber with custom logos and graphics that promote your team or school.

Rubber sports flooring has a consistent texture and homogenous structure. If you choose the right type of rubber sports flooring, it can last through heavy wear and tear for years without visible surface damage.

Rubber sports flooring usually comes with a matte finish and has a very sleek and elegant look. However, this is another aspect that can be modified. You can choose to polish the surface with a wax emulsion if you wish to make the surface stain-resistant and more durable overall. You can even texture it to mimic the look of wood grain, stone, or any other material to your liking.

How do you install rubber sports flooring?

Rubber flooring is relatively easy to install compared to other sports flooring solutions. However, it’s always best to contact a professional flooring company when installing flooring in the gym or sports facility.

For instance, when it comes to rubber floor rolls, the installation process requires laying down large rolls and gluing them to ensure optimal performance, without any surface movement. Even a slight oversight during the installation can lead to movement and curling up at the unrolled floor edges.

One thing we should also mention is all rubber sports floors have a distinct odor. This is something not a lot of people consider when purchasing. The smell is less pronounced with synthetic rubber products than with natural rubber products. It’s most noticeable right after installation but gradually dissipates in the weeks after.

How do I clean a rubber sports floor?

When it comes to maintenance, rubber sports floors require much less attention than hardwood floors. Since it is antimicrobial, it’s resistant to mold and mildew, as well as most staining agents. Rubber sports flooring is easy to maintain and keep looking as good as new even after years of regular use.

All you need to do to keep the rubber floor clean is mop it with a pH-neutral cleaner and vacuum it regularly. With this in mind, rubber sports floors do need daily cleaning. So be sure to mop the floor every day, after all the daily activities are over.