10 Things You Should Know – Home of Tile (2024)

Outdoor rubber flooring is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget but still want something that looks stylish and decorative. It’s slowly become a more popular option over time, but is it really that great?

Outdoor rubber flooring can withstand different weather conditions, including wind and rain. Due to its durability, rubber flooring is perfect in areas with high foot traffic. It’s also easy to clean and slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about people falling over during rainy weather.

10 Things You Should Know – Home of Tile (1)

Want to learn more about outdoor rubber flooring? This article will discuss rubber tiles and the 7 things you should know, so keep reading to learn more!

Contents

  • 1 What Should I Know About Outdoor Rubber Tiles?
  • 2 Things To Know About Outdoor Rubber Flooring
    • 2.1 1. Rubber Flooring Is Highly Durable
    • 2.2 2. There Are Different Types of Rubber Flooring
      • 2.2.1 ● Rubber Tiles
      • 2.2.2 ● Rubber Rolls
    • 2.3 3. Rubber Flooring Is Easy To Clean
    • 2.4 4. Rubber Flooring Is Slip-Resistant
    • 2.5 5. Rubber Flooring Is Excellent if You Value Quietness
    • 2.6 6. Rubber Flooring Comes in a Variety of Designs
    • 2.7 7. Rubber Flooring Is Usually Cheaper Than Other Types
  • 3 Conclusion

What Should I Know About Outdoor Rubber Tiles?

You can use rubber tiles in almost any location. The tiles are laid like regular tiles on a flat surface and are tightly fitted. Generally, an adhesive is used along the flat surface before the outdoor rubber tiles are placed down.

You can cut the rubber tiles if needed, ensuring they fit correctly in the area they’re being placed. It’s important to be meticulous when laying outdoor rubber tiles so that each piece is carefully aligned and doesn’t appear messy or out of line with the other tiles.

Things To Know About Outdoor Rubber Flooring

Now that you know a little more about outdoor rubber tiles, let’s discuss the 7 things you should know about outdoor rubber flooring!

1. Rubber Flooring Is Highly Durable

Outdoor rubber flooring is highly durable and long-lasting, so you can expect it to remain intact for years to come. According to a study by Cornell University, it’s more resilient than concrete!

As a result, it’s a perfect choice for an outdoor area where there is likely to be a lot of foot traffic throughout the day.

Due to its durability, it’s rare for daily activities (like running, jumping, and walking) to damage outdoor rubber flooring. In fact, it can last as long as 20 years if taken care of properly.

2. There Are Different Types of Rubber Flooring

There are two main types of rubber flooring:

  • Rubber tiles
  • Rubber rolls

While you can’t go wrong with either option, they each have their benefits. Choosing between the two will largely be up to your preference and needs.

● Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles are similar to ceramic tiles. They’re similarly square-shaped and must be laid down and flat flooring, usually with the help of adhesive.

However, they are cheaper than regular tiles and a popular choice for things like outdoor play areas, gyms, and schoolyards.

Some people may prefer to use rubber tiles over rubber rolls because they can mix and match colors (i.e., blue and gray tiles).

● Rubber Rolls

Rubber rolls are like carpet rolls. They’re long, heavy, and can be placed down without having to worry about laying multiple pieces of flooring. If your outdoor area is large or you want one seamless color, rolls are the best option.

They’re also a good choice if budget is a concern because they are cheaper than rubber tiles. You may have to cut parts of the roll to ensure it fits correctly in the space.

3. Rubber Flooring Is Easy To Clean

Another important thing to note about outdoor rubber flooring is that it is super easy to clean and maintain! Unlike carpet, rubber flooring is less likely to stain and look dirty over time because you can clean spills with ease.

It’s also safe to use a vacuum or brush on outdoor rubber flooring, and you should do so frequently to keep it clean and in good condition.

This feature makes it particularly good for areas with a lot of foot traffic.

4. Rubber Flooring Is Slip-Resistant

It’s no surprise that rubber flooring is slip-resistant when you consider the fact that most work shoes have rubber soles to prevent slipping!

People often opt for outdoor rubber flooring because of its slip-resistant nature, which is especially useful in regions with a lot of rainfall.

You don’t have to worry about children running and slipping too easily, which is why you’ll often find such flooring in playgrounds and other areas for kids.

5. Rubber Flooring Is Excellent if You Value Quietness

Consider outdoor rubber flooring if you’re looking for a flooring option that silences footsteps and creates minimal noise. Although it’s more durable, it mimics the soft nature of carpets, producing minimal noise.

Rubber is commonly used as a soundproofing material for different types of rooms, so it’s no surprise that rubber flooring is good at absorbing noise and remaining quiet (even when there is a high amount of foot traffic).

Rubber tiles and rolls are excellent choices for those who prefer quiet flooring.

6. Rubber Flooring Comes in a Variety of Designs

There are many designs and colors to choose from when looking for rubber flooring, so it’s a good option if you are creative and want some variety.

Whether you’re looking for a single roll that’s all one color or multiple tiles with different styles and colors, outdoor rubber flooring is a perfect choice. Additionally, rubber tiles come in different shapes. For example, some come with “jigsaw-like” edges that connect, while others are straight-edged.

7. Rubber Flooring Is Usually Cheaper Than Other Types

Pricing is a huge aspect of flooring, so it’s only natural that you want the best deal. Thankfully, rubber flooring is one of the more affordable options, especially compared to other popular outdoor materials (like concrete).

Despite its lower price, rubber flooring will last a long time in outdoor areas and is perfect for a simple and cheap project.

Conclusion

Outdoor rubber flooring is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable option and lots of design/color choices. Outdoor rubber tiles are best for smaller spaces because they’re more time-consuming to install. They’re also good if you’re interested in mixing and matching colors. Rubber rolls are best for larger areas and if you want one standard design/color.

10 Things You Should Know – Home of Tile (2024)

FAQs

What is the 3/4/5 rule for tiling? ›

To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.

What do I need to know about tiles? ›

Tiles are stain-resistant, tough and easy to clean. Warm soapy water works for most jobs, but they can handle harsh cleaners when required. Modern tiles have a porosity of around 0.5%, meaning they don't absorb water. This makes them the perfect option for bathrooms and inside showers.

What are some interesting facts about tile? ›

A ceramic tile can easily withstand pressure over 500MPA. This means a ceramic tile could withstand the weight of over 10 elephants without breaking. Armoured jackets, used by SWAT teams, the military and bodyguards contain ceramic materials to deflect and absorb the impact of high calibre rifle fire.

Do you tile the floor or the walls first? ›

Floor vs wall

Firstly, the tiled wall hangs over the space that the tiled floor occupies, meaning that the floor should be tiled first. This is so that the bottom row of tiles on the wall and corners can sit on the bathroom floor tiles, and thus look quite a bit more coherent.

What are the golden rules of tiling? ›

The golden rule is, try as much as possible to avoid small pieces of tile, or, try to keep them hidden. The same basic idea applies to the vertical lines of your job. Try to minimise any small cuts. It is best to start with a centre line and mark along your wall where each vertical joint will occur.

What is the longest lasting tile? ›

Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, and limestone are extremely durable. They can also come in various forms and colors, giving you more decorating options. These are perfect for bringing some character and personality to your living room and bathroom!

How many years do tiles last? ›

Tile. Tile floors have an incredibly long life expectancy – if they're taken care of. Ceramic tile can easily last 75 to 100 years, while natural stone (like marble or granite) can last well over 100.

What is the best tile to use? ›

Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles, making them more frost-resistant, although not frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and have more damage resistance than ceramic tiles, so they should be suitable for almost any indoor residential application.

Do you tile or toilet first? ›

The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you're looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first.

How long should you let tile set before grouting? ›

The shortest time after laying tile that you can grout is 24 hours. However, it is much better to wait at least 48 hours before grouting. This is to give the mortar ample time to set and dry before pressure is applied.

Why do you start in the middle when tiling a floor? ›

When it comes to floor tiles, starting from the center of the room will make your job easier, and the tiling pattern will be symmetrical.

Why is 50 tile pattern not recommended? ›

While this pattern can be very attractive, it can also be frustrating when the inherent warpage on the long side of the tile causes lippage. This lippage issue many times leaves the installer with a difficult if not impossible task, when a 50% offset with a credit card or 1/32” grout joint is specified.

How far apart should tile be from tile? ›

optimal tile spacing can range from 1/16 to 3/8 inch, depending on the type of tile, its size, and where it's going.

Which direction to lay tile in a small bathroom? ›

Tile horizontally, and to the ceiling

When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 5297

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.