Rubber Flooring

Once considered unattractive because of its utilitarian looks, rubber flooring is now gaining attention in the interior design community. Rubber flooring has been revitalized by an introduction of fresh colors and patterns that make it an outstanding surfacing alternative for any commercial application where safety, appearance and performance are essential.

Today, improved technology has enabled rubber flooring manufacturers to produce vivid, saturated colors from deep blues to light pastels. In fact, many manufacturers offer to match colors found in paint, countertops and other floor coverings. Additionally, the product is available in both smooth and raised finishes, with the raised profiles including circular disks, raised dots or squares with rounded comers in answer to contemporary design trends. The improved design and color selections in rubber flooring complement the product's exceptional functional characteristics. With rubber flooring, a designer can not only take advantage of all the textures and patterns available, but customize them to suit their applications.

Rubber is a perfect product for areas like hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other interiors where safety, long-term resilience, attractiveness and adherence to ADA requirements are important flooring requirements. Rubber flooring is considered an ideal product for institutional and healthcare applications because of its superior durability and appearance retention, ease of maintenance and dimensional stability.

Rubber flooring is being used in hospital lobbies, operating and hydro therapy rooms, as well as elevators and stairwells. The product is often specified in prisons, warehouses, museums, stadiums, aquariums, athletic training and weight rooms, locker rooms, swimming and aquatic areas in educational facilities. It is used in many classrooms and children's art and craft areas.

Although the initial expense of rubber can be higher than competitive floor coverings, it is one of the most durable surfaces in the contract business. And rubber's life cycle costs are low since it is easy to maintain and very durable.

Where rubber clearly makes the grade is in safety. Facility managers often specify rubber for stairways and landing areas because of its durability and slip resistance qualities. In recent years, manufacturers have incorporated additional safety features into rubber flooring. Many rubber flooring producers offer raised-design tile and stair treads that allow dirt and liquids to drain off, reducing the hazards of slippage.

Durability is another asset of rubber flooring. While the product can maintain a "like-new" appearance even after several years in the public areas. Floors can last 30 years or more, making them an attractive long-term value. In addition, many areas within schools and hospitals are required to have Class A fire-rated floor coverings, a market virtually cornered by rubber, according to suppliers.

In addition, rubber flooring can resist oils, greases and common mishaps such as cigarette bums without sustaining permanent damage. And even harsher products -- sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid and formaldehyde -- have caused little or no effect.