How to Install Rubber Mat or Roll Flooring

Rubber flooring offers resilience and a bit of cushion for a variety of floor surfaces.

Rubber floors are found in gyms, garages, medical facilities and a variety of other establishments. These floors are recognized for their durability, strength and low maintenance requirements. While "floating" tile versions are sometimes used, most installers choose glued-down mat or roll applications to increase the floor's longevity and stability.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Floor leveling compound
• Trowel
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Moisture-cured urethane adhesive
• Notched trowel
• 100-lb. floor roller
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Vacuum the floor to remove all dirt, dust and debris. Level out the floor with a floor leveling compound as needed, using a trowel to fill dips or low areas in the subfloor. Allow the floor to dry completely.

2. Measure the length of the floor and transfer this measurement to your rubber flooring. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the rubber so it is roughly 1 inch longer than the floor. Repeat this process to cut the remaining flooring to cover the entire floor surface.

3. Move the rubber flooring to the room where you plan to install it. Trim the ends of each row as needed to fit the length of the room. Re-roll each section once it has been trimmed to fit.

4. Spread moisture-cured urethane adhesive over the subfloor, using a notched trowel. Apply only enough adhesive to cover one row of rubber flooring at a time.

5. Unroll the rubber over the adhesive, taking care to keep the surface of the rubber clean. Immediately roll a 100-lb. floor roller over each section to remove air bubbles and ensure the material is firmly adhered to the subfloor.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as you work your way across the room. Keep each row of material butted tightly together, and clean off any excess glue from the surface of the rubber immediately, using a clean, damp sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• For a less permanent installation, look for interlocking rubber floor tiles instead of rubber mats or rolls.

• Most manufacturers recommend using double-sided tape instead of glue for a less permanent installation with a bit of added stability.

• Ensure that the room is well-ventilated when working with these adhesives.

References

• Rubber Flooring Inc.: Install Rubber Roll
• Find Any Floor: Installing Rubber Flooring