Rubber flooring: the right rooms
2026-11-18
Rubber costs more than vinyl and delivers properties vinyl cannot: resilience underfoot, sound absorption, and no PVC or halogen content in the compound.
The properties that justify it
Rubber returns after compression, so a person standing for a shift is measurably better off, and a trolley wheel does not leave a track. It also deadens impact noise, which matters above a ward and in a gym.
Our rubber range is B1 fire to the national standard, DIN 51097 Class B for barefoot slip resistance, PVC-free and halogen-free.
Where it should go
Gyms and physiotherapy, where impact and barefoot slip both matter; corridors in transport buildings, where trolley traffic is heavy; lobbies, where appearance holds; and service areas where chemical resistance is needed.
In a ward it is usually the wrong spend: the clinical requirement is a welded, cleanable, seamless surface, and homogeneous sheet does that at a lower cost.
The specification traps
Rubber needs a flat substrate and a suitable adhesive; a poor substrate shows through within a year. Ask for the flatness tolerance and the adhesive system, not just the tile.
Colour variation between batches is a real property of rubber — insist on one batch for a floor plate, or accept a visible seam between deliveries.
| Space | Rubber | Homogeneous vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Gym / physio | Best | Adequate |
| Transport corridor | Strong | Good |
| Ward | Over-specified | Best |
| Wet room | With care | Better |
| Lobby | Strong | Good |
FAQ
Is rubber latex-free?
Ask for the compound data sheet; our range is PVC-free and halogen-free, and latex content should be confirmed per product.
Can it be welded?
Yes, with the matching weld rod, but the seam is less invisible than in homogeneous sheet.
Does it need polishing?
No — rubber is maintained by cleaning, not by wax or polish, which is a maintenance saving.
Send the room and the traffic, and we will say if rubber is worth the spend
If it is not, we will say so.