Installing rolled rubber flooring can be easy for an experienced DIY’er. The below recommendations and installation guidelines will help you to achieve a proper and thorough installation and leave you with a seamless and professional-looking rubber floor. This process works well for rubber gym flooring, workshops, martial arts gyms, daycare centres, or any space that can benefit from rubber flooring.

Step 1: Gather the materials

The first step is to decide whether you want to use glue or tape to install your rubber flooring rolls. We recommend using TruGLU 2.0 adhesive for permanent applications and GatorTAPE as a non-permanent solution. To install rubber flooring rolls, you’ll need the following:

  • Rubber rolls
  • A broom or vacuum and a mop
  • Glue or tape
  • Utility knife
  • Straight Edge
  • Measuring Tape
  • Chalk Line
  • Automotive Masking tape
  • Gloves

Rubber flooring should be allowed to acclimatize for 24 hours before installation to let the material relax and reach room temperature. Be sure to inspect each piece for any defects.

Step 2: Prep your subfloor

If you want an even and seamless rubber flooring installation, prepping your subfloor is an important step:

  • Using a broom or vacuum, remove excess dirt, dust and debris
  • Mop the floor thoroughly to remove any oils, grease or moisture
  • Leave the floor to dry completely before installing rubber rolls
  • Repair any holes, cracks or variances of more than ⅛”, the sub-surface should be reasonably flat

All substrates, especially new concrete, must be fully cured for 45-60 days before installing rubber products.

Step 3: Start the installation process

Once you have the materials and prepped the subfloor, you’re ready to begin the installation process.

  • Rolled rubber should be dry-fitted to the room before applying any adhesive or glue.
  • Assume walls are not perfectly straight. Determine the vertical center of your room and snap a chalk line. Snap two additional chalk lines 24” from the center – this is the guideline for the first 48” roll to be placed in.
  • Roll out the first roll and trim any excess length using a straight edge and a sharp utility knife. If the roll does not reach the opposite wall, use a new roll and continue unrolling in the same direction.
  • All rubber rolls should be unrolled in the same direction and with the curl side facing down.
  • Unroll the next roll directly beside, being sure that the seams of the rolls are staggered by at least 4 feet.
  • Repeat this process until the entire room has been laid out. Press firmly on the rolls to remove any curls. Allow the rubber flooring to fully acclimate and trim rolls as required for a flush fit.
  • If using adhesives, gloves are strongly recommended.
  • Beginning at the wall, pull the roll back one-half of the length and carefully apply a thin and even layer of glue to the subfloor, repeat the process for the other half of the roll and the adjacent rolls. Do not use more glue than necessary. Carefully lay the rubber roll back against the subfloor and press firmly. Pull seams together using masking tape to ensure the seams are installed as tightly as possible. Remove the masking tape the following day after installation. Do not use duct tape, as it may leave residue or a mark when removed. It is recommended that you use a 50-100 lb roller to roll the entire floor after gluing to assure bonding of the rubber and adhesive.
  • If using tape, pull the roll back one-half of the length, apply the double-sided tape to the perimeter and seams and remove the release tape. Ease the rubber back into place to avoid creating air pockets. Press to adhere.

Glue requires a cure time of at least 24 hours for light to normal traffic and 72 for heavy-duty traffic. Tape has no curing time, and the rubber floor can be used immediately after installation. Sweep, sponge mop, or vacuum rubber flooring for daily maintenance. Never use petroleum or citrus-based products to clean rubber.

For more information on how to install and maintain rubber flooring, call us, and we’d be happy to help. Or click here to read the full installation manual for our PRO rolled rubber flooring.