The Pros and Cons of Rubber Flooring Tiles

If you’ve decided on rubber flooring for your home or commercial application, one of the next decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose rubber flooring tiles, rolls, or mats. Rubber flooring is a resilient option with numerous advantages, but it’s important to know all the facts before making your final decision.

In Canada, rubber flooring suppliers typically offer tiles, rolls, and mats as the three main product options. In this blog, we’ll focus on the pros and cons of rubber flooring tiles.

The Pros of Rubber Flooring Tiles

One of the main advantages of rubber flooring tiles is that they’re easy to install. These interlocking pieces are easy to assemble and disassemble, making them highly transportable. They can be reinstalled time and again without damage, while remaining sturdy enough to withstand heavy use without coming apart. Interlocking rubber tiles are ideal for weight rooms, fitness centres, and home gyms.

Another option is a straight-edge rubber flooring tile for a more seamless look. Available in a variety of colours to suit any space, straight-edge rubber tiles are ideal for offices, retail establishments, and schools.

Some benefits of rubber flooring tiles include:

• Cohesive pieces with no edges or seams to trip over
• Available in different thicknesses, textures, and colours
• Resistant to heavy foot traffic and equipment
• Can be cut to fit any space
• No adhesives required for installation
• Only one piece needs to be replaced if damaged, rather than the whole floor
• Easy to store and use in other locations

The Cons of Rubber Flooring Tiles

Rubber flooring offers incredible versatility—you get a durable, safe, and easy-to-clean surface that performs as well as it looks. That said, some potential cons of rubber floor tiles depend on the specific space and application.

Some of the drawbacks of rubber tiles include:

• Time-consuming installation for larger spaces
• Tiles may not be completely seamless

If you’re covering a large area or need a seamless application, rubber flooring rolls may be the better option for you.

Rubber Tile Types

Common Rubber Flooring Tile Uses in Canada

Home Gyms

VersaTREAD rubber puzzle tiles are a perfect solution for home gym use. These heavy-duty interlocking tiles deliver safety and impact resistance, while supporting heavy gear and equipment. They’re easy to clean and reconfigure for multi-use spaces.

Commercial Gyms

Commercial-grade interlocking tiles, such as our GatorSHOCK® or SportFloor series, are perfect for high-traffic commercial gyms. These heavy-duty tiles are super resilient, slip and impact-resistant, and easy to maintain for a cost-effective flooring solution.

Playgrounds & Daycares

We recommend PlaySafe SHOCK park and play tiles. Made of softer, shock-resistant and slip-resistant materials, these easy-to-use rubber flooring tiles will keep your play space safe and clean.

Offices & Retail Space

Get the upscale aesthetic you want without compromising durability with VersaRUBBER® Elite. These rubber flooring tiles mimic woodgrain flooring for a sleek appearance. This product offers noise-dampening properties, anti-fatigue, anti-slip, and tolerance of extreme static loads, as well as resistance to exposure to chemicals and frequent spills.

Garages & Workshops

VersaRUBBER® sheets deliver in the heaviest-duty environments. These vulcanized rubber flooring tiles offer antifatigue benefits, sound- and shock-absorption, durability and slip-resistant qualities for garages, workshops and industrial applications.

Common Misconceptions About Rubber Flooring Tiles

Rubber Flooring is Only for Gyms and Basements

Not so! Rubber tiles are found in offices, retail stores, classrooms, and even commercial kitchens—anywhere you need slip resistance, durability, and simple maintenance.

The Smell Never Fades

The odour is typically strongest right after install, but diminishes within days to weeks with normal ventilation.

Only Boring Solid Colours are Available

Rubber flooring tiles are available in a number of colours and styles to suit any aesthetic. Contemporary options include vibrant flecks, multiple colours, and patterns for design-forward environments.

You Have to Glue Tiles Down

Most tiles feature interlocking designs or can be thick enough in a straight cut tile that eliminate the need for adhesives—perfect for renters, temporary setups, or flexible spaces.

Rubber Flooring Tiles in Canada: Your Versatile Multi-Space Solution

Whether you’re outfitting a home gym or renovating a heavy-duty multi-use space, rubber flooring tiles offer a resilient and durable solution, tough enough to handle any activity. At the same time, you also get comfort, traction, and a safe, slip-resistant surface you can rely on.

Whatever your rubber flooring needs, we’ve got the solution you’re looking for. Contact Perfect Surfaces today to speak with our experts and discover the best flooring solution for your space.