When it comes to flooring for indoor and outdoor spaces, rubber might not be the first material you think of.
“Isn’t rubber just for tires and Tupperware?” you might wonder.
In reality, rubber surfacing is a versatile, safe, and cost-effective option for both indoor and outdoor use, offering excellent performance and durability.
What Is Rubber Surfacing?
Rubber surfacing is a unique and innovative flooring solution, created using a material known as “soft pour” or “wet pour” rubber. Unlike traditional flooring, rubber surfacing isn’t just a slab glued to the ground. Instead, it’s made by shredding tires into small pieces, called “rubber crumb,” which are then mixed with a glue-like binder to form a wet, pourable mixture.
Similar to wet-pour cement, this rubber mixture is applied as a flexible substance that can be shaped and smoothed to fit any surface. Once it hardens, it becomes a durable, stable surface that stays in place.
Benefits of Rubber Surfacing
Rubber surfacing offers several unique advantages over traditional flooring materials:
UV Stable
Unlike many outdoor surfaces, poured rubber is UV-resistant, maintaining its integrity even in harsh sunlight. The polymer binding in the rubber prevents it from drying out, making it ideal for playgrounds and fitness areas.
Slip & Water Resistant
Rubber surfaces are slip-proof and waterproof, thanks to their tactile texture and hydrophobic properties, making them popular for poolside and playground applications.
Low Maintenance
Unlike concrete or wood, rubber surfacing requires minimal upkeep—just occasional cleaning with a brush and neutral cleaner.
Safe & Shock Absorbent
Rubber provides cushioning that reduces injury risk from falls, making it an ideal choice for playgrounds, tracks, and other high-risk areas. It meets safety standards for fall heights, offering superior protection compared to asphalt or wood chips.
Applications of Rubber Surfacing
Rubber surfacing is a versatile material with a wide range of applications beyond just playgrounds. It can be customized to suit specific environments, providing solutions for different needs. Depending on the required function, rubber surfaces can be made as dense or soft as necessary.
Playgrounds
Rubber surfacing is ideal for playgrounds, where equipment like swings and slides can pose fall risks. Its shock-absorbent, slip-resistant properties minimize injury, making it safer for children during active play. The waterproof nature prevents spills from becoming hazards, while the textured surface reduces tripping. Rubber surfacing can be customized to meet safety standards, such as fall height requirements, ensuring that the thickness of the rubber layer provides adequate shock absorption. This ensures that children are protected, regardless of how high they fall.
Driveways
Known as “rubber paving,” poured rubber is a durable, attractive alternative to traditional asphalt for driveways, walkways, and even as a patching solution for existing asphalt surfaces. The resin used in rubber paving is designed to withstand the weight and wear of vehicles, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Rubber paving is flexible, durable, and customizable to suit the aesthetic of both residential and commercial properties. While it may not be suitable for playgrounds due to its density, it provides a reliable, long-lasting surface for driveways and pathways.
Indoor Gyms and Athletic Rooms
Rubber surfacing is ideal for indoor spaces like gyms and fitness centers. Its waterproof properties prevent liquids from being absorbed, reducing staining, odors, and bacterial growth. Seamless rubber flooring eliminates tripping hazards found in other materials, making it safer for active environments. Additionally, rubber resists mold and bacteria, maintaining a cleaner, healthier space. Its ability to prevent moisture buildup makes it perfect for high-traffic areas, ensuring durability and hygiene in gyms and athletic rooms.
Rubber Surfacing Health Effects
Rubber surfacing, made from recycled tires, raises concerns about potential health effects, especially if exposed to heat. A study found no significant health risks for children from three exposure routes: ingestion of rubber shreds, hand-to-mouth contact, and skin contact. While some binding agents in poured rubber can be toxic if ingested or handled directly, these chemicals become inert once the rubber is cured during installation. After a 48-hour curing period, the rubber surface solidifies and poses minimal health risk. Overall, properly installed and cured rubber surfacing is considered safe.
