If you are planning to install rubber flooring, one of the most common questions is: do you need adhesive for rubber flooring?
The answer is: not always.
Why Use Rubber Mat Adhesive?
Some rubber mats can be loose laid, particularly when they are heavy enough to remain in position or when they are being used in a temporary or flexible application. However, in many situations, using a suitable rubber flooring adhesive can provide a more secure, stable and long-lasting installation.
The right installation method depends on several factors, including the type of rubber flooring, the level of foot traffic and whether the matting will be exposed to moisture, heavy loads or repetitive movement.
In this blog, we explain when you may not need adhesive, when rubber flooring should be bonded to the floor and which adhesives are recommended for different applications.
Can Rubber Flooring Be Laid Without Adhesive?
Certain rubber mats and flooring products can be laid without adhesives.
Loose lay installation can be suitable where:
- The rubber matting is heavy enough to stay in place.
- The flooring is being used temporarily.
- The area has relatively low levels of movement.
- You may need to remove or reposition the matting.
- The flooring is being used as a protective surface rather than a permanent floor covering.
Our anti-slip rubber flooring range includes a variety of mats and rolls that are available in different thicknesses, sizes and patterns. Depending on the product and intended application, some options can be laid loose, while adhesive can also be used where a secure installation is required.
When Should You Use Adhesive For Rubber Flooring?
Although loose-lay installation can be suitable in some situations, adhesive is often recommended when you want the rubber flooring to remain securely fixed.
You should consider using adhesive when:
The Flooring Is In A High-Traffic Area
Busy walkways, commercial premises, workshops, and industrial environments can experience constant foot traffic. Over time, repeated movement can cause loose-laid rubber flooring to shift, curl ir develop gaps. Bonding the flooring to a suitable subfloor can help reduce movement and create a more stable surface.
Heavy Equipment Will Be Used
Rubber flooring that is used beneath equipment, machinery or other heavy loads will benefit from being securely fixed. Adhesives can help prevent the matting from shifting when subjected to repeated movement or pressure.
The Flooring Is Installed Permanently
If you are installing rubber floors as a long-term floor covering, adhesive can help to provide a more permanent installation. This can be particularly useful in commercial, industrial and public environments where flooring is expected to remain in place for many years.
You Need To Reduce Movement
Loose rubber mats can move if they are exposed to repeated foot traffic, wheeled equipment or other lateral forces. A suitable flooring adhesive can help keep the matting in position and reduce unwanted movement.
Which Rubber Flooring Products Can Be Installed With Adhesive?
Our anti-slip rubber flooring range includes a selection of rubber matting products that are designed for commercial, industrial and general-purpose applications.
Options include:
- Checker Plate Rubber Matting
- Circular Stud Rubber Matting
- Fine Ribbed Rubber Matting
- Wide Ribbed Rubber Matting
- Smooth Commercial Rubber Matting
The different surface patterns can be used in a variety of applications, including areas where improved grip and traction are important. The category includes both individual mats and rolls of rubber flooring, with options available in different thicknesses and patterns.
Choosing The Right Adhesive For Rubber Flooring
It is important to use an adhesive that is suitable for both the rubber tiles or rolls and the installation environment.
The recommended adhesive may depend on:
- The condition of the subfloor.
- Whether the flooring is installed indoors or outdoors.
- The level of foot traffic.
- Exposure to water, oil or grease.
For this reason, always check the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure this adhesive is suitable for the specific floor covering before installation.
Our Recommended Rubber Flooring Adhesives
For customers looking for a more secure installation, we recommend considering products from F. Ball & Co Ltd for their adhesive technology.
We would recommend the below for the certain environments which are listed next to the adhesive:
Styccobond F58 Plus – permanent bond
Styccobond F73 Plus – heavy-duty / wet areas
Rubber Flooring Adhesive Comparison
| Adhesive | Best Suited For | Key Benefits |
| Styccobond F58 Plus | Suitable for rubber sheet and tiles up to 3mm thick | Fast-drying, fibre-reinforced and suitable for wet-lay application. |
| Styccobond F73 Plus | Suitable for heavy-duty rubber flooring installations. | High bond strength and resistance to water, oil and grease once cured. |
| Styccobond F60 | Suitable for rubber-backed coverings, edges and vertical applications. | Fast-drying contact adhesive with an instant bond. |
What Happens If You Use The Wrong Adhesive?
Using an unsuitable adhesive can lead to installation problems.
Potential issues include:
- Rubber matting lifting at the edges.
- Movement or shifting.
- Loose areas.
- Bubbles or uneven areas.
- Damage to the subfloor.
- Difficulties when replacing the flooring.
The adhesive should be compatible with the specific rubber flooring product and the surface it is being installed onto. The subfloor should also be properly prepared, a clean, smooth, and dry surface is important for achieving a successful installation.
How To Prepare For Installing Rubber Flooring With Adhesive
Before applying adhesive, make sure the installation area is properly prepared.
1. Clean the Subfloor
Remove dust, dirt, grease and other contaminants.
2. Check the Surface
The subfloor should be suitable for the installation amd free from loose or damaged areas.
3. Allow the Rubber Flooring to Acclimatise
Depending on the product and installation conditions, it may be advisable to allow the rubber flooring to acclimatise before installation.
4. Plan the Installation
Measure the area carefully and plan the layout before applying adhesive. This is especially important when installing large rubber rolls or creating a precise floor layout.
5. Follow the Adhesive Instructions
USe the correct application method, coverage rate and open time for the adhesive selected.
Loose Lay Or Adhesive? Which Installation Method Is Best?
One option is not necessarily better than the other, because the answer really does depend on the application.
Loose Lay Rubber Flooring May Be Suitable For:
- Temporary flooring.
- Protective mats.
- Areas where repositioning is reuired.
- Heavy mats that are unlikely to move.
- Certain low-traffic applications.
Adhesive-Fixed Rubber Flooring May Be Better For:
- Permanent installations.
- High-traffic areas.
- Commercial premises.
- Industrial environments.
- Areas with heavy equipment.
- Floors exposed to movement.
- Vertical applications.
- Areas where water, oil or grease may be present.
Do You Need Adhesive For Rubber Flooring?
So, do you need adhesive for rubber flooring?
The answer is sometimes, depending on the application.
Some rubber mats can be loose laid, but adhesive may be the better choice where you need a permanent, stable and secure installation.
The right option depends on the rubber flooring product; the installation environment and the demands placed on the floor. From anti-slip rubber matting and ribbed flooring to checker plate and circular stud surfaces, Rubber Matting Online offers a range of flooring options for industrial or commercial environments and general-purpose applications.
If you are unsure whether your rubber flooring requires adhesive, or which adhesive is suitable for your specific application, it is important to check the flooring and adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations before installation, or contact us for additional guidance.
Explore our range of anti-slip rubber flooring and find the right solution for your next project.
