CLEANING
What is the recommended way to clean/disinfect this after use?
Vacuuming will help remove finer particles of dust, debris, dirt, etc. If the mats are loose-laid on the floor, you can bring them outside to hose the mats down for a deeper cleaning (or even power wash them every once in a while for a heavy-duty cleaning). Shaking out and/or vacuuming should take care of virtually all of your day-to-day dirt and debris.
For larger mats and/or mats that have been glued down or installed wall-to-wall, the mats can be moped down with a mild detergent or a little soap and warm water. Simply let the mat air dry and they'll be good to go.
Is it safe to use an antibacterial cleaner such as Simple Green on the mats? How can I go about disinfecting them?
Yes, you could use a pH neutral cleaner like Simple Green on these mats without issue. You can vacuum to get off the day-to-day dirt, dust and debris and then either use a damp (but not drenched) mop or wet rag to spot clean as needed. You can also use an anti-bacterial cleaner for further cleaning as desired. Please note that this rubber is treated with an anti-microbial agent and thus should exhibit anti-bacterial properties but it certainly can't hurt to apply an additional anti-bacterial agent for extra effectiveness.
PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS
Is this product mold and mildew resistant for use on basement floors?
Yes! These rubber mats are made to be mold and mildew resistant (due to the warm, sweaty environments they're often used in) and can safely be placed in basements, garages and other areas that could have exposure to moisture.
Are these tiles toxic? Does the product off-gas a rubber smell? If so, how long does it take to dissipate?
These tiles are made here, in the US, from US-sourced rubber components and do not have any harmful/toxic chemicals used in their production. (These tiles are virtually 100% pure rubber (and less than 1% binder to hold the rubber together, which is also not harmful)). We've been selling these rubber tiles to commercial facilities and residential locations for decades without any incident. Additionally, the rubber is continuously tested through production as well as being officially certified by 3rd party inspectors to ensure it meets all government safety standards.
Are American Floor Mats rubber products ‘floorscore’ certified?
Floorscore is made up of a product's VOC certification as well as the recycled content. We have those in two separate certifications from 3rd parties (GreenCircle for recycled content and Berkeley Analytical for VOC). We are happy to provide this documentation via email, fax or mail. A good article to find out more about these certifications is here: https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2018/12/what-green-certifications-mean-for.html
Does the rubber in these mats contain benzopyrene?
There is no benzopyrene used or added at any point during the manufacturing of this rubber flooring.
Are these heat resistant?
Yes, these mats are heat-resistant and are not negatively affected in any way by heated floors or if used in a very warm environment (including outdoors on a hot day). Please note, however, that if the matting is exposed to extreme temperature changes, it is possible that the rubber can expand slightly in very warm environments and contract just a little bit in colder settings.
Is this water-resistant and/or waterproof? I want to place these mats on an open patio.
These solid rubber mats will not absorb any rain/snow if being used outdoors and thus won't let moisture drip through.
Does this product reduce static electricity?
By nature, pure rubber has insulative properties and can help reduce static electricity. (Also, for a more technical answer, the electrical resistance, as measured by ASTM D991 is between 1.6x10^9 to 5.6x10^8 Megaohms on average). However, we can't speak for every scenario and situation in which these mats are used in different environments with different environmental factors.
Do you know if the mats contain the chemical 6ppd-quinone? It’s a binding chemical used in tires that may be carcinogenic.
No, these mats do not contain any 6ppd-quinone in the formulation of the rubber.
How much do the tiles weigh?
These 3/8" thick tiles weigh right around 2 lbs per square foot and each tile measures 2' x 2' (or 4 square feet total) and thus each tile weighs close to 8 lbs each.
Do you have the fire ratings on this product? I need to find a flame spread rating and a smoke development rating.
We'd be happy to provide you with a full spec sheet, but to quickly answer your questions:
Flammability: Passes Federal Flammability Standard Doc FF 1-70 CPSC
Flame Spread: 0.495"/min under UL 94 Standard, Horizontal Burning Test for Classifying Material 94HB
Critical Radiant Flux: 0.11 watts/sq. cm under ASTM E648-94a
Thermal Resistance: 0.36 R-Value
Are these mats made in the USA?
These rubber mats and tiles are manufactured here in the US from US-sourced components.
GARAGE USE
Could these tiles be laid down and stacked up after each workout? I have a multi-use garage and do not want to leave on the floor all the time.
Yes, you could certainly put them together and take them apart quite easily when they're not in use. Each tile weighs about 8 lbs and takes up 2' x 2' of space, so as long as you don't mind doing it, it really wouldn't be a big deal to disassemble and reassemble. That being said, these are industrial-grade rubber tiles and can take a lot of punishment so if you're able to do the other activities / use other things on top of the mats, then please feel free to do so; it takes a lot to hurt these tiles.
Can you use these in a garage and park cars on them? Will they have dents where the cars roll in and out?
Yes, plenty of customers use this rubber flooring in a garage and park on top of them. As long as you have solid flooring underneath the mats (concrete, tile, etc.) then the vehicles will not leave dents in the material. If you're located in an area with a lot of debris (gravel, salts, other stuff that can get stuck in your tires constantly) or if you live in a cold climate and keep chains on your tires, you could potentially shorten the life of the mats. For virtually all others, day-to-day rolling back and forth over the mats would not do any noticeable damage. (Just be sure that the tires do not have chains or are snow tires with metal spikes).
How many pieces do you need to cover the floor of a two-car garage?
There are no 'standard' sized garages - most two-car garages can range from 15' x 17' to 20' x 24' but, again, it really depends on your particular space (especially if there are any odd areas like space for a water heater, washer/dryer, stairs, bumpouts for trash cans, etc.). That being said, you'd probably be better off with larger rolls just so you have fewer pieces to contend with. Feel free to contact us after measuring the space and we can find a solution that meets your exact requirements!
OUTDOOR USE
Can I use this outdoor?
Yes, you can certainly use this rubber flooring outdoors and not have it be negatively affected by exposure to rain, snow, sun, etc.
For outdoor use, does it get hot to the touch in the sun?
These rubber floor mats can certainly withstand the elements (sun, rain, snow, etc.) and will not deteriorate by being used outdoors. If you live in a climate where the temperature range can be extreme, the mats could get rather warm but nothing to the point that it would damage the mat or burn skin. It would not retain heat like black asphalt but more heat than white or light-colored concrete, for example.
COMPARISON TO IMPORTED/STALL MATS
I like the description but why are these over 2X the price of 3/4" crumb rubber stall mats I can find at my local supply store?
What typical stall mat suppliers offer is quite a different product and intended for a different use. Their rubber mats are imported and are not 100% rubber granules. In particular, their mats are (1) made with different types of rubber whereas we use only industrial-grade, non-reactive rubber that is the same type of rubber you'd find in a car or airplane tire and it won't leach or stain the floor below, (2) they use hazardous binders (ie, adhesives) to form the mats, some of these glues are noxious and give off a terrible, long-lasting odor that can make some people more sensitive to the smell sick, (3) their rubber has filler in it to help drive the cost down but it isn't as flexible, doesn't give the rebound and return of energy that our gym matting does, which is specifically formulated for that use and also allows our mats to lay and stay flat and hold up, outdoors, in garages (when driven on top of), etc. without cracking, warping or breaking down. Lastly, (4) our mats are geared for commercial gym and fitness center use and carry a warranty to prove it whereas their mats are designed for farm/animal stable use and don't meet the same government or industry testing, safety and durability/longevity requirements that our mats do.
TILE VS ROLL VS MAT
I’m debating between the rubber tile and the rubber roll? What’s your recommendation for a home gym? Also, can I order a few swatches?
Rolls are typically a little less expensive and allow you to cover large areas with less installation but for smaller/tighter spaces and areas that are not rectangular, tiles make the process easier and quicker. Also, the rolls are offered in a few more colors compared to the tiles. The material and warranty is the exact same. We're happy to send out free cut swatch samples - just send us a message with your address and we'll get them right out to you.
I want to install over carpet. Will tiles or rolls be better? Do rolls have to be secured in place?
Either a roll or tile could work though we'd recommend using a single piece (or as few pieces as possible) roll mat. The thicker/plusher the carped (and/or pad underneath) the more the mat can compress and thus it would be better to use a one-piece mat instead of tiles. If there will be a lot of jumping/twisting/aerobic activity you may benefit from using a double-sided rubber mat tape; for general workouts, it probably wouldn't be necessary (and we'd recommend trying without before purchasing tape if you don't need it).
Are the interlocking tiles easy to put together?
Yes! The tiles are extremely easy to install – glues, tapes and experience are all NOT required. Simply lay the tiles out like a big jigsaw puzzle and you're good to go.
GLUE / ADHESIVE
What type of glue/ floor adhesive do you use to install on concrete?
Although gluing these mats isn't necessary (the matting weighs right around 2 Lbs / Square Foot and thus it should stay in place for just about any type of workout, plus adding any machinery, benches, weight racks, etc. would only help further anchor it down), you could use a urethane-based rubber flooring adhesive. Although we do carry such adhesives (typically for large commercial jobs) we don't find it to be necessary for smaller/lower impact/residential use.
DOG DAYCARE
Can this be used in a dog daycare facility?
Yes! These mats can certainly be used in a dog daycare facility - they hold up well to paws/claws, are safe, non-toxic, and don't absorb any liquids while remaining easy to clean. Additionally, they provide great traction and impact resistance for dogs running around and playing on top of the mats.
Could this be safe if used as kennel tiles?
Yes, certainly. The rubber is produced here in the US and meets the strictest safety regulations on components, indoor air quality (IAQ) and is not poisonous or toxic in any way and thus certified for use in public schools and other institutions and as well as residential use around children and pets. Plus, the matting is non-absorbent, easy-to-clean and will hold up to many years of use in that environment.
USE ON CARPET
Can I place the mats on carpet & then place a smith machine home gym, Peleton & weights on top of the mats & also will the carpet or mats get damaged?
You can certainly place this 3/8" thick matting under the machinery/weights and on top of carpet without damage to the flooring/matting. If you have a thinner carpet/commercial carpet/no pad you should be good to go. For areas with thicker/plusher carpet and/or denser pads, the mat will sink slightly into the carpet pile where the feet of the machine/weight racks touch but it should certainly still be functional. In those cases, a thicker mat, like our ½" version, could help provide a sturdier, more level flooring option.
Can these tiles be used on carpet so I can stand on it and hit a punching bag?
Ideally, it's best to use rubber tile flooring on a hard floor surface. When placing it on top of carpet, however, the thinner the carpet (and pad) the better and especially with interlocking tiles. The reason is that, unlike hard floors, carpet compresses when you put weight on it (and the thicker the carpet/pad the more it sinks down). Thus, we don't recommend using thinner tiles on top of a denser/plusher carpet.
Looking for a mat that will help stabilize Peloton on carpet. Will this be strong enough to help stabilize, or is it more to protect the floor below?
These heavy-duty rubber tiles have great traction and are slip-resistant so they'll help keep the Peloton in place. If the carpet is rather plush and/or there's an extra thick carpet pad, the tiles could potentially separate if weight/pressure is applied on one tile and not another. If you'd like to see a free cut sample of the actual material to better assess your situation just send us a message with your address and we'll get it right out to you. However, on most carpeted surfaces, these tiles work fine and will provide a stable, safe surface for working out.
I'd like to use these mats on top of carpet for my Peloton and treadmill. Will this be heavy enough to stabilize the exercise equipment on top of the carpet?
It's always best to use rubber flooring on top of a hard floor surface though you can still use them on top of carpet. The thicker the carpet (and pad underneath) more strongly it's recommended to remove it before installing rubber flooring tiles. That being said, many, many customers do place tiles right on top of existing carpet without issue (it's typically when you get into extra-thick, ultra-plush carpet (and pad) where it starts to become a real problem). The tiles themselves are about 8lbs each and a peleton weighs about 135 lbs so they should stay in place quite well.
WORKOUT TYPES
Are these suitable for workouts such as the Beachbody workouts?
Yes, you can certainly use these tiles while doing all the different workouts from BeachBody (like P90X, Insanity, PIYO, 21 Day Fix, etc.) on these tiles - they'll give the cushioning, rebound and energy restitution you need while protecting floors and providing a slip-resistant surface.
Can we perform deadlifts on this rubber flooring?
Although you can use these 3/8" tiles for areas where deadlifts are constantly performed it also depends on the amount of weight and the height at which the weights are dropped. The tiles themselves will hold up fine for years of use, however, depending on the type of floor below (and the weight and height mentioned above) you could potentially be better off using our 1/2" or even 3/4" thick Warrior Rubber Gym Tiles.
Can these mats handle the abuse from weights used in Olympic lifting?
Although this 3/8" thick matting could work in many configurations and areas, you may want to consider our thicker, 1/2" or 3/4" thick rubber matting depending on the amount of weight and how the weights are being handled/dropped.
How much weight can you drop on it without a porcelain tile breaking?
This is a difficult question to answer - not only can the weight matter but also the height it's dropped from, whether or not it's released with any force, the type and thickness of the tile, the angle it hits the floor, etc. All that being said, however, these are commercial-grade rubber flooring rolls designed specifically to absorb the impact of free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment and the like constantly being used on top of them and will still last for decades.
Is this a dense enough rubber to be placed under a washer and dryer to dampen the vibration and not have the units sink in?
Yes, you could certainly use this rubber roll matting under a washer and/or dryer to help dampen the vibration when in operation without worrying about the appliances damaging/sinking into the mats.
Are these floor mats flat and stable, good for heavy squats? Or are they bouncy/rubbery feeling?
Yes, these mats are perfect for heavy squats and dropping heavy barbells. They are exactly like the mats that commercial gyms use for flooring.
Can you do footwork drills on the mat without the mat slipping?
These mats have a slip-resistant rubber surface and backing and should stay firmly in place (even if a little sweat gets on the mat).
Would this mat be appropriate for softening impact during plyometric training or should I look for something softer? I need a heavy-duty but cushioning mat.
These are extreme-duty rubber mats designed for use in heavy-weight lifting areas, designed to take the impact and absorption of weights being dropped on them. Although these mats would offer a more forgiving surface than hard concrete/wood/tile/vinyl/etc. floor, you may be better off with a thicker foam tile product if most of the workout will be aerobic/jumping.
I am looking for a floor mat that will dampen the noise of my bicycle on a trainer for my neighbors on the floor below – will this work?
Yes, these interlocking rubber tiles would certainly help absorb impact and directly dampen the noise and vibration of the bike on the trainer.
I am looking for hard rubber, not a spongey material, that's suitable for squatting. Would this work?
Yes, this could certainly work for you and would be a safer, sturdier surface than a spongy, foam surface while doing squats. This is the same rubber flooring that you'd find in a commercial fitness center, university gymnasium, etc. and is designed for heavy-duty use.
Can you use a chair with rollers on the mat?
Yes, you could use a chair with rolling wheels/casters on top of these rubber tiles without damaging the material and still roll easily across them.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Is this solid rubber, and not just rubber layered on top of EVA foam?
This is 100% solid rubber flooring without any foam component.
Can you please provide more detail about the surface texture?
This rubber flooring is smooth but does have a very slight texture for enhanced traction, especially if there's moisture/sweat/etc. on the mat. You wouldn't notice it while wearing shoes or even socks, but if you put your bare hand on top of the mat you would notice the faint texture (ie, it's not sheet-of-glass smooth but it's still quite smooth). The material is still easy to clean & maintain while also being able to secure equipment on top without fear of it wobbling. If you'd like to see a free cut sample of the actual material, contact us and we'll get it right out to you.
Does it matter which side is up? What's recommended?
There really is no top or bottom side. The most important thing is just to keep it consistent, start in one direction and match the grain throughout the area.
Are these mats firm or a bit soft?
These mats are designed to absorb impact and provide rebound when heavy weights/strong force is applied to them. That being said, they certainly have some give to them (they're not a solid/rigid material) but they're not a soft, spongy, foam-like material either. If you'd like to see a free cut sample of the matting please send us a message with your address and we'll get a piece out to you right away.
How do two roll pieces fit together?
These rubber roll mats are cut to be EXACTLY 48" (4') wide and are perfectly straight so you could line up two (or more) pieces together and they will lay next to each other perfectly (you wouldn't even see the seam unless you're looking for it). If you do want to cut the mat down in any way, you would be able to do so with a straight edge or T-square and a razor (utility) knife and, as long as it's a straight cut, you can still easily butt the matting together.
Can you lay them down next to one another without visible seams?
If you lay them down next to each other the seams would be difficult to see unless you're looking for them.
Are they soundproof?
These tiles will certainly help dampen sound from workouts, dropped weights, jumping around, music, etc. but we can't claim that they are soundproof (ie, they will eliminate ALL sound from passing through them).
Are they slippery to walk on?
These rubber mats have high traction and are safe to walk on and will not become slippery if the mats get a little wet from intense workouts, sweating, etc.
Can you get custom sizes?
We offer a wide variety of lengths, thicknesses and a variety of configurations in interlocking tiles with borders/corners/center pieces to give a full, finished design once put together.
If I buy tiles to cover an area based on the options offered, does that include the border and corner pieces?
Yes! If you buy a set size it will include all the necessary border / corner / center tiles so that when it's all put together you'll have a straight, finished edge around the entire perimeter of the configuration.
Is there a way to bevel the edge of the mat?
We actually offer attachable beveled edge ramps for ¼", 3/8" and ½" matting though the rubber itself isn't able to be beveled and, since it meets ADA requirements for commercial applications, we've always sold it with a straight edge. We do, however, have a few options, like our LockTough Rubber Gym Tiles, that have a built-in beveled edging.
Do you make floor transitions that ramp down at the edges?
Yes, certainly – we have them available for ¼", 3/8" and ½" flooring.
Are the edges tapered?
The outside edges on a set of tiles would be straight cut for a clean look (as opposed to having the puzzle teeth on the outer edges of the matting once all the tiles are put together). Please note, however, that the inside tiles have teeth on 4 sides, border tiles have teeth on 3 sides (and 1 straight side) and the corner tiles have teeth on 2 sides and are straight on 2 sides, which, when put together, gives the overall set straight edges all around. That being said, we do have other types of rubber flooring tiles that have tapered (sloped) edges.
What are the dimensions of the single Border, Center, and Corner 1/2" tiles and do these tiles have interlocking teeth on the necessary edges?
These tiles are all 24" x 24" - the center tiles have interlocking teeth on all 4 sides, the border tiles have teeth on 3 sides and a straight, finished edge on 1 side, the corner tiles have teeth on 2 sides and straight edges on 2 sides.
Do the sets come with corner and edge pieces or all center pieces?
Yes! All tile sets come with the appropriate number of border / corner / center pieces so when it's all put together you have a straight, finished edge on all sides.
Is it easy to cut down to a smaller size?
These are dense rubber flooring products but can still be cut down with a little effort - essentially, the rubber can be cut using a straight edge or T-square and a razor (utility) knife with a sharp blade or even a (flooring) tile cutter. If using a razor/utility knife, it will take several strokes of the knife - don't press too hard but just put some pressure on as you cut and, after a few strokes, you'll be able to cut through it. A good trick to help make the cutting a little easier is to dip the blade into soapy water to help it glide easier across the rubber.
OTHER
Do you have any samples?
Absolutely! We're happy to send out free color swatch samples so customers can get a good understanding of what they're buying before purchasing. Feel free to contact us with your address and we'll get the samples right out to you.
Can you cut this with a table saw?
The best way to trim/cut these mats is with a straight edge (for a straight line) and a fresh razor in a utility knife. For an extra easy cut, apply a little soapy water or even WD-40 to the blade before cutting (but be extra careful since the blade will move through much more quickly!) A hand saw (and especially a power saw) would be too much/overkill for cutting down these mats and ensuring a straight cut edge.
The matting will be used for a cardio gym floor (lost of running jumping twisting etc.) and placed on top of a concrete floor. Do I need to use adhesive or carpet tape?
Although we offer double-sided floor tape, the tiles should stay in place well on the floor during cardio exercise. Please make sure the floor is clean (free from dust and debris) and dry before installing the tiles to help ensure they stay securely in place.
Can you use the rubber flooring on top of hardwood floors?
Yes, you can certainly use the tiles on a hardwood floor (real, engineered, laminate, etc.) without worry!
Will this protect my stone tile floors?
These heavy-duty rubber flooring tiles are made of 100%, premium-grade rubber here in America and are designed for use in the most demanding environments. The tiles themselves are engineered to both absorb the impact of heavy weights being dropped while also providing some rebound of energy when working out. The tiles are typically laid on top of a hard floor surface like concrete, wood, etc. but are also sometimes placed on top of carpet and, regardless of the flooring, help protect it. These tiles can also be used on top of stone tile and should help protect them from any damage that may occur for general, day-to-day use for many years. However, we cannot absolutely guarantee that they will fully protect every flooring surface in every case (ie, if someone drops a 100lb free weight from high up over and over, if the flooring is already loose or was not installed with the proper substrate, if the tile is unusually thin or fragile, etc.). For the most part, however, these tiles will do an excellent job at protecting virtually any flooring surface.
Do you recommend any protective material in between the rubber and our hardwood floors?
You do not need to use anything between the rubber flooring and the wood floor below. Not that you couldn't use a vapor barrier if condensation regularly forms on the floor but, otherwise, it's really not necessary.
How much distance do you lose from the interlocking tabs over, say, 6 tiles (how much less than 12 feet is it actually)?
If you interlock 6 tiles together in a row the finished size will still be 12' (ie, you won't have a loss due to the interlocking teeth).
