Interlocking virgin rubber
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
What is Interlocking Virgin Rubber?
Interlocking virgin rubber is a series of interlocking rubber tiles that designed to interlock separate tiles and hold them securely in place without the need of tape or adhesive. Most virgin rubber tiles measure 24” x 24” and are recommended solely for interior applications, as the rubber can become worn if left outside.
Installation Preparation
Before you install your floor there are things that you will need that will make the installation go smoothly. If you are planning on installing the floor yourself, you will need the following tools:
- Utility Knife
- Chalk line
- 3’ straight edge
- Rubber Mallet
- Framing Square
- Pencil
- WD-40
- Measuring tape (preferably rigid)
- Protractor (if cutting arcs/columns into the rubber)
You can install your interlocking virgin rubber floor over any smooth, hard service. Concrete as a base is perhaps the most common, though hardwood, plywood, stone, or ceramic tile are all acceptable surfaces. It should be completely void of recessions, indentations or protruding objects, as they could damage the rubber or make the floor uneven. The floor that you are laying the rubber on should be completely dry, clean and level, and make sure that you remove all dust, debris, moisture and powder from the surface.
You cannot install tiles over carpet.
Room Dimensions
Prior to laying any interlocking rubber tiles make sure that you take accurate measurements of the room. You should determine the required width of the cut tiles around the perimeter of the room that you are installing in. The tiles that make up the perimeter of the room should be no less than two inches wide and cut pieces on opposite ends of the room should be equal in dimension, though it is more important to maintain the two inch cut, which allows the interlocks on the rubber to properly connect.
Make sure that you factor in any jutting walls, corners, counters or islands are taken into consideration as they can affect the layout of the tile itself.
Installing Rubber Tiles
When you begin to lay the tiles, start at one corner of the room and draw a chalk line that will indicate the placement of the edge of the uncut lines. Then draw the line that will indicate where the cut, two-inch perimeter tiles will be placed. We suggest using a carpenters square to make certain that any chalk lines are completely square, straight and at intersections are fully square.
Once all the tiles are cut and laid, they can be properly set into place using a rubber mallet, which helps to secure them in place – this may not be necessary, depending on how the tiles were installed, though it is definitely a good idea to make certain they are completely secured.
