Why rubber mats matter
Slips and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injury in the UK; the right anti-slip surface can significantly reduce the risks. At the same time, poorly protected floors are subjected to greater wear and tear, meaning costly repairs or replacements that quality rubber matting helps to avoid.
Rubber is one of the most effective flooring materials, combining so many beneficial properties in a single product: protection, grip, cushioning, chemical resistance, underfoot warmth and shock absorption. For environments where staff stand for long periods, the anti-fatigue properties alone can improve wellbeing, reduce physical strain and lift productivity.
Made from different materials including natural rubber, nitrile, EPDM, SBR, PVC, CR and Cork, our rubber mats are a versatile and hardwearing flooring solution suitable for many applications.
Benefits of rubber mats
- Durability: made from natural rubber, nitrile or EPDM; it is built to withstand constant use, heavy loads and harsh environments; delivering long-lasting performance where cheaper alternatives fail quickly
- Safety: the anti-slip surface reduces the risk of trips, while rubber’s impact-absorbing properties protect both people and the floors beneath
- Comfort: anti-fatigue benefits reduce discomfort caused by prolonged standing, improving wellbeing and productivity
- Noise reduction: as a sound dampening material, rubber absorbs vibrations under machinery and reduces impact noise in gyms and sports halls. Thicker fitness grades (17mm+) are specifically designed with this in mind
- Weather and temperature resistance: our EPDM and SBR grades withstand UV, frost and prolonged rain without cracking or losing grip; suitable for external walkways, loading bays and cold stores down to -40°C
- Sustainability: many of our products incorporate recycled rubber, and the long service life of quality matting means fewer replacements over time
Types of rubber flooring
The surface pattern of rubber matting improves grip and makes it easy to clean. We offer several profiles:
- Ribbed/fine fluted — parallel grooves channel water away from the surface, maintaining traction underfoot in wet conditions. A versatile all-round pattern is suited to walkways, ramps and kitchens
- Studded/coin pattern — circular stud raised profiles provide grip in multiple directions. Popular for entrance areas and vehicle interiors where footwear brings in moisture and debris
- Pyramid plate — the raised pyramid texture provides strong directional grip, commonly used in industrial and outdoor walkways
- Rhombus/diamond pattern — a firm grip profile is well suited to general purpose and leisure applications
- Smooth — used where grip is less critical and ease of cleaning is the priority, such as bench liners or shelving
- Cobbled/Magnamat — the heavy-duty raised pattern is perfect for high-impact agricultural and equestrian use
Installation methods
Designed for simple installation, rubber matting can be laid efficiently in most environments.
- Loose laid — simply unroll and position; no fixing required. Ideal for temporary installations, van liners or situations where matting needs to be removed for cleaning. The weight and grip of rubber holds it securely in most applications
- Interlocking tiles — modular tiles connect edge-to-edge for larger floor coverage without adhesive. Easy to reconfigure or replace individual damaged sections
- Taped edges — rubber-compatible double-sided tape secures edges and seams, preventing lifting in doorways and high-foot-traffic areas
- Fully bonded — for permanent installations, contact adhesive or flooring adhesive provides a fixed finish. Recommended for entrance matting wells and safety-critical areas
Cleaning & maintenance
Maintenance is minimal. Sweep or vacuum regularly, hose down with warm water and mild detergent, and scrub textured profiles as needed. Rubber mats will not rot, swell or harbour mould. Electrical safety matting should be inspected periodically and re-tested in line with IEC 61111:2009.
Industrial & commercial applications of rubber matting
- Agriculture: used in stables, farms, milking parlours, and animal enclosures for cushioning and hygiene
- Construction: anti-slip walkways, impact protection for scaffolding platforms, and shock absorption under heavy-duty equipment
- Manufacturing: anti-fatigue mats protect floors from heavy machinery, and make the perfect lining for workbenches
- Retail: slip-resistant and ergonomic flooring for shops and warehouses
- Transport: used in buses, trains and industrial vehicles
- Hospitality: safety in commercial bars, kitchens and wet or oily areas
- Education: safe, durable rubber flooring option for schools, play areas and sports halls
- Healthcare: used in rehabilitation centres and hospital facilities for comfort and safety
- Leisure and fitness: designed thicker for gyms, playgrounds and sports centres to absorb impacts and protect people
- Public spaces & outdoor: anti-slip matting provides extra grip and is useful in parks, pedestrian walkways and muddy areas
If you have any questions or you would simply like some advice on choosing the most suitable rubber matting or rubber mats, our specialist support staff will be happy to discuss your project.
Please feel free to call us, send us an email or complete our contact form for further assistance.
