How do I choose the right rubber tiles for my application?

The right rubber tiles for an application are selected first by considering the area and its intended use, rather than by starting with a product. Tiles made from PU-bound rubber granules are manufactured for different purposes, with their properties matched to the intended use during production. The range is organised by application: home and garden, play and sport, fitness, horses and dogs. Once the application is clear, the choice can be narrowed down.

The next selection step is the substrate. On bound bases such as concrete, screed or paving, drainage channels on the underside direct water away along the gradient. On unbound substrates such as grit or crushed stone, water drains vertically through the tile and sub-base. Not every range is approved for both bound and unbound substrates: some tiles can be laid in a bed of chippings, while others require a bound base or a plastic honeycomb grid.

The expected loading determines the required tile thickness and properties. Beneath play equipment, the critical fall height tested in accordance with BS EN 1177 is relevant; the critical fall height increases with tile thickness. Safety surfacing tiles are selected according to the free fall height of the play equipment. In training areas, shock absorption and impact sound insulation take priority, while outdoor areas require water permeability and frost-resistant properties. Where a fire classification is required, tiles with an EPDM wearing layer achieve Cfl-s1 to BS EN 13501-1.

Colour and surface determine the long-term appearance. An EPDM wearing layer is coloured throughout, colour-stable and UV-resistant. With tiles made from recycled tyre rubber granules (ELT), the colour is created by a coloured binder that coats the granules.

Format, edge profile and connection type are further selection criteria. Rounded puzzle interlocks create joints that are barely noticeable, whereas tiles with plug-in connectors form a visible grid. Each product description in the shop lists these properties, and two product ranges can be compared directly.

For a first-hand view of colour and surface, a product sample can be ordered. Technical advice is available by telephone, email or in person for questions about the area, substrate or suitable thickness.