Why do rubber tiles and impact-absorbing mats have a structured underside with studs and drainage channels?

The structured underside on rubber tiles and impact-absorbing mats provides drainage, reduces the area of contact with a wet substrate, and affects both shock absorption and dimensional stability.

With porous tiles, water passes through the surfacing across its full area. On a water-impermeable substrate, drainage channels direct the water along the fall; on a water-permeable sub-base, it drains into the sub-base.

Studs and drainage feet keep the tile body clear of the substrate. This prevents the tile from remaining continuously in wet conditions and allows it to dry more quickly.

The profile moulded into the underside creates additional space for elastic deformation. It therefore improves shock absorption and reduces internal stresses, which can arise from different temperatures or moisture conditions between the top surface and underside. The profile consequently contributes to the tile's dimensional stability. Wide bearing pads also reduce local pressure peaks.

The functions performed by the underside depend on the relevant tile range. Rubber mats for indoor areas often have a continuous, unstructured underside and lie in near-full contact with the substrate.