Concrete paths, tiles and wooden decking are no longer the only options for garden walkways, as elastic rubber flooring sold in rolls grows in popularity, according to the Polish outlet kobieta.onet.pl.
The material is most often made from rubber granulate, which is shredded rubber produced by recycling used tires. The granulate is pressed together and bonded with polyurethane glue. This makes the flooring environmentally friendly, since it is fully recyclable, as well as resistant to water, water vapor and weather conditions.
Easy installation and everyday benefits
The main advantage of rubber flooring is how simple it is to lay down. There is no need to mix concrete, build formwork or wait for anything to dry. The surface only needs to be properly prepared before the roll is unfolded on top of it.
The flooring can also be moved to a different spot or rolled up for storage. Its elasticity makes it more comfortable to walk on than concrete, and it is less prone to cracking if the ground beneath it shifts slightly. After rain, puddles do not form on the surface the way they typically do on concrete, and the dense rubber layer limits weed growth.
The rubber mats can withstand extreme temperatures, weak acids and alkalis, and salt solutions. They also absorb vibration and noise.
Downsides of rubber flooring
The flooring does have drawbacks. It can be fairly expensive and heavy. Its durability after several winter seasons may depend on storage conditions and the quality of the base it rests on.
Even so, for people who would rather not pour concrete or lay heavy slabs, rubber mats can be an interesting alternative, particularly where fast installation and convenience matter most.
Preparing the base for rubber flooring
Although installing the flooring is straightforward, that does not mean it can be laid anywhere. The best results come from a flat, cleaned and well-compacted base.
Before laying the flooring, weeds should be removed, stones cleared away and any significant unevenness in the ground leveled out.
Rubber flooring is not designed for heavy traffic and is not a substitute for a sturdy surface built for vehicles. Its main benefits are best used in gardens, on allotment plots and in other spots where a quick, comfortable footpath is needed.
Other paving alternatives
It was previously reported that laying traditional paving stones in yards is becoming less common. In summer such surfaces heat up significantly, and during heavy rain they prevent rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. As a result, more people are turning to more affordable and eco-friendly options for their yards.
One such alternative is so-called island paving, in which large concrete or stone slabs are placed with gaps between them rather than fitted tightly together. Those gaps can then be filled with decorative gravel, crushed stone or pebbles.
