A Quick Guide On How to Install Rubber Flooring Rolls By Yourself!
After seeing rubber flooring in its finished and installed form, you may doubt that laying rubber flooring is an easy, do-it-yourself project or a do-it-yourself task at all. Well-installed rolls of rubber look level and seamless as if hundreds to thousands of dollars were spent on professional flooring installers. In actuality, most anyone can neatly set up rubber flooring. Learn how to install rubber flooring by following a couple of simple steps.
For this DIY project, you will need the following materials:
- Heavy-duty double-sided tape
- Chalk
- Sharp utility knife
- Straight-edge (a meter stick is perfect)
- Duct tape
- Your rolls of rubber
- A broom and mop
- Patience (not available in stores)
Before you get your hands dirty, make sure that the floor you will be installing is ready to work on:
- Using the broom, sweep up any excess dirt, dust, or debris which could interfere with the adhesive.
- Mop up any greases, oils, and excess moisture on the floor.
- Make sure the floor is dry at the time of floor installation.
- Also, since the rubber is rolled for shipment, you should lay out the rubber rolls in their full length to let them relax and flatten out.
Without further ado, let’s get down to the “nitty gritty”:
- Apply the double-sided sealing tape completely around the inside perimeter in regards to the width and length of the roll. Do not remove the release paper.
- Place the roll end against the wall, and unroll the first piece over the prepared area. Maneuver the rubber to lay precisely with a mallet and wood block.
- If the rubber exceeds the floor space, use a straight edge and non-retractable utility knife to trim the excess length.
- If you are laying rubber flooring and the mats will lie lengthwise, use chalk to mark the excess rubber, and cut at the line so the adjacent rolls are flush.
- Press firmly on the mats to remove any curls or bubbles.
- At the beginning of the seam, fold back the rubber at the width point so that the tape is viewable. Remove release paper and ease rubber back down into place. Do not allow it to “flop” onto the tape, as it may create air pockets.
- Press to adhere. Continue this process for the remainder of the floor.
- After the first 60 minutes, when the adhesive has begun to set, thoroughly roll the matting with a 50- to 100-lb carpet roller to assure the rubber has bonded to the adhesive. Repeat this step at 75 and 90 minutes.
- Be careful not to shift the roll as you use the carpet roller.
- Rolling should be done both widthwise and lengthwise.
- Make sure to butt the mats up against adjacent or end-to-end mats to ensure tight joints without gaps. If gapping occurs, use masking, cellophane or packing tape to hold the mats together until the adhesive cures or the remaining pieces are laid.
- Do not use duct tape as it may leave residue on the surface when removed.
Now that you’ve learned how to install rubber flooring, you are ready to cover your floor properly. Laying rubber flooring is a cinch if you take your time and are patient. By taking on the task you can save yourself from the cringe-worthy bills from professional installers. Plus, you can cross “Install Rubber Flooring” off your bucket list!
