What rubber flooring can be laid over sheet metal, plywood or trailer beds?

Rubber flooring made from PU-bound rubber granules can be installed on plywood with an anti-slip coating and on level sheet metal. Typical applications include balconies, podiums, stages, platforms and loading areas.

The substrate must be level, clean, load-bearing and free from sharp edges. A low, even pattern on chequer plate or tread plate is not an issue. Outdoors, the substrate requires sufficient fall for water to run towards a drain or drip edge. Plywood with an anti-slip coating must be suitable for outdoor use, and cut edges, drill holes and other exposed areas must be protected against moisture ingress.

On fixed areas, the rubber tiles can be laid loose without mortar or adhesive (dry-laid), with no additional sub-base. Interlocking jigsaw edges or plastic connectors join the tiles into a continuous surface. Neither adhesive nor screws are required, so existing coatings and waterproofing remain intact. The rubber covering does not replace waterproofing.

Whether dry-laid installation is sufficient depends on the edge restraint and potential wind loading. On open loading areas, the tiles must be restrained against movement and uplift. Depending on the flooring system, the tiles are fully bonded with a suitable PU adhesive; the adhesive and substrate preparation must be matched to sheet metal or plywood with an anti-slip coating.