Rubber flooring is commonly used in commercial gyms and fitness centers, but it also has applications outdoors and in the home. For example, because of its durability and slip-resistance, many people choose a rubber surface around their swimming pools as well as on their patios and porches. Inside the home, it is practical for a home gym, a kids’ playroom, and other areas. Rubber flooring is also commonly used on public and private playgrounds because of its softness. If you are thinking about installing rubber flooring soon, you understandably want to get the best value. What can you do to get the best price on your new floor?
1- Comparison Shop
The cost of rubber flooring installation is based on the cost of labor and materials. In addition, the installation company has a markup for their its own overhead and profit. Each of these costs varies from company to company. The sum of the differences can be sizable in some cases. Before selecting a flooring company for your installation project, read reviews to ensure that you will get the quality and service that you expect. The lowest price does not always represent the best value for your money.
2- Look for Hidden Fees
In addition to labor and materials, a flooring installer may have additional costs for the removal of the old floor, waste removal, fuel surcharge, subfloor materials, and other expenses. These may be included in the total quote that you receive. On some estimates, however, the fine print may reveal that these fees are not included in the quote. Read the fine print, and ensure that you are making an apples-to-apples comparison when looking at multiple quotes. Request a quote with a line item for all fees and costs. Ask questions if you are uncertain about a quote, and get everything in writing upfront.
3- Focus on the Type of Rubber Flooring
There are four primary types of rubber flooring. Rubber mats are available with interlocking designs and are quick and easy to install. Rubber tiles may also have an interlocking design, or they could require an adhesive. If you need to cover a large surface area, rubber rolls are a suitable option. For outdoor purposes, rubber pavers are both weather-resistant and durable. In addition, there are two types of rubber used in these flooring materials. Virgin rubber is pure rubber that does not have latex, additives, or recycled materials. Vulcanized rubber is a compressed material that is non-porous and may have a lighter scent. In addition to these factors, the thickness of the rubber floor material impacts the cost. The average depth is 8 millimeters. However, depending on your use, you may need more or less depth.
Explore Your Flooring Options Today
With so many variations in materials, fees, and more, it makes sense to review multiple quotes and consider different types of rubber floors. Your flooring installer can answer your questions about the options and help you select a rubber floor that is most suitable for its intended purposes.