Shop Floor - Rubber flooring?

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  • January 23, 2023 11:29 AM
    Message # 13069027

    Hi

    My shop floor is concrete, so I want to put some type of flooring that is easier on my feet and legs. I'm looking at rubber flooring as a possibility. Has anyone had experience with it? This is the type I'm looking at.

    3/8" Heavy Duty Rubber Rolls – Low-Cost Commercial Flooring (rubberflooringinc.com) 

    Thanks

    Ed

  • January 24, 2023 9:32 AM
    Reply # 13070495 on 13069027
    Jim Tartaglia (Administrator)

    My shop floor is concrete also.  I went with these squares called DRIcore (see link) and laid half inch plywood over it.  I sometimes drag stuff around on the floor and rubber won't work well for that


    https://dricore.com/products/dricore-subfloor/

  • January 24, 2023 12:40 PM
    Reply # 13070887 on 13069027

    Hi Jim

    That was my concern, as some of my machines are on wheels. I watched a utube video by Wood by Wright, and he put down a rubber floor. He said he had no issues moving his bench, but I'm not sure I want to take the risk.

    Ed

  • January 24, 2023 6:41 PM
    Reply # 13071426 on 13069027
    Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    I also have a cement floor but perhaps unlike others, my 100+ year old basement can be damp when a strong and prolonged rainstorm hits.  It's infrequent but has happened a few times in my almost 40 years of owning the house.  So I installed the Dricore 2' x 2' tongue and groove squares with the air gap bottoms to "protect against moisture, mildew, and small water leak" in the basement.  Thus, the Dricore subfloor acts as a "floating" floor that allows airflow between the cement surface and the subfloor.  On top of that subfloor I installed 1/2" select pine plywood panels with several coats of poly that provide a smooth floor for easy sweeping.  I can't imagine a rubberized floor would allow easy sweeping.

    Other advantages are a floor with a little "give" and a warner floor.  No need for a floor mat when working excessively in one spot.

    Just be mindful, you want to install a floor once, before you move all your heavy tools and work tables in place.

  • January 25, 2023 12:26 AM
    Reply # 13071726 on 13069027

    I too have many tools on wheels. My approach was to put rubber in key locations only. I have it surrounding my bench and a few other spots. 

  • January 25, 2023 6:22 AM
    Reply # 13071967 on 13069027
    James Russell (Administrator)

    I also went with the DRIcore apparoch and have been very happy with it. There is enough give so it is comfortable to work on for long periods. It is available at the Home Depot. 


  • January 25, 2023 6:38 AM
    Reply # 13071980 on 13069027

    Ed,

    If you need an easy and quick alternative to covering your entire shop floor, look for anti-fatigue mats, available in many sizes small and large. Mostly used in industrial settings for area specific work. I use these in my shop, have several placed around workbenches and my table saw. Look on line industrial supply companies,(ie: McMaster-Carr, W.W. Grainger) for selection and best value. When you have to move something, just pick the mat up and slide it out of the way. Also, once a year you can haul them outside and wash off with a hose.

    Jim Allen


  • January 25, 2023 11:42 AM
    Reply # 13072401 on 13069027

    I currently have an anti-fatigue mat in front of my workbench, but it's a pain when I try to wheel my equipment over it. Half the time it gets hung up on it. Looking at the dricore and the cost, it's about the same as the rubber flooring, so I think I'll go with that. It's extra work, but since my son and son-in-law will be doing most of the work, I'm fine with it. :)

     

  • January 25, 2023 9:13 PM
    Reply # 13073134 on 13069027

    Ed, you might be able to save some money by building your own "subfloor" similar to drycore.  You can buy these rolls, then put ply or OSB over.  The end result is basically the same as drycore, but with fewer pieces, and I assume cheaper cost.  


    https://www.lowes.com/pd/AlinO-DamPro-400-sq-ft-Standard-8-83-mms-Flooring-Underlayment/5001560897
    Last modified: January 25, 2023 9:15 PM | Christian Haeni
  • January 27, 2023 3:15 PM
    Reply # 13075453 on 13069027

    Thanks Christian

    You've given me something to think about. The DriCor is going to run around $800, and this product is $250 (if it will give me 400 sq ft as it says).

    I may be wrong, but I think the Dricor will give me a more solid base to put the plywood on though? I'd have to screw the plywood to the concrete if I used the AlinO Dampro.

    Ed

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