Rubber Flooring Installation

Rubber flooring is a durable, versatile, and slip-resistant surface option commonly used in gyms, schools, commercial spaces, and homes for its comfort, safety, and ease of maintenance.

We recently installed ½ in thick Rolled Rubber at the Ahimsa Dog Training facility, in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard. Rubber flooring—especially ½ inch rolled rubber—is an excellent choice for a dog training facility.

Here’s why it performs so well in this environment, and other active and athletic environments

Traction and Safety

A Non-Slip Surface helps prevent dogs (and handlers) from slipping during obedience drills, agility work, or play. Dogs feel more confident on rubber than on slick surfaces like tile or concrete.
Shock Absorption, ½-inch thickness cushions both paws and joints, reducing strain during high-impact activities like jumping or running.
Protects dogs recovering from injuries or older dogs with arthritis.

Durability

Can handle claws, skidding, and repeated impact without tearing.
Tough enough for training equipment, crates, and high foot/paw traffic.

Noise Reduction

Great at muffling barking, dropped leashes, and the sound of active dogs—making for a more controlled environment.

Easy to Clean

A non-porous surface resists the absorption of urine or liquids.
Can be sanitized with mild disinfectants and a mop, vacuum, or floor scrubber.

Comfortable for Trainers

Reduces fatigue for humans who stand or walk on it all day.

Rolled Rubber Installation Key Factors

Installing rubber flooring has some unique subtleties that a professional flooring installer will understand. They will know how to address potential issues between the subfloor and the new rubber floor. By taking all necessary precautions, they ensure that the flooring is laid down evenly, maintaining its integrity and longevity.

Seam Sealing

Two-Part Epoxy Seam Sealer – Used for permanently bonding seams in rolled rubber flooring. This creates a watertight and secure joint.
Rubber Flooring Adhesive – Sometimes used to glue seams in addition to securing the flooring to the subfloor.

Underlayment

Rubber Underlayment – Often made from recycled rubber, this provides shock absorption and sound insulation. Common thicknesses range from 2 mm to 10 mm, depending on the application.
Foam Underlayment – Used in lighter-traffic areas or under interlocking rubber tiles to add cushioning.
Plywood or Concrete Board – In some commercial installs, a rigid underlayment might be installed first to ensure a level surface.
Moisture Barrier (when needed) – If installing over concrete or in damp areas, a vapor barrier is used to prevent moisture from seeping into the rubber.

Ventilation

Moisture can become trapped in humid environments, and subfloor ventilation in wet environments like Seattle can help prevent mildew from forming underneath.

Call Us for a Free in-business or in-home rubber floor consultation

Smooth, durable flooring in a dog training or grooming facility.

Dog training crates with mats and balls in a modern training room at Dallas Watson Flooring.

Dog crates with colorful balls on a smooth black flooring, suitable for pet training and play areas.