How to Install Rubber Play Flooring

Rubber flooring tiles

When installing a playground it is crucial to incorporate protective features into the design so as to 

ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all its users. Playground rubber matting is one possible 

component that can be incorporated into a playground installation, and will go a long way towards 

maintaining a safe play environment for children. There are numerous benefits inherent to playground

rubber matting. Primarily, creating a protected rubber play area is a sensible and smart choice that every 

playground owner should consider. Something important to keep in mind is that installing rubber play flooring 

has the potential to be a simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) process. Here we will focus on the actual step-by-step installation

of rubber play flooring; an operation that is relatively easy, yet -if done properly - will ensure your playground is as

well-protected as possible. Overall, the playground installation of interlocking rubber play flooring essentially comes

down to a step-by-step process, which, with sufficient explanation, can be adapted and undergone by any enterprising 

and responsible playground owner.

Step 1: Gather Materials. The three essential components of interlocking rubber play flooring installation are the rubber 

play mats themselves, the interlocking ribbed plastic pins required to affix the mats together, and a rubber mallet. Ensure 

that all your tiles are uniform and capable of bring affixed together. Obtain all these materials prior to beginning the installation

process. Check to make sure that all parts are in good working order.

Step 2: Surface Preparation. Once you have all the necessary materials gathered together, it is essential to make sure that you 

install your playground rubber matting on a suitable foundation. The ideal type of spaces for playgrounds incorporating playground

rubber matting will be areas that are smooth and level. Concrete, wood, and asphalt are the best surfaces, however compacted dirt 

will also work. Since the rubber tiles are heavy, when interlocked, they tend to stay down under their own weight. When installing on 

dirt, a geotextile fabric is a great barrier to keep weeds from growing onto the playground. Consult your local hardware store or nursery

for choosing the proper weed barrier.

Step 3: Tile Preparation. After gathering the proper materials and selecting a satisfactory surface foundation, the actual title installation

can begin. Interlocking rubber play flooring should be laid with the waffled side down on top of your selected surface and aligned next 

to one another to facilitate ease of installation.

Step 4: Insert Connector Pins. After placing your first tile on the surface, insert the ribbed connector pins halfway into the said tile’s 

connecting holes. You can use a rubber mallet to speed up the process.

Step 5: Align Second Tile with First. Place a second rubber play mat tile alongside the first. Make sure the second tile’s connecting 

holes are aligned with the now protruding connector pins of the first.

Step 6: Push Tiles Together.Firmly press both tiles together my hand until both of the rubber play mats are nearly touching.

Step 7: Mallet in the Sides. Take a mallet and gently and evenly tap on the sides of the playground rubber matting until the tiles lock together.

Using a mallet will allow for the creation of a secure and firm rubber play flooring.

Step 8: Repeat as Necessary. Repeat the above steps until you have a playground surface that is suitable for you needs. Additionally, the flooring

can be expanded as much as necessary provided you have a sufficient amount of material.

Step 9: Add Ramp Attachments. Once you have completed the playground installation of your rubber play flooring, you can add rubber ramp attachments

to the perimeter of the surfacing in order to facilitate ease of access to the playground. The ramp installation is completed in the same way as the tiles

are connected (via pins and malleting) and is one of the final steps of the installation process. You can also install a borer around the playground using 

wood or other edging materials.

Step 10: Inspect. Finally, review the completed flooring to ensure you have structurally integral and safe rubber play flooring for your playground area.

The installation of interlocking playground rubber mat can be an easy, step-by-step, “Do-It-Yourself” project. “Pins, pads, mallet” is a good mental

mnemonic for remembering the proper installation order when it comes to interlocking rubber play flooring. In short, insert the pins, affix a tile to the one

next to it, then mallet the sides to create a stable and effective foundational barrier. If a customer follows the proper steps as outlined above, there is no 

reason that they should be unable to create a safe playground experience for all via the installation of rubber play mats. In essence, the playground installation 

of these mats is a process that can –and should- be undergone by anyone hoping to increase the safety and usability of their playground.