1. Introduction to Rubber Matting

Rubber matting is one of the most versatile and widely-used flooring solutions across industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors in the United Kingdom. From protecting warehouse floors to providing anti-fatigue comfort for workers, rubber matting serves countless essential functions that improve safety, efficiency, and working conditions.

As specialists in industrial rubber matting, we've supplied thousands of UK businesses with high-quality rubber flooring solutions. This comprehensive guide draws on over 25 years of industry expertise to help you select the perfect rubber matting for your specific requirements.

What is Rubber Matting?

Rubber matting is a flexible floor covering manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber compounds. It's available in sheets, rolls, tiles, and interlocking formats, with various surface patterns, thicknesses, and material compositions designed for specific applications.

Unlike rigid flooring materials, rubber matting offers unique benefits including:

• Slip resistance – Textured surfaces provide excellent grip even when wet
• Durability – Withstands heavy foot traffic, equipment, and impact
• Comfort – Cushioning reduces fatigue for standing workers
• Noise reduction – Absorbs sound and vibration
• Protection – Shields underlying floors from damage
• Easy maintenance – Simple to clean and long-lasting

Why Choose Rubber Matting?

Rubber matting has become the flooring solution of choice for British industry because it addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. In manufacturing environments, it protects concrete floors from dropped tools while providing comfortable standing surfaces for production line workers. In agricultural settings, it creates hygienic, slip-resistant surfaces that improve animal welfare and worker safety.

The versatility of rubber matting means a single material type can solve flooring challenges across diverse environments – from the entrance mats that keep facilities clean to the heavy-duty workshop flooring that withstands years of industrial use.

Rubber Matting Industry Standards

Quality rubber matting in the UK should comply with relevant British and European standards:

• BS EN 13501-1 – Fire classification for construction products
• BS 7188 – Impact-absorbing playground surfaces (where applicable)
• BS EN 1081 – Electrical resistance (for anti-static applications)
• REACH Compliance – Regulation on chemical substances
• Slip Resistance – Pendulum Test Value (PTV) ratings

At Slip-Not, all our rubber matting products meet or exceed relevant industry standards, ensuring you receive a product that performs safely and reliably throughout its service life.

2. Types of Rubber Matting

Rubber matting is manufactured with various surface patterns, each designed for specific applications and performance characteristics. Understanding these patterns is crucial for selecting the right matting for your needs.

Ribbed/Fluted Rubber Matting

Ribbed rubber matting (also known as fluted or corrugated matting) features parallel raised ridges running the length of the material. This distinctive pattern creates channels that direct water, debris, and contaminants away from the walking surface.

Key Features:

• Parallel raised ribs (typically 3-5mm high)
• Excellent directional water channelling
• High slip resistance perpendicular to ribs
• Easy to sweep clean
• Available in fine rib and wide rib variants

Best Applications:

• Entrance areas and doorways
• Corridors and walkways
• Ramps and inclines
• Van and trailer flooring
• Behind bars and service areas

Fine rib matting has closer-spaced ribs (approximately 3mm apart) offering a smoother feel underfoot, ideal for reception areas. Wide rib matting features ribs spaced 10-15mm apart, providing more aggressive drainage for industrial environments.

Studded/Penny Rubber Matting

Studded rubber matting (commonly called penny matting due to its circular pattern resembling coins) features raised circular studs across its surface. This pattern provides multi-directional slip resistance and is one of the most popular industrial matting types.

Key Features:

• Circular raised studs (typically 8-12mm diameter)
• Multi-directional slip resistance
• Self-draining design
• Distinctive industrial appearance
• Excellent underfoot comfort

Best Applications:

• Workshops and factories
• Gym and fitness floors
• Garages and service bays
• Kitchen and food preparation areas
• Loading bays

The studded pattern creates small air pockets beneath footwear, providing cushioning that reduces fatigue during prolonged standing. This makes it particularly popular in manufacturing environments where workers stand for extended periods.

Checker Plate Rubber Matting

Checker plate rubber matting replicates the appearance of metal checker plate (also known as tread plate or diamond plate) in a flexible rubber format. It combines the industrial aesthetic with the practical benefits of rubber.

Key Features:

• Raised diamond/checker pattern
• Industrial appearance matching metal fixtures
• Excellent grip in all directions
• Superior durability
• Good resistance to oils and chemicals

Best Applications:

• Heavy industrial environments
• Vehicle flooring (lorries, vans, trailers)
• Workshop benches and workstations
• Ramps and loading areas
• Areas requiring professional industrial appearance

Checker plate rubber offers the visual appeal of metal checker plate without the weight, noise, or cold feel. It's particularly popular in vehicle applications where reducing weight is important.

Drainage/Holed Rubber Matting

Drainage rubber matting (also called perforated, holed, or ring matting) features holes or openings that allow water, liquids, and debris to pass through. This prevents surface pooling and maintains a dry walking surface.

Key Features:

• Through-holes for drainage (various sizes/patterns)
• Prevents standing water
• Allows debris to fall through
• Reduces slip hazards in wet areas
• Easy to lift and clean underneath

Best Applications:

• Swimming pools and wet areas
• Food processing facilities
• Industrial wash-down areas
• Outdoor walkways
• Boat decks and marine applications
• Agricultural drainage

Ring mat variants feature interlocking rubber rings, offering flexibility and excellent drainage for uneven surfaces. Grass mat designs allow grass to grow through, providing reinforced natural ground cover for parking areas and walkways.

Solid/Smooth Rubber Matting

Solid rubber matting has a smooth or lightly textured surface without pronounced patterns. It provides a flat, even surface ideal for applications requiring easy cleaning or a professional appearance.

Key Features:

• Smooth or lightly textured surface
• Maximum surface contact area
• Easy to clean and sanitise
• Professional, uniform appearance
• Ideal base for floor marking

Best Applications:

• Electrical safety matting
• Clean rooms and laboratories
• Retail and display areas
• Gym and exercise flooring
• General purpose floor protection

Solid rubber matting is available with various durometer (hardness) ratings, from soft comfort matting to firm industrial grades suitable for heavy equipment.

3. Rubber Matting Materials

Understanding rubber matting materials is essential for selecting a product that performs correctly in your specific environment. Different rubber compounds offer varying levels of chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and durability.

SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)

SBR rubber is the most common material for industrial rubber matting. This synthetic rubber compound offers an excellent balance of performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Properties:

• Temperature range: -20°C to +70°C
• Abrasion resistance: Excellent
• Oil resistance: Moderate
• Chemical resistance: Good (water, mild acids, alkalis)
• UV resistance: Moderate
• Cost: Budget to mid-range

Best For:

General industrial use, workshops, warehouses, vehicle flooring, walkways, and most commercial applications where extreme chemical resistance isn't required.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM rubber is a premium synthetic rubber with exceptional weather and ozone resistance, making it the material of choice for outdoor and exposed applications.

Properties:

• Temperature range: -40°C to +120°C
• Abrasion resistance: Good
• Oil resistance: Poor
• Chemical resistance: Excellent (water, steam, mild acids)
• UV resistance: Excellent
• Cost: Mid to premium range

Best For:

Outdoor installations, roofing walkways, playground surfaces, applications requiring steam or hot water resistance, and environments with high UV exposure.

Natural Rubber (NR)

Natural rubber derived from rubber tree latex offers superior elasticity and resilience. It's often preferred for applications requiring excellent grip and flexibility.

Properties:

• Temperature range: -30°C to +60°C
• Abrasion resistance: Excellent
• Oil resistance: Poor
• Chemical resistance: Moderate
• UV resistance: Poor (degrades in sunlight)
• Cost: Mid to premium range

Best For:

Anti-fatigue matting, high-grip applications, horse stable matting, environments requiring maximum elasticity and tear resistance.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile rubber (Buna-N) offers exceptional resistance to oils, fuels, and petroleum-based products. It's the premium choice for automotive and engineering applications.

Properties:

• Temperature range: -30°C to +100°C
• Abrasion resistance: Good
• Oil resistance: Excellent
• Chemical resistance: Excellent (oils, fuels, solvents)
• UV resistance: Moderate
• Cost: Premium

Best For:

Garages, service stations, engineering workshops, oil refineries, anywhere exposed to oils, fuels, or hydraulic fluids.

Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber matting manufactured from reclaimed tyres and rubber products offers an environmentally-friendly alternative while maintaining excellent performance characteristics.

Properties:

• Temperature range: -20°C to +60°C
• Abrasion resistance: Good
• Oil resistance: Moderate
• Environmental impact: Low (diverts waste from landfill)
• Cost: Budget to mid-range

Best For:

Gymnasium flooring, playground surfaces, agricultural applications, equestrian facilities, and organisations prioritising sustainability.

Material Selection Guide

4. Rubber Matting Thickness Guide

Selecting the correct rubber matting thickness is crucial for performance, durability, and value. Too thin and it won't provide adequate protection; too thick and you've overspent. This guide helps you choose the right thickness for your application.

3mm Rubber Matting

3mm matting is the lightest option, suitable for light-duty applications where basic floor protection is needed.

• Weight: Approximately 3-4 kg/m²
• Best for: Bench tops, drawer liners, light pedestrian areas
• Durability: Light duty only
• Anti-fatigue properties: Minimal

4.5mm - 5mm Rubber Matting

The most popular thickness for general commercial applications, offering a good balance of performance and economy.

• Weight: Approximately 5-6 kg/m²
• Best for: Entrance mats, corridors, behind bars, van floors
• Durability: Medium duty
• Anti-fatigue properties: Moderate

6mm Rubber Matting

6mm matting is the standard choice for industrial environments, providing substantial durability and worker comfort.

• Weight: Approximately 7-8 kg/m²
• Best for: Workshops, factories, service areas, lorry/trailer floors
• Durability: Heavy duty
• Anti-fatigue properties: Good

10mm Rubber Matting

10mm thickness provides enhanced durability and comfort for demanding industrial applications.

• Weight: Approximately 12-14 kg/m²
• Best for: Heavy industrial, machinery areas, impact protection
• Durability: Extra heavy duty
• Anti-fatigue properties: Excellent

12mm - 15mm Rubber Matting

Thick matting designed for maximum protection and comfort in the most demanding environments.

• Weight: Approximately 15-20 kg/m²
• Best for: Horse stables, gym floors, heavy machinery
• Durability: Maximum
• Anti-fatigue properties: Maximum

18mm - 25mm Rubber Matting

Specialist heavy-duty matting for extreme applications requiring maximum impact absorption.

• Weight: Approximately 20-30 kg/m²
• Best for: Horse walkers, cattle crush areas, impact-absorbing surfaces
• Durability: Extreme duty
• Anti-fatigue properties: Maximum

Thickness Selection by Application

5. Rubber Matting Width Options

Rubber matting is manufactured in standard roll widths. Selecting the appropriate width minimises waste, reduces installation time, and ensures a professional finish.

Standard Width Options

900mm (3ft) Width

The narrowest standard width, ideal for:

• Walkways and corridors
• Behind-bar runners
• Narrow entrance areas
• Van side doors

1000mm (1m) Width

Popular metric width for:

• General walkways
• Doorway matting
• Bench coverings
• Standard commercial use

1200mm (4ft) Width

The most popular width overall, suitable for:

• Most commercial and industrial floors
• Workshop aisles
• Van and small trailer floors
• Reception and entrance areas

1500mm (5ft) Width

Wide format for larger areas:

• Large workshop floors
• Warehouse aisles
• Trailer and lorry floors
• Horse stable floors

2000mm (6.5ft) Width

Maximum standard width for minimum joins:

• Large industrial floors
• Gymnasium flooring
• Agricultural buildings
• Lorry and trailer beds

Choosing the Right Width

Consider these factors when selecting width:

1. Area dimensions: Choose a width that minimises waste when cut to your floor dimensions
2. Number of joins: Wider rolls mean fewer joins, creating a neater appearance
3. Handling weight: Wider rolls are heavier – consider how you'll transport and install
4. Access: Can the roll fit through doorways and corridors to reach the installation area?
5. Cost efficiency: Compare total costs including waste when ordering different widths

Custom Width Cutting

At Slip-Not, we offer a free cutting service to provide exactly the dimensions you need. Simply provide your measurements, and we'll cut the matting to size before dispatch – saving you time and ensuring perfect fit.

6. Rubber Matting Applications by Industry

Rubber matting serves essential functions across virtually every industry. This section explores the specific requirements and recommended products for each major application area.

Industrial & Workshop Rubber Matting

Industrial environments present unique challenges: heavy foot traffic, dropped tools, oil and chemical exposure, and workers standing for extended periods. The right rubber matting addresses all these concerns simultaneously.

Workshop Floor Matting

For general workshop flooring, we recommend:

• Pattern: Studded or checker plate
• Thickness: 6mm minimum (10mm for heavy use)
• Material: SBR for general use; Nitrile for oily environments
• Key benefits: Anti-fatigue, impact absorption, floor protection

Factory Floor Matting

Large manufacturing facilities require:

• Pattern: Studded, ribbed, or smooth (application dependent)
• Thickness: 6mm - 10mm
• Width: 1500mm or 2000mm to minimise joins
• Considerations: Fire rating, chemical resistance, anti-static properties

Workstation Matting

Standing workstation areas benefit from anti-fatigue matting:

• Pattern: Studded or smooth
• Thickness: 10mm+ for maximum comfort
• Size: Individual mats or runners
• Features: Bevelled edges to prevent tripping

Browse our industrial rubber flooring collection for workshop-ready options.

Agricultural Rubber Matting

Agricultural applications demand matting that improves animal welfare, enhances hygiene, and withstands challenging farm environments.

Horse Stable Matting

Equestrian facilities benefit significantly from quality rubber matting:

• Thickness: 12mm - 18mm
• Surface: Textured for grip, comfortable for horses
• Benefits: Reduces bedding costs (up to 50%), easier cleaning, improved joint health
• Installation: Interlocking tiles or fitted mats

Cattle & Livestock Matting

Dairy and livestock facilities require:

• Walkways: 10mm ribbed matting for cow passages
• Crush areas: 18mm+ heavy-duty matting
• Milking parlours: Drainage matting for hygiene
• Benefits: Reduced lameness, improved fertility, easier cleaning

Agricultural Building Floors

General farm building applications:

• Pattern: Ribbed or studded
• Thickness: 6mm minimum
• Material: SBR or recycled rubber
• Features: Weather resistant, easy to hose down

Marine & Boat Rubber Matting

Marine environments present unique challenges: constant moisture, salt exposure, UV light, and the need for excellent grip on moving surfaces.

Boat Deck Matting

• Pattern: Drainage/holed or studded
• Material: EPDM for UV resistance; marine-grade compounds
• Features: Self-draining, salt-resistant, non-marking
• Thickness: 5mm - 8mm

Pontoon & Jetty Matting

• Pattern: Drainage or ribbed
• Installation: Glued or mechanically fixed
• Key requirement: Excellent wet slip resistance

Vehicle Rubber Matting

Vehicle flooring must withstand constant movement, heavy loads, and frequent cleaning while protecting the vehicle floor and cargo.

Van Floor Matting

• Pattern: Ribbed or checker plate
• Thickness: 4.5mm - 6mm
• Width: Cut to fit van floor dimensions
• Benefits: Protects metal floor, reduces noise, easy cleaning

Trailer Floor Matting

• Pattern: Ribbed, studded, or checker plate
• Thickness: 6mm - 8mm
• Material: SBR for general use; EPDM for livestock trailers
• Features: Impact resistant, prevents cargo movement

Lorry/HGV Floor Matting

• Pattern: Checker plate or heavy-duty ribbed
• Thickness: 6mm - 10mm
• Width: 2000mm rolls for full-width coverage
• Considerations: Weight capacity, forklift compatible

Electrical Safety Matting

Electrical insulating matting is a critical safety product designed to protect workers from electrical shock when working on or near live electrical equipment.

Key Specifications:

• Classification: Class 0 (1,000V) to Class 4 (36,000V)
• Standards: BS EN 61111, IEC 61111
• Colour: Typically black with colour-coded class indicators
• Thickness: 3mm - 6mm depending on voltage class

Applications:

• Electrical switchboards and panels
• Substations
• Generator rooms
• Transformer areas
• Any location with electrical shock risk

Important: Electrical safety matting must be certified and tested. Always verify compliance with relevant standards and inspect matting regularly for damage.

Other Applications

Gym & Fitness Flooring

• Pattern: Smooth or lightly textured
• Thickness: 10mm - 20mm for impact absorption
• Format: Interlocking tiles or rolled matting

Playground Surfaces

• Material: EPDM or recycled rubber
• Thickness: Determined by Critical Fall Height requirements
• Standards: BS EN 1177 compliant

Commercial Entrance Matting

• Pattern: Fine ribbed or scraper
• Thickness: 4.5mm - 6mm
• Features: Removes dirt and moisture from footwear

7. Technical Properties of Rubber Matting

Understanding the technical properties of rubber matting ensures you select a product that performs correctly in your specific environment.

Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is measured using the Pendulum Test, producing a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Higher values indicate better slip resistance.

Quality rubber matting typically achieves PTV ratings of 40-50+, providing excellent slip resistance even in wet conditions.

Oil Resistance

Oil resistance varies significantly by material:

• Nitrile (NBR): Excellent – maintains properties with constant oil contact
• SBR: Moderate – suitable for occasional oil exposure
• EPDM: Poor – swells and degrades with oil contact
• Natural rubber: Poor – not recommended for oily environments

For workshops, garages, and industrial environments with oil exposure, always specify Nitrile or oil-resistant SBR compounds.

Chemical Resistance

Common chemical exposures and recommended materials:

• Water/moisture: All rubber types suitable
• Mild acids: SBR, EPDM, Nitrile all suitable
• Strong acids: Specialised compounds required
• Alkalis: SBR and Nitrile perform well
• Solvents: Nitrile offers best resistance
• Petroleum products: Nitrile essential

Temperature Resistance

Operating temperature ranges by material:

• SBR: -20°C to +70°C (standard industrial range)
• EPDM: -40°C to +120°C (widest range)
• Natural: -30°C to +60°C
• Nitrile: -30°C to +100°C (good heat resistance)

Durometer (Hardness)

Rubber hardness is measured on the Shore A scale. Most matting falls between 60-80 Shore A:

• 50-60 Shore A: Soft – maximum comfort, less durability
• 60-70 Shore A: Medium – balanced comfort and durability
• 70-80 Shore A: Firm – maximum durability, heavy loads

Fire Rating

Rubber matting fire classifications (BS EN 13501-1):

• Class E: Minimum requirement – limited combustibility
• Class D: Good fire performance
• Class C/B: Enhanced fire resistance for high-risk areas

Many industrial environments require fire-rated matting. Always check local fire safety requirements.

Electrical Properties

For electrical safety matting:

• Class 0: 1,000V maximum
• Class 1: 7,500V maximum
• Class 2: 17,000V maximum
• Class 3: 26,500V maximum
• Class 4: 36,000V maximum

For anti-static matting, look for surface resistance of 10^6 to 10^9 ohms.

8. Rubber Matting Installation Guide

Proper installation ensures your rubber matting performs correctly and lasts for its full service life. This guide covers the key steps for successful installation.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Surface Requirements

The substrate should be:

• Clean: Free from dust, dirt, oil, and debris
• Dry: No standing water or excessive moisture
• Level: Deviations no greater than 3mm over 2m
• Sound: No loose material, cracks, or damage

Acclimatisation

Allow rubber matting to acclimatise to the installation environment:

• Unroll and lay flat for 24-48 hours before installation
• Maintain consistent temperature (15-25°C ideal)
• This prevents expansion/contraction issues after installation

Installation Methods

Loose Lay Installation

The simplest method, suitable for:

• Temporary installations
• Areas requiring regular access beneath
• Small mats and runners

Method:

1. Cut matting to size, leaving 5mm expansion gap at walls
2. Position matting and allow to settle
3. Use double-sided tape at edges if needed to prevent movement

Fully Adhered Installation

For permanent installations requiring maximum stability:

Method:

1. Apply appropriate rubber flooring adhesive to substrate
2. Allow adhesive to become tacky (follow manufacturer's instructions)
3. Roll matting into adhesive, working from centre outward
4. Use a weighted roller to ensure full contact
5. Clean any adhesive from surface immediately

Perimeter Bond Installation

A compromise between loose lay and full adhesion:

• Adhesive applied only around edges and joins
• Centre remains free for easier future removal
• Suitable for most industrial applications

Interlocking Tile Installation

For modular rubber tiles:

1. Start from corner, ensuring first tiles are square to room
2. Connect interlocking edges by pressing or tapping together
3. Cut edge tiles to fit using sharp knife
4. No adhesive typically required for interlocking systems

Cutting Rubber Matting

Tools Required:

• Heavy-duty Stanley knife or utility knife
• Metal straight edge (at least 1m length)
• Carpenter's square for corners
• Tape measure
• Chalk line for long cuts
• Spare blades (rubber dulls blades quickly)

Cutting Technique:

1. Measure and mark cutting line clearly
2. Place straight edge firmly along cutting line
3. Score the surface with moderate pressure
4. Make multiple passes, deepening the cut each time
5. For thick matting, cut from both sides
6. Keep blade perpendicular to surface

Joining Rubber Matting

When joining multiple pieces:

• Butt joins tightly together
• Ensure pattern alignment (especially for ribbed matting)
• Apply adhesive under join area
• Consider rubber joining tape for extra security
• Roll joins thoroughly to ensure adhesion

Vehicle Installation Tips

For van, trailer, and lorry floors:

• Create a template from cardboard first
• Account for wheel arches, tie-down points, etc.
• Clean and degrease metal floor thoroughly
• Use contact adhesive for permanent fix, or leave loose for easy removal
• Seal edges with silicone to prevent moisture ingress

9. Rubber Matting Maintenance & Cleaning

Proper maintenance extends the life of rubber matting and ensures it continues to perform safely. Fortunately, rubber is one of the easiest flooring materials to maintain.

Routine Cleaning

Daily Maintenance:

• Sweep or vacuum to remove loose debris
• Wipe up spills promptly
• Remove any hazardous materials immediately

Weekly Cleaning:

1. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly
2. Mop with warm water and mild detergent
3. Use soft-bristle brush for textured surfaces
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Allow to dry completely

Deep Cleaning (Monthly/Quarterly):

1. Remove all moveable items and furniture
2. Sweep and vacuum entire area
3. Apply rubber floor cleaner solution
4. Scrub with floor scrubbing machine or stiff brush
5. Extract or mop up dirty water
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
7. Allow to dry completely before returning items

Cleaning Products

Recommended:

• pH-neutral rubber floor cleaners
• Mild washing-up liquid (diluted)
• Specialist anti-bacterial cleaners (food environments)
• Warm (not hot) water

Avoid:

• Solvent-based cleaners
• Bleach (can discolour rubber)
• Petroleum-based products (unless on Nitrile rubber)
• Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• Steam cleaners (excessive heat can damage)

Stain Removal

Oil Stains:

• Absorb excess with kitty litter or absorbent granules
• Clean with degreaser suitable for rubber
• Rinse thoroughly

Paint:

• Remove wet paint immediately with appropriate solvent (test first)
• Dried paint may require careful scraping

Rubber Marks:

• Use rubber mark remover or isopropyl alcohol
• Scrub gently with soft brush

Inspection & Maintenance

Regular inspection ensures continued safety:

Check Monthly:

• Edges and joins for lifting or separation
• Surface for excessive wear, cuts, or damage
• Areas under heavy traffic for thinning
• Adhesion in fully-bonded installations

Address Immediately:

• Lifted edges (trip hazard)
• Tears or cuts that could spread
• Areas where substrate is exposed
• Any damage affecting slip resistance

Extending Matting Life

• Rotate mats: In high-traffic areas, periodically rotate or move mats to distribute wear
• Use entrance mats: Trap dirt and grit before it reaches main floor areas
• Protect from sunlight: UV degrades most rubber – use blinds or EPDM for sunny areas
• Avoid sharp objects: Use castors and protect against dragging sharp items
• Control temperature: Avoid extreme heat sources near rubber matting

10. Rubber Matting Cost Guide 2026

Understanding rubber matting costs helps you budget effectively and ensure you're getting value for money. Prices vary based on material, thickness, pattern, and quantity.

Price Ranges by Product Type

Ribbed Rubber Matting

Studded Rubber Matting

Checker Plate Rubber Matting

Stable/Agricultural Matting

Factors Affecting Price

• Material: Nitrile and EPDM cost 20-40% more than standard SBR
• Thickness: Price increases roughly proportionally with thickness
• Width: Wider rolls (2000mm) may cost slightly less per m²
• Quantity: Larger orders attract volume discounts
• Certifications: Fire-rated and electrical-certified matting commands premium
• Cutting: Pre-cut to size may add to cost (though we offer free cutting)

Total Cost Calculation

When budgeting, consider:

1. Material cost: Area (m²) × price per m²
2. Wastage: Add 5-10% for cuts and fitting
3. Delivery: FREE UK mainland at Slip-Not
4. Installation: DIY or professional fitting
5. Adhesive: If required (approximately £5-10 per m²)
6. Accessories: Edging strips, joining tape, etc.

Value Considerations

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider:

• Lifespan: Quality matting lasting 15 years costs less per year than budget matting lasting 5 years
• Safety: Proper slip resistance prevents costly accidents
• Productivity: Anti-fatigue matting improves worker comfort and output
• Floor protection: Prevents expensive repairs to underlying surfaces

Getting the Best Price

11. Rubber Matting Comparison: Pattern Types vs Applications

This comprehensive comparison table helps you quickly identify the best rubber matting pattern for your specific application.

Pattern Selection Summary

• Choose Ribbed when water/debris needs to drain in one direction (entrances, walkways, vehicle floors)
• Choose Studded for multi-directional grip and comfort (workshops, factories, standing areas)
• Choose Checker Plate for heavy-duty industrial appearance and durability (vehicles, heavy workshops)
• Choose Drainage when liquids need to pass through completely (wet areas, food processing, marine)
• Choose Smooth for easy cleaning and specialist applications (electrical, clean rooms, gyms)

12. Frequently Asked Questions