How to Install Rubber Flooring Outdoors

Outdoor rubber flooring is frequently used in several home or commercial applications. From rubber pavers and tile to protective playground surfacing, the rubber material is durable enough to absorb physical shock and provide a slip-resistant surface on which to walk. If you’re planning to install rubber flooring outdoors, it’s essential to understand the specific installation method appropriate for your product. At Greatmats, we carry rubber flooring options with an interlocking design that makes for an easy installation you can accomplish yourself.

Outdoor Rubber Flooring Top Products and Installations

As a general rule, when you install rubber flooring outdoors, you want to start with a flat subsurface with good drainage - either naturally or with a sub-surface water management system in place. In some cases, permeable fabrics may be required underneath the flooring as well.


Outdoor rubber flooring often comes in interlocking tile form. These tiles are available with multiple different styles of interlocking systems, and many have ramp and border pieces available for a clean, finished edge. Even with an interlocking system, some flooring systems will require adhesives - most often reinforcing the interlocks. In any case, it’s best to thoroughly read through the installation instructions of the given product to set yourself up for a successful installation and maximize the product’s lifespan.

Many outdoor rubber floors are made of recycled materials and come with a warranty, and the value is unbeatable. Some of the most popular products are those used in playgrounds and on decks and patios.

1. 24” Blue Sky Interlocking Playground Tile 3.25” Thick

One of the most well-known applications for outdoor rubber flooring is for a playground area. The Blue Sky Interlocking Playground Tile option in 3.25 inch, for example, has so many benefits. This product is aesthetically pleasing and is easy to maintain and repair. It is available in various color options and resists fading, mold, and mildew. The tile provides an extremely safe footing surface for kiddos who could potentially succumb to injury from falling with an 8-foot fall height rating.

This heavy-duty tile is outdoor-rated for all climates, and it is ADA-compliant with ADA ramps. It features a simple interlock system with full surface-to-surface locking, meaning it’s easy to install and you get clean, professional-looking results. Blue Sky does have other thicknesses, ranging from 1.75 to 3.75 inches for various fall height protections.

Download Blue Sky Outdoor Rubber Flooring Installation Instructions

2. 24” Max Playground Rubber Tile 2.5” Thick

Max Playground Tile is another great outdoor rubber flooring option for play areas. It is another product that is available in multiple thicknesses and colors and provides superior UV fade resistance for playgrounds. This product comes with a 15-year warranty and is made in the USA. It is ASTM fall height rated and allows water drainage around and under the tiles.

These tiles offer value and ease of installation. Simply install on a hard, flat prepared surface using one of a variety of methods, with the most secure playground method being a full adhesion to substrates using one part polyurethane adhesive.

These tiles can also be used on rooftops or other applications without adhesive. Instead, there is a Quad Blok fastening system that offers stability and ease of maintenance. This eliminates potential damage to the flat roof membrane and can remove the product if need be. Regardless of the installation method used, this product is designed to withstand years of vigorous play and use.

Download Max Playground Rubber Tiles Installation Instructions

3. 24” Sterling Rubber Roof Top Tile 2” Thick

Patios and decks are often constructed using outdoor rubber flooring. Sterling Rooftop Tile is among the best patio tiles, and they are 2 inches thick and made from durable patio rubber. They are suitable for residential or commercial installations. With a special design allowing water to drain under the tiles and the highest quality manufacturing, these tiles are among the best that money can buy.

These tiles can easily be installed by adding glue to the tiles at interlocking tabs and are ready to provide solid footing for even the heaviest outdoor furniture. Besides rooftop decks, this rubber paver system can be used in any outdoor space where traditional pavers would be used - from a patio to a hotel bar to a basketball court or gym area. They are available in numerous colors and have border and corner ramp options. They are also very easy to clean and are made from recycled rubber.

Download Sterling Outdoor Rubber Floor Tile Installation Instructions

4. 12” StayLock Outdoor PVC Plastic Tile 9/16” Thick

An alternative to rubber, another outdoor flooring option used for decking is the StayLock Perforated Tile. These are designed to allow for premium drainage in an outdoor deck or patio setting. These rubber-like PVC patio tiles are 9/16 inch thick and provide anti-fatigue benefits, traction, and comfort - even when walking or standing on the tile with bare feet or when the surface is wet.

Installing the tiles is easy. The patio tiles are connected with a loop-and-tab system that creates a floating floor that will not loosen or separate. No adhesive is required, and they can be cut to fit for wall-to-wall installation. Optional border and corner pieces are available. They are made in the USA, come in various colors, and are waterproof. If you want high quality at an affordable price, these are a great option!

While StayLock tiles are not rubber, these PVC tiles are a practical alternative to rubber. They offer many of the same benefits as rubber tiles, including their excellent durability and waterproof design. The tiles are a DIY-friendly product that is a great option for smaller residential installations, like patio, rooftop, and outdoor play area projects.

StayLock Outdoor Flooring Installation Instructions

Additional Products to Install Rubber Flooring Outdoors

Aside from the various products mentioned, Greatmats offers many other outdoor rubber flooring options that are easy to install. From various sizes and styles of entrance and playground mats to 10x10 black horse stall mats to numerous other rubber tile and decking options, there is an option for just about any project needing flooring.


Contact the Greatmats customer service team today with any questions. Whether you’re working on a patio or a playground, we’re happy to help you find the right product to successfully install rubber flooring outdoors.