Foam vs Plastic - Which Is Better For Trade Show Booth Flooring?

By Paige Cerulli Created: July, 2017 - Modified: April, 2024

When designing a trade show booth, you should consider three main points. First, you want to attract customers to your booth with an attractive, professional-looking display. Second, you want the display to travel easily and be quick and easy to set up and tear down. Third, you want it to be a place where you, your staff, and potential customers will be comfortable.

The right trade show booth flooring is important for accomplishing all of this. As you explore flooring products for tradeshows, you’ll find flooring tiles made of foam and plastic. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each so you can decide on the right floor for your exhibit.

Foam Trade Show Booth Flooring

foam trade show booth flooring

Foam flooring offers excellent shock absorption and comfort. It’s lightweight yet durable enough for repeated installations, making it a popular choice for trade show booths.

The Foam Kids and Gym Mats Premium are crafted from quality EVA foam. These tiles measure 2x2 feet, so installing your display flooring is quick and easy. The tiles resist stains and water, though if a tile is damaged, it’s easy to swap out another tile. The tiles are also available in many bright colors, so you can match your flooring to your brand colors. The interlocking tiles fit together like puzzle pieces, and the included border strips make for clean, finished edges. These tiles are very comfortable, but they can be punctured by sharp objects like high heels.



Our Wood Grain Foam Tiles Reversible also deliver the comfort of foam but with a distinctive look. Choose from multiple wood grain patterns for a rustic or traditional touch to complement your booth. The tiles are lightweight and portable, and they’re made from lead- and latex-free EVA foam for safety. The interlocking design is tight-fitting, and the tiles include border strips for a clean edge. While these tiles are backed with a one-year warranty, they aren’t as durable as other tile types, such as plastic tiles.



The Royal Interlocking Carpet Tile combines a foam base with a carpet top, so you get the durability of carpet with the cushion of foam. These tiles offer excellent anti-fatigue properties, while also providing the welcoming feel of carpet. The tiles are waterproof, so spills aren’t a problem, and available in multiple colors. They can be cleaned with a vacuum and are quick and easy to install, but they’re a more expensive option compared to more basic foam tiles.



The Comfort Flex Tile features a foam base with a vinyl surface. The tiles offer a luxury wood grain finish and are lightweight and portable. Their waterproof design means you don’t have to worry about spills, and the anti-fatigue cushion can make your exhibit more inviting and enjoyable for customers. Beveled edges make for a smooth transition onto and off of the flooring. Remember that high heels can puncture the tiles, and this 10x10 foot kit is one of the more expensive trade show booth flooring options.

Plastic Trade Show Booth Flooring

plastic trade show booth flooring ideas

Plastic trade show booth flooring offers more durability than foam, but still provides some cushion to keep you comfortable. These plastic flooring products tend to cost a bit more than foam, and since the tiles all measure 1x1 feet, they’ll take a bit longer to install. However, you don’t have to worry about potential damage, such as high heels puncturing the tiles.

Max Tile Raised Floor Tiles are available in six beautiful wood-grain finishes crafted from waterproof materials. These stylish designs can give your booth a custom look, and the tiles are durable enough for repeated installations. Their DIY connection system makes for easy installation and removal, and border strips create clean edges.



Our Carpet Tiles Modular Squares are comfortable yet durable, making them ideal for trade show booth flooring. These tiles can help buffer a cold concrete floor, making your booth warmer, and they’re designed to withstand high roll loads. Installing and removing the tiles is easy.



The TurboTile Diamond Garage Floor Tile is an economically priced long-lasting tile. It’s rated to withstand 10,000-pound static loads, and it features a sleek, distinct look to complement your booth. The tiles easily snap together and can be finished with optional border ramps, which are available for separate purchases.



You may also want to consider our Portable Outdoor Tent Tile. This tile features a slip-resistant texture to maximize safety, and it’s crafted from highly durable plastic. The tiles fit together easily to save you time on installation and removal. While this tile can be an attractive option, it’s only available in two colors.

Buying Your Trade Show Booth Flooring

As you explore these trade show booth flooring ideas, consider your budget, the size of your booth, and the overall aesthetic you want your booth to have. If you have questions or are ready to order, contact our Greatmats customer service team; we’re happy to help.