What Are the Advantages of EPDM Tiles?

EPDM rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that is used in some types of rubber flooring, roofing membranes, weatherstripping, hoses, tubing, gaskets, and other applications. EPDM is short for ethylene propylene diene methylene as it is made from ethylene, propylene, and a diene comonomer. It can withstand harsher environments than recycled rubber.

The versatility of this material makes it a popular choice in many different use cases, including for playgrounds, roof tops, decks, home gyms, fitness centers, and more.

Some of the advantages that EPDM tiles provide include:

• Resistance to UV exposure
  
• Resistance to varying and extreme weather
  
• Remains stable in extremely low and high temperatures
  
• Will not become brittle over time
  
• Absorbs noise
  
• Available in multiple stylish color choices
  
• Easy to clean
  

Do EPDM Tiles Provide an Advantage in the Install Process?

Some rubber EPDM materials require a pour-in-place installation. This is more typical in an exterior layout, such as with a running track at a school or poured-in-place playground surfacing.

However, for someone choosing to try to install EPDM as a DIY project, pouring the synthetic rubber material is a challenging process. Instead, consider EPDM tiles, which apply many of the same benefits as poured EPDM, but that are easier to handle.

An interlocking design on these tiles provides a far easier install process versus pouring EPDM material. Some tiles allow for a dry lay floor that will float over the surface underneath (meaning it doesn’t need gluing to the substrate).

Another thin tile featuring an EPDM synthetic material is the Eureka Rubber Gym Tile. These tiles are available in a few different color patterns, mixing dark and light colors. This is a designer look that will enhance any area.

As an interlocking tile, it creates a potential DIY installation option. At 5/16 inches of thickness, this tile has a good level of durability, yet it only weighs 7.7 pounds to make moving the tile into place an easier process.

It has excellent shock absorbency capabilities, so it will work especially well in workout and athletic training areas.



At 3/8 inches in thickness, the Nuclear Rubber Flooring Tile has an excellent mixture of durability and cushioning. This makes it ideal for both home and commercial gyms.

This is a stylish tile design, offering multiple different color choices. The EPDM synthetic rubber material almost yields a multi-tone color pattern with specks of other colors over the base color in these tiles, creating an interesting look.

Nuclear tiles are available in either an interlocking design with a jigsaw-puzzle style edge or straight edge design. The straight edge tile should be glued down while the interlocking tile can be loose laid.



For an exterior installation at a children’s playground, the Sterling Playground Tile 95% Premium Colors is an excellent choice. These are highly durable tiles that look great. These feature a recycled rubber tile base with a 95% EPDM rubber wear layer for durability.

Importantly, they provide a safe place for children to play, as they have a fall height rating. In playground areas where kids will be climbing on equipment, EPDM rubber tiles have the cushioning required to guard against injuries after a fall.

Installers can choose among bright colors like shades of blue, green, grey, tan, and red.