Description

Granular flooring, also known as weightlifting rubber mats, park flooring, or gym granule flooring, is a type of rubber flooring made by combining rubber granules with mesh and special adhesives. Introduced to Iran in the 2010s, these floorings were initially limited to a small number of gym owners due to the high cost of imported products. Recognizing this demand, domestic production of granular flooring began, offering quality comparable to imported versions at more affordable prices. Today, granular flooring is widely used as a safe and durable surface for gyms, parks, and various spaces, gaining popularity due to its unique properties, such as impact absorption and noise reduction.

Granules are small, uniform particles produced from recycled rubber and plastic waste. The granule industry, which emerged in the 1980s to reduce waste and reuse raw materials, has become a crucial part of the green economy. These granules serve as the primary component in manufacturing granular flooring. The quality of the flooring directly depends on the uniformity and quality of the granules. The more consistent and high-quality the granules, the stronger, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing the flooring will be. Additionally, flooring density is a key factor in determining its quality. Higher density reduces empty spaces between the granules, enhancing the flooring’s durability and hardness. Consequently, high-density granular flooring offers greater resistance to wear and impact, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. The density of the rubber used in the flooring also increases its durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Due to its outstanding features, rubber granular flooring has become one of the most popular flooring options for various environments. Its high shock absorption makes it a safe and ideal choice for playgrounds, gyms, and daycare centers. Additionally, its anti-slip surface minimizes the risk of slipping and injuries. The high durability and longevity of granular flooring, along with its resistance to wear, impact, and weather conditions, reduce maintenance needs and additional costs. The porous structure of these floorings also serves as an excellent sound insulator, preventing noise transmission to lower floors. Its easy installation and maintenance further make it a practical choice for various applications. Moreover, its variety in design and color allows customization according to different tastes and decors. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its eco-friendliness, as it is made from recycled rubber materials. Overall, rubber granular flooring, with its combination of safety, durability, sound insulation, easy installation and maintenance, design variety, and environmental compatibility, is a smart choice for residential, commercial, industrial, and sports spaces.

Types of Granular Flooring

Granular rubber floorings, due to their unique properties, have found widespread applications in various settings. Their high shock absorption and anti-slip surfaces make them ideal for playgrounds, gyms, and daycare centers, providing a safe and soft environment for children and athletes. Additionally, they are extensively used in parks and public spaces to enhance aesthetics and safety. In workshops and industries, these floorings act as protective layers, preventing injuries caused by falling objects. Due to their high durability, resistance to wear and impact, sound insulation properties, and easy installation, granular rubber floorings are used in many environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

Common Types of Granular Flooring

1. Granular Tile Flooring

Granular tile flooring is a type of rubber flooring produced in square or rectangular pieces. Made from recycled rubber granules bonded with special adhesives, this flooring is popular due to its easy installation, replaceability of damaged sections, color and design variety, and high resistance to wear and impact. It is widely used in playgrounds, gyms, daycare centers, parks, and even residential yards.

2. Granular Roll Flooring

Granular roll flooring is a flexible and durable surface made from recycled rubber granules and polymer materials, produced in long rolls. Its easy installation, high resistance to wear and impact, sound insulation properties, and seamless surface make it ideal for industries, sports facilities, and residential applications. Due to its quick installation and large coverage, it is an excellent choice for large spaces.

3. Poured Granular Flooring

Poured granular flooring is a seamless, flexible covering that is poured on-site in liquid form and solidifies to create a smooth, joint-free surface. Made from recycled rubber granules, special adhesives, and diverse pigments, this flooring is highly resistant to impact and wear. It is perfect for large or irregularly shaped surfaces and is used in high-traffic areas such as parking lots, workshops, sports halls, and even residential yards.

4. Grooved Granular Flooring

Grooved granular flooring is a cost-effective alternative to elevated-based flooring. Unlike raised flooring, which is elevated 23mm from the ground, grooved flooring is only 5mm above the surface, reducing production costs and final pricing. In regions with low rainfall, extensive drainage systems are less necessary, and grooved flooring efficiently channels rainwater away. Therefore, if you live in an area with minimal rainfall and seek an affordable, high-performance flooring option, grooved flooring is an excellent choice.

5. Egg-Crate Granular Flooring

Egg-crate granular flooring, with its elevated base, is the best option for continuously damp environments. These bases act as small channels, quickly draining water away from the surface, making the flooring more resistant to moisture damage. With an overall thickness of approximately 43mm (including a 23mm elevated base and a 20mm top layer), this flooring is exceptionally sturdy and ideal for outdoor use, particularly in high-rainfall areas. If you live in a humid region, egg-crate flooring is the most suitable option, as no other product offers the same level of moisture resistance.

Thickness and Weight of Granular Flooring

Granular floorings are manufactured in various thicknesses and designs, with weight varying accordingly. Each additional millimeter of thickness adds about one kilogram per square meter to the flooring weight. For example, a 20mm thick granular flooring weighs around 20kg per square meter. However, this rule does not apply to all types. Egg-crate flooring, typically 43-45mm thick, weighs between 32-34kg per square meter due to its unique structure. Puzzle-shaped floorings are similar to flat ones but have a slightly lower weight tolerance of about one kilogram per piece. It is important to consider thickness and weight when selecting granular flooring to ensure the right balance of durability and functionality.

Conclusion

Granular flooring is a flexible and durable floor covering made from recycled rubber granules. It features shock and noise absorption, high resistance to wear and impact, easy installation, and a variety of designs and colors. Available in tile, roll, and poured forms, it offers diverse options for different environments. Its weight depends on thickness, increasing as thickness rises. Due to its positive attributes, especially its environmental friendliness, granular flooring is an ideal choice for playgrounds, gyms, daycare centers, workshops, and other spaces.