How to Stick Rubber Matting Down: UK Adhesive & Fixing Guide 2026
How to Stick Rubber Matting Down: UK Adhesive & Fixing Guide 2026
How Do You Stick Rubber Matting Down?
To stick rubber matting down: clean and dry the subfloor, apply rubber flooring adhesive to both the subfloor and the back of the mat using a notched trowel, allow the adhesive to become touch-dry (10–20 minutes), press the rubber matting firmly into position, and roll with a heavy floor roller. Use a contact adhesive such as Dunlop S430 or F Ball Styccobond F41. Allow 24 hours before heavy foot traffic.
Does Rubber Matting Need to Be Stuck Down?
Not always. In many applications, rubber matting works perfectly loose-laid:
- Heavy-duty rolls — rolls over 6mm thick and 1m wide stay put under their own weight in most indoor areas
- Stable mats — 17–22mm rubber stable mats do not need adhesive; horse weight holds them in place
- Gym tiles — interlocking tiles lock together and typically do not need adhesive
Adhesive IS needed in these situations:
- High-footfall areas where mat edges may curl or shift
- Wet areas where water can track under the mat
- Ramps or sloped surfaces
- When a smooth, permanent, seamless finish is required
- Thin mats (under 4mm) that will not self-weight effectively
Best Adhesives for Rubber Matting UK
| Adhesive | Type | Best For | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop S430 | Solvent contact | General rubber matting, rolls | 4–6m²/litre |
| F Ball Styccobond F41 | Water-based pressure sensitive | Rubber tiles, sheet flooring | 5–7m²/litre |
| Bostik Ultra Bond 1 | Solvent contact | Heavy-duty commercial rubber | 3–5m²/litre |
| Sika Sikafloor Covering Adhesive | Solvent contact | Wet areas, commercial kitchens | 4–6m²/litre |
| Tremco Vulkem 116 | Polyurethane | Outdoor rubber, sports surfaces | 2–3m²/litre |
Step-by-Step: How to Glue Rubber Matting to a Concrete Floor
- Prepare the subfloor: Remove all old adhesive, dust, grease, and contamination. Repair cracks and uneven areas. The subfloor must be clean, dry, flat (±3mm in 3m), and structurally sound
- Condition the rubber: Leave the rubber matting in the room at ambient temperature (18°C+) for 24–48 hours before installation. This allows it to acclimatise and reduces post-installation dimensional movement
- Apply adhesive to both surfaces: Using a notched trowel (typically A2 notch for standard adhesives), spread adhesive evenly over the subfloor area and the back of the rubber matting. Cover the full area — do not miss edges
- Wait for touch-dry (open time): Allow both adhesive surfaces to become touch-dry. This typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. The adhesive should feel tacky but not transfer to fingers
- Lay and bond: Carefully position the rubber matting and press firmly down across the full area. Work from one end to the other to prevent air pockets
- Roll: Use a 50–75kg three-section floor roller, rolling in both directions to ensure full contact bonding across the entire area
- Cure time: Avoid heavy traffic for 24 hours. Full cure (adhesive bond strength) typically takes 48–72 hours
Temporary Fixing Options
For temporary or removable rubber matting installations, use:
- Double-sided carpet tape — applied around the perimeter of the mat. Holds the mat edges down and prevents trip hazards without full glue-down
- Anti-slip mat underlay — a mesh underlay beneath the rubber mat prevents it from moving on smooth floors
- Edge trims — rubber-to-floor edge strips hold mat edges flat at transitions
Shop Rubber Matting Adhesive UK
Browse our rubber flooring adhesive range and installation accessories: Rubber Flooring Adhesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use contact cement for rubber matting?
Yes — solvent-based contact cement (contact adhesive) is one of the most effective adhesives for rubber matting. Apply to both surfaces, allow to become touch-dry, then press together for an immediate strong bond. Ensure adequate ventilation when using solvent-based contact adhesives.
How do you remove stuck rubber matting?
To remove glued rubber matting: score the surface in sections, use a floor scraper or bolster chisel to lift sections, then use adhesive remover (such as Dunlop Solvent Adhesive Remover) to clean residual adhesive from the subfloor. For large areas, a floor scraping machine is far faster than hand tools.
What happens if rubber matting is not stuck down properly?
Poorly bonded rubber matting creates trip hazards at lifted edges, allows moisture ingress beneath the mat (which can damage the substrate and create slip hazards), and causes the mat to move under foot traffic, creating an unstable and unsafe surface. In commercial settings, this can represent a liability under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 and HSE slip and trip guidance.
Shop Rubber Matting & Flooring
Ready to install your rubber flooring? Browse our full range:
- Rubber Matting UK — Heavy-duty rolls, sheets & mats for all applications
- Rubber Flooring — Full rubber flooring range including tiles, rolls & sheets
- Garage Flooring UK — Heavy-duty rubber tiles, rolls & mats for garages
For a full step-by-step installation walkthrough, see our How to Lay Rubber Tiles: Complete UK Installation Guide.
