How to Stick Rubber Matting Down UK: Best Adhesives & Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Last updated: June 2026 — Adhesive product guide updated for 2026, new section on vehicle installations, FAQ expanded.
How to Stick Rubber Matting Down UK: Best Adhesives & Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Do You Need to Stick Rubber Matting Down?
Most rubber matting does not need adhesive. Heavy rubber rolls (6mm+) and interlocking rubber tiles stay in place due to their weight and friction. Adhesive is only recommended when:
- The mat is in a high-traffic area where edges would lift
- You're installing rubber flooring in a vehicle (van, trailer, horsebox)
- The subfloor is uneven and the mat needs to conform to it
- Safety standards require a bonded installation (e.g., commercial gym, wet room)
- The rubber is thin (3–5mm) and may curl at edges
Best Adhesive for Rubber Matting UK — 2026 Comparison
| Adhesive Type | Best For | Approx. Cost | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact cement (Bostik S50, Evo-Stik) | General rubber mats, gym tiles, stable mats | £8–£15/tin | Apply both surfaces; wait until touch-dry; press together |
| Pressure-sensitive double-sided tape | Thin mats, anti-fatigue mats, temporary fixing | £5–£12/roll | Apply to edges; press down |
| Polyurethane adhesive (Sika, Sikaflex) | Wet rooms, commercial flooring, heavy-duty | £15–£30/tube | Apply to subfloor; lay mat within open time |
| Acrylic spray adhesive | Lightweight rubber-backed mats | £10–£20/can | Spray subfloor; lay mat immediately |
| Epoxy rubber adhesive | Permanent industrial installations, outdoor | £20–£40/pack | Mix and apply; very long cure time |
Step-by-Step: How to Glue Rubber Matting to Concrete or Timber
- Prepare the subfloor: Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. The surface must be completely dry, clean, and free from dust, grease, or old adhesive.
- Check for moisture: Concrete subfloors must have a moisture content below 75% RH. Use a hygrometer or moisture meter. Damp concrete will delaminate the adhesive bond over time.
- Apply adhesive to both surfaces: Using a notched trowel or adhesive applicator, spread contact cement evenly across both the underside of the rubber mat and the subfloor.
- Allow to become touch-dry: Wait 10–20 minutes (varies by adhesive and temperature). The adhesive should feel dry but slightly tacky.
- Bring surfaces together carefully: Align the mat, then press firmly from the centre outward to avoid air bubbles. Use a rubber roller if available.
- Allow cure time: Most contact adhesives achieve working strength within 30 minutes but full cure takes 24 hours. Avoid heavy traffic during curing.
Sticking Rubber Matting in Vehicles (Vans, Horseboxes, Trailers)
Vehicle rubber flooring requires a flexible, vibration-resistant adhesive. Rigid adhesives will crack as the vehicle flexes and vibrates. For van load areas and horseboxes, use:
- Sikaflex 221 — polyurethane sealant/adhesive; remains flexible after curing; excellent vibration resistance
- Contact cement with neoprene or nitrile base — good flexibility; suitable for van floor rubber
- Self-amalgamating tape edging — seal mat edges to prevent lifting in vehicle environments
See our van matting range and van rubber flooring guide for full installation details.
When NOT to Use Adhesive
- Interlocking rubber tiles — the interlocking system holds them without glue; adhesive prevents future reconfiguration
- Temporary installations — use non-slip matting tape or anti-slip mesh underlay instead
- Rental properties — landlords may prefer non-permanent installation for flexibility
- Very thick heavy mats (20mm+) — weight alone keeps them in place
Related Guides
- Browse rubber matting rolls UK
- Interlocking rubber floor tiles
- How to lay rubber floor tiles — step-by-step UK guide
Frequently Asked Questions — Sticking Rubber Matting Down
What is the best adhesive for rubber matting on concrete?
Contact cement (such as Bostik S50 or Evo-Stik) applied to both surfaces is the most reliable method for bonding rubber matting to concrete. For wet areas or where moisture is present, use a polyurethane adhesive like Sikaflex for a more water-resistant bond.
Can I use PVA glue on rubber matting?
No. PVA glue does not bond rubber effectively and will fail under any moisture or stress. Always use purpose-made contact cement or polyurethane adhesive for rubber matting.
How long does rubber matting adhesive take to dry?
Contact cement is typically touch-dry in 10–20 minutes and achieves working bond strength within 30 minutes. Full cure takes 24 hours. Temperature affects cure time — in cold conditions (below 10°C), allow longer for both drying and curing.
Does rubber matting need adhesive in a stable?
Usually not. Rubber stable mats at 17–22mm are heavy enough to stay in place without adhesive. Adhesive is only recommended for very thin stable matting or where mats are being used on ramps and slopes.
Can rubber matting be removed after being glued?
Yes, but it requires effort. Contact cement bonded rubber can usually be removed with a floor scraper and adhesive remover solvent. Polyurethane adhesive is more difficult to remove and may damage the subfloor. For temporary installations, use double-sided tape rather than permanent adhesive.
What adhesive for rubber tiles on wooden floors?
Use a water-based flooring adhesive or contact cement on timber subfloors. Avoid solvent-based adhesives on timber as they can cause warping. Ensure the timber is dry (below 12% moisture content) and clean before applying adhesive.
About the Author
Rubberco Flooring Experts — Our team of rubber flooring specialists has years of hands-on experience with industrial, commercial and domestic flooring solutions. All our guides are reviewed for technical accuracy against current UK standards.
