Description

Rubber Sheeting UK – Industrial & Commercial Grade | SBR, EPDM, Nitrile & Neoprene

Rubber sheeting is one of the most versatile engineered materials in the UK's industrial, engineering, agricultural, and commercial sectors. Available in a comprehensive range of compounds, thicknesses, and hardness ratings, rubber sheeting UK serves an extraordinary breadth of applications — from seals, gaskets, and vibration damping in engineering, to lining, lagging, and protective cladding in construction and agriculture. At Rubberco, we supply industrial-grade rubber sheet cut to size across the UK, with free delivery on qualifying orders and expert technical support to help you select the right compound for your application.

What Is Rubber Sheeting?

Rubber sheeting is a flat, planar rubber product manufactured by calendering (rolling) or moulding rubber compound into sheet form. Unlike rubber matting — which is primarily a flooring product — rubber sheeting encompasses a far broader product family used for engineering seals, gaskets, vibration isolation, protective linings, waterproof barriers, agricultural applications, and much more. Rubber sheeting is typically sold by the square metre or as cut pieces, in thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 50mm or more.

Rubber Compound Comparison – Which Type Do You Need?

Compound	Key Properties	Best Applications	Temperature Range
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene)	Excellent abrasion resistance, good tensile strength, low cost	General purpose lining, flooring, conveyor skirting, pond lining	-30°C to +70°C
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)	Outstanding weathering, UV, ozone resistance. Excellent in hot water and steam	Outdoor sealing, roofing, hot water systems, agricultural irrigation	-40°C to +120°C
Nitrile (NBR)	Excellent oil, fuel, and solvent resistance	Fuel system seals, oil-resistant gaskets, hydraulic systems, engineering	-35°C to +100°C
Neoprene (CR)	Good weathering, moderate oil resistance, excellent flexibility at low temperatures	Marine applications, hose connections, flexible seals, outdoor use	-40°C to +100°C
Natural Rubber (NR)	Highest tensile strength, excellent flexibility and elasticity	High-flex applications, vibration isolation, precision gaskets	-50°C to +70°C
Silicone (VMQ)	Extreme temperature range, food safe, chemically inert	Food processing, pharmaceutical, extreme temperature applications	-60°C to +200°C

Key Benefits of Rubber Sheeting

• Cut to Any Size: Rubber sheeting is supplied in standard widths (typically 1.0m, 1.2m, or 1.4m) and can be cut to any length. Order exactly what you need, minimising waste.
• Versatility: The range of available compounds means rubber sheeting can be specified for virtually any environment — chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, oil and fuel contact, outdoor weathering, or food-safe applications.
• Compression Sealing: Rubber sheeting compressed between flanges or surfaces creates reliable, long-lasting seals resistant to liquids, gases, and vibration.
• Vibration and Noise Damping: Dense rubber sheeting under machinery absorbs vibration, reduces noise transmission, and protects both equipment and building structures.
• Abrasion Protection: Bonded to metal or concrete surfaces, rubber sheeting protects against wear from abrasive materials in mining, quarrying, and bulk handling.
• Waterproofing: Rubber sheeting is inherently waterproof and used as pond liners, tank liners, and waterproof barriers in construction and agriculture.

Common Applications by Sector

Engineering & Manufacturing

• Gaskets, seals, and flanged joint packing
• Vibration isolation pads under machinery and compressors
• Anti-vibration mounts and isolation bearings
• Conveyor belt skirting and impact liners
• Press and punch table protection

Construction & Civil Engineering

• Bridge bearing pads and expansion joints
• Waterproof membrane underlays
• Acoustic isolation between structural elements
• Roofing underlays and flashing

Agriculture & Outdoor

• Pond and reservoir liners (EPDM)
• Animal housing wall and floor linings
• Irrigation system seals and gaskets
• Vehicle and trailer mud-flaps
• Gate and door seals for agricultural buildings

Marine & Offshore

• Neoprene sheeting for marine seals and hatch gaskets
• Anti-chafe protection on hulls and fenders
• Vibration isolation in marine engine mounts

Food & Pharmaceutical

• Food-grade silicone sheeting for seals and gaskets in food processing
• Pharmaceutical-grade rubber for clean room seals

Hardness Ratings Explained

Rubber sheeting is available in a range of hardness grades, measured in Shore A durometer. Understanding hardness is critical for engineering applications:

• 30–40 Shore A: Very soft, highly compressible. Excellent for sealing uneven surfaces. Used in low-pressure gasket applications.
• 50–60 Shore A: Medium softness. General-purpose sealing and light vibration damping. The most common grade for general engineering use.
• 70–80 Shore A: Medium-hard. Better abrasion resistance. Used in higher-pressure sealing and structural isolation applications.
• 90+ Shore A: Hard rubber. Maximum abrasion resistance, used in wear protection and engineering structural applications.

How to Specify Rubber Sheeting

1. Identify the environment: Temperature extremes, chemical exposure, UV/outdoor use, food contact, and pressure all determine the correct compound.
2. Choose the compound: Use our compound comparison table above or contact our technical team for guidance.
3. Select thickness: For sealing, 3mm–6mm is typical. For vibration damping, 10mm–25mm. For flooring and protective lining, 5mm–20mm.
4. Choose hardness: Softer grades seal better on uneven surfaces; harder grades resist abrasion and compression better under load.
5. Order cut to size: Specify your exact dimensions. We'll cut and despatch your rubber sheeting to your door.

Related Collections

Also from Rubberco: Rubber Matting | Rubber Tiles | Anti-Fatigue Mats | Gym Flooring UK

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Sheeting

What's the difference between SBR and EPDM rubber sheeting?

SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is a general-purpose compound with excellent abrasion resistance, suitable for most indoor applications including flooring, protective linings, and general gasket work. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is specifically formulated for weather, UV, and ozone resistance, making it the preferred choice for outdoor sealing, roofing applications, hot water systems, and agricultural use where weathering resistance is critical.

Can rubber sheeting be used as a pond liner?

Yes — EPDM rubber sheeting is one of the most popular pond liner materials in the UK. It's flexible, highly durable, UV-resistant, and completely safe for fish and aquatic life. EPDM pond liners can last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Ensure you choose fish-pond-safe EPDM (free from antioxidants that can be toxic to fish).

What thickness rubber sheeting do I need for gaskets and seals?

For most gasket and flanged joint sealing applications, 3mm–6mm rubber sheeting is standard. Thicker sheeting (6mm–10mm) is used where greater compression is needed to seal irregular or worn mating surfaces. Very thin sheeting (1mm–2mm) is used for precision seals in controlled environments. Always consult engineering specifications or contact our technical team if in doubt.

Is rubber sheeting food safe?

Standard SBR and EPDM rubber sheeting is not food safe and should not be used in contact with food. Food-grade rubber sheeting is available in specific compounds (typically silicone, or food-grade EPDM) certified to FDA and EU food contact material regulations. If you need food-safe rubber sheeting, please specify this requirement when ordering and our team will advise on the appropriate grade.

Can rubber sheeting be bonded to metal or other surfaces?

Yes. Rubber sheeting can be bonded to metal, wood, concrete, and other substrates using specialist rubber-to-substrate adhesives. For industrial applications, rubber-to-metal bonding is often done using contact adhesive or vulcanising adhesive for a permanent, high-strength bond. Surface preparation (cleaning, priming) is essential for good adhesion.

Do you supply rubber sheeting in custom thicknesses and hardness?

Rubberco stocks a comprehensive range of standard thicknesses and hardness ratings across our most popular compounds. For non-standard specifications — unusual thicknesses, custom hardness grades, or specialist compounds — contact our technical team. We can source and supply a very wide range of engineered rubber sheeting specifications for industrial and commercial projects.

Rubber Sheeting Price Guide UK (2026)

Rubber sheeting prices vary considerably by compound, thickness, and order quantity. This reference guide gives typical UK market pricing for standard grades and thicknesses.

Compound	Thickness	Width	Price Per m²	Common Use
SBR General Purpose	3mm	1.0m/1.2m	£6–£10/m²	General lining, flooring underlay
SBR General Purpose	6mm	1.0m/1.2m	£10–£15/m²	Gaskets, protective lining
SBR General Purpose	10mm	1.0m/1.2m	£16–£24/m²	Vibration damping, machine bases
EPDM Weatherproof	3mm	1.0m/1.2m	£12–£18/m²	Outdoor seals, roofing
EPDM Weatherproof	6mm	1.0m/1.2m	£18–£28/m²	Pond liner, hot water seals
Nitrile (Oil Resistant)	3mm	1.0m/1.2m	£18–£28/m²	Fuel seals, oil gaskets
Nitrile (Oil Resistant)	6mm	1.0m/1.2m	£28–£42/m²	Engineering seals, hydraulic
Neoprene	3mm	1.0m/1.2m	£20–£32/m²	Marine, electrical, outdoor
Natural Rubber	6mm	1.0m/1.2m	£22–£35/m²	High-flex, vibration isolation
Silicone	3mm	1.0m	£45–£80/m²	Food grade, extreme temp

Prices correct May 2026. Cut-to-size lengths available from 0.5m. Full rolls offer best value per m².

Rubber Sheeting UK: How to Order Cut to Size

Ordering rubber sheeting cut to size from Rubberco is straightforward. We stock sheeting in standard widths (1.0m and 1.2m for most compounds) and cut to any length from 0.5 metres upwards. To order:

1. Choose your compound — use our comparison table to identify the right rubber type for your application (SBR for general use, EPDM for outdoor/weathering, nitrile for oils, neoprene for marine use).
2. Choose your thickness — 3mm for light sealing; 6mm for general gaskets and moderate vibration; 10mm+ for heavy vibration damping and wear protection.
3. Specify your length — add the exact cut length in your order. We cut from the roll with a clean, square edge.
4. Check hardness if critical — most stock grades are 60–70 Shore A. Contact us if you need a softer (40A) or harder (80A+) specification.

Large project requirements? Contact our technical team for bulk pricing on orders over 20m². We also supply rubber sheeting on full rolls (typically 10m or 20m) for maximum economy on large-scale projects.

Rubber Sheeting vs Rubber Matting: What's the Difference?

	Rubber Sheeting	Rubber Matting
Primary use	Seals, gaskets, linings, engineering	Flooring, anti-slip, anti-fatigue
Surface finish	Smooth (most grades)	Ribbed, studded, diamond, smooth
Typical thickness	1mm–50mm	3mm–25mm
Installation	Cut to shape, bonded or clamped	Loose-lay or adhered
Compounds	Full range inc. silicone, viton	SBR, EPDM, nitrile (mainly)
Certifications	Food contact, BS/ISO engineering specs	BS EN 1177 (playground), BS EN 61111 (electrical)

Technical Reference: UK Standards for Rubber Sheeting

• BS EN ISO 1798 — Tensile properties of flexible cellular materials
• BS ISO 48-2 — Hardness determination (Shore A durometer)
• BS EN 28811 — Rubber: determination of tensile stress-strain properties
• FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 — FDA standard for food-contact rubber (US/EU imports)
• EU 10/2011 — EU regulation for food contact plastic materials (relevant to food-grade silicone sheet)
• ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU — Relevant for anti-static/conductive rubber sheeting in explosive atmospheres

Rubber Sheeting Technical FAQs

What is the maximum temperature SBR rubber sheeting can handle?

Standard SBR rubber sheeting operates reliably from -30°C to +70°C. Extended exposure above 70°C will cause hardening and embrittlement over time. For elevated temperature applications (steam, hot water systems, engine bay environments), choose EPDM (up to +120°C continuous) or silicone (up to +200°C). Always check the specific product datasheet for confirmed temperature ratings.

Can rubber sheeting be used for pond lining?

EPDM rubber sheeting is one of the most commonly used pond liner materials in the UK — flexible, UV-resistant, and fully safe for fish and aquatic life. Minimum 1mm thickness for small ornamental ponds; 1.5–2mm for larger water features and wildlife ponds. Ensure you specify fish-pond-safe EPDM, which is manufactured without certain antioxidants that can be harmful to fish. EPDM pond liners from Rubberco carry a 20-year service life expectation under normal UK conditions.

Is rubber sheeting resistant to acids?

EPDM rubber sheeting has good resistance to dilute acids and alkalis. Neoprene offers moderate acid resistance. Neither SBR nor nitrile is specifically acid-resistant. For concentrated acid environments, specialist fluorocarbon rubber (Viton) sheeting is required — contact our technical team for FKM/Viton grades.

How do I bond rubber sheeting to metal or concrete?

Use a specialist rubber-to-substrate contact adhesive. Surface preparation is critical: both surfaces must be clean, dry, and lightly abraded for maximum adhesion. Apply adhesive to both surfaces, allow to flash off (typically 5–15 minutes), then press firmly together. For structural bonds in demanding environments, vulcanising adhesives provide the strongest permanent bond. Our team can advise on adhesive selection for your specific rubber compound and substrate.

Specialist Rubber Sheeting Compounds

Beyond the core SBR, EPDM, Nitrile and Neoprene range, Rubberco can supply specialist rubber sheeting compounds for demanding technical applications:

Hypalon Rubber Sheeting (CSM)

Hypalon (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene, CSM) offers exceptional resistance to UV, ozone, chemicals, and oxidising acids — making it the material of choice for chemical storage tank linings, roofing membranes, and marine applications. Superior UV stability over standard EPDM. Available in sheet form for custom fabrication.

Butyl Rubber Sheeting (IIR)

Butyl rubber sheeting provides outstanding gas impermeability — making it the standard for inner tubes, air retention membranes, and gas-barrier applications. Excellent resistance to steam, hot water, and polar solvents. Commonly used as pond liners and reservoir membranes where gas permeation must be minimised.

Flame Retardant Rubber Sheeting

Flame retardant rubber sheeting is formulated to self-extinguish and limit flame propagation. Essential for rail, underground, and marine applications where fire safety regulations apply. Available in SBR, EPDM, and Neoprene base compounds with flame retardant additives to UK and international fire safety standards. Specify grade required: Cfl-s1, Bfl-s1, or EN 45545 for rail applications.

High-Temperature Silicone Rubber Sheeting

Silicone rubber sheeting maintains physical properties across an exceptional temperature range (-60°C to +200°C continuous, +250°C intermittent). Used in oven door seals, autoclave gaskets, bakery equipment, and pharmaceutical clean-room applications. Available in food-grade (FDA/EC 1935/2004 compliant) and medical-grade specifications. WRAS-approved grades available for potable water contact.

British Standards for Rubber Sheeting

Standard	Applies To	Key Requirements
BS 2751	General purpose rubber sheeting and rubber parts for mechanical purposes	Hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, compression set
BS 2752	Neoprene rubber sheeting	Compound hardness ranges, physical property testing, compound classification
BS EN 681-1	Elastomeric seals for water and drainage pipework	Water contact applications, sewerage seals
WRAS Approval	Potable water contact materials	Non-tainting, no adverse effect on water quality
FDA 21 CFR	Food contact rubber materials (US standard, widely referenced UK)	Extraction limits, permitted compounding ingredients
EC 1935/2004	EU food contact materials regulation	Overall migration limits, specific migration of compounds
BS EN 45545	Fire protection for railway vehicles	Flame spread, smoke, toxicity requirements for rail applications

How to Specify Rubber Sheeting

When ordering technical rubber sheeting, provide the following to ensure you receive the correct compound:

1. Compound/Polymer: SBR, EPDM, Nitrile (NBR), Neoprene (CR), Silicone (VMQ), Hypalon (CSM), Butyl (IIR), Viton (FKM)
2. Hardness: Shore A value — 40A (soft/flexible) to 80A (firm/rigid). Standard commercial grades are 60-70 Shore A
3. Thickness: Typically 1.5mm to 25mm for sheet goods. Specify in millimetres
4. Size: Sheet (e.g. 1.4m × 10m roll) or cut pieces (specify width × length)
5. Certification required: WRAS, FDA, EC 1935/2004, BS 2751/2752, flame retardant rating, REACH/RoHS
6. Surface finish: Smooth both sides, smooth one side/fabric impression one side (SOS/FIS), or fabric impression both sides

Not sure what you need? Contact our technical team with your application details — we can recommend the correct compound and specification.

Why Choose Rubberco for Rubber Sheet UK?

Rubber Sheet Compound Guide

Compound	Key Property	Best Applications	Avoid If
SBR (Commercial)	General purpose, cost-effective	Industrial gaskets, anti-vibration, general protection	Oil/fuel contact
EPDM	UV & ozone resistant	Outdoor seals, roofing, water/steam	Oil/petroleum
Nitrile (NBR)	Oil & fuel resistant	Automotive, garage, food processing, engineering	Strong acids
Neoprene (CR)	Oil + UV + flame resistant	Marine, HVAC, outdoor electrical	Strong oxidising agents
Natural Rubber (NR)	High elasticity & tear resistance	Gymnastics, laboratory, general sealing	Oil/fuel/outdoor
Silicone	Extreme temperature range (-60°C to +200°C)	Oven seals, food contact, high-temp gaskets	Dynamic high-stress applications

Rubber Sheet Resources & Guides

• Rubber Products UK — Complete Guide
• Commercial Rubber Sheet — SBR & General Purpose
• Full 10 Metre Rubber Sheeting Rolls
• Rubber Flooring UK — Full Range
• Rubber Matting — Rolls & Mats
• Electrical Safety Rubber Sheet Guide
• Rubber Sheeting UK: SBR, EPDM, Neoprene & Nitrile Complete Guide 2026
• Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK: Properties, Grades & Applications 2026
• EPDM Rubber Sheet UK: Properties, Uses & Where to Buy 2026
• Neoprene Rubber Sheet UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between rubber sheeting and rubber matting?

Rubber sheeting typically refers to thinner, flat-roll products used for gaskets, seals, liners, and surface protection — generally 1mm to 10mm thick. Rubber matting refers to products designed for flooring, with profiled surfaces (ribbed, studded) and thicker gauges for foot traffic. Most rubber sheeting products are sold per metre and can be cut to any dimension. All rubber sheeting products can technically be used as matting, but the surface profile and compound selection should match the intended use.

Which rubber sheeting compound is best for outdoor use?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber sheeting is the best choice for outdoor applications. EPDM provides excellent UV resistance, ozone resistance, and frost performance — staying flexible to -40°C. SBR rubber sheeting degrades under prolonged UV exposure and is not recommended for permanent outdoor use. Neoprene provides good outdoor performance with the added benefit of moderate oil resistance for applications near vehicles or equipment.

Can rubber sheeting be used to line a bund or containment area?

Yes. Both EPDM and nitrile rubber sheeting are used for secondary containment bund lining in the UK. The Environment Agency's PPG 2 guidance requires bund liners to be chemically compatible with the stored liquid. For petroleum products, diesel, and hydraulic fluids: nitrile rubber sheet (minimum 3mm). For water-based chemicals and general liquids: EPDM rubber sheet. All bund lining joints must be overlapped and bonded with appropriate adhesive.

What thickness rubber sheeting is used for gasket cutting?

For standard flanged pipe gaskets: 1.5mm-3mm. For irregular or damaged flange faces requiring more compression: 4mm-6mm. For heavy-duty applications under high bolt loads: 6mm-10mm. Softer rubber (40-50 Shore A) seals better on imperfect surfaces; harder rubber (60-70 Shore A) provides better dimensional stability under sustained bolt load. Always confirm the compound's temperature rating for the specific application.