You may have seen foam tiles or even play matting at many places but probably never realized that they’re called foam tiles. In fact, they’ve become quite popular in recent years and are increasingly used by homeowners and businesses alike. So, in this post, we plan on discussing the why and how of foam tiles.
Introduction to foam tiles
These are generally made of three types of materials – EVA or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, PE or polyethylene, and PU or polyurethane.
EVA: These are much firmer because of their closed-cell design and are made from the same polymer used to create colorful flip-flops. So, the EVA foam tiles are soft and flexible, much like rubber.
PE: These too sport a closed-cell design but are usually more durable. They thus deliver the firmness needed in gymnasiums or sports gyms where people practice wrestling and gymnastics.
PU: These are designed to absorb maximum impact and yet retain their original form. They thus offer maximum cushion, and are even used in memory foam pillows.
Foam tiles are widely in use because of their versatile characteristics. They can be cut to fit any shape and can even have a puzzle-type edge. They can be installed without much effort and tend to stay together even in areas with high foot traffic.
Foam flooring tiles offer a lot of flexibility and are available in various colors and textures, ranging from faux and leather to tatami and thatch. All this makes it a great flooring option for kids’ rooms and playrooms as play matting, and it even finds usage in gyms, as yoga training floors, and at martial arts training centers. However, there’s more to it! Foam floors are now even used in offices, kitchens, and trade shows.
Advantages of foam tiles
We’ve already discussed the cushioning and safety advantages of foam tiles, but that is not the end of it.
Foam tiles absorb less moisture/ water and hence can easily withstand a fair share of water spills, making them perfect for environments where you have kids or pets.
Foam tiles are easy to maintain and even absorb noise. These are thus widely used in gyms and playschools.
Foam tiles don’t need an adhesive to be installed or glued to the floor and can simply be interlocked together.
They are easy on pockets and provide insulation that works wonders in winter.
Foam flooring usability
Here are a few different practical use cases of foam flooring tiles.
Whether you plan to use the tiles or rolls, foam flooring is great for a children’s play area. In fact, kids love how it feels underfoot, and this is the reason why a number of families have started incorporating these into their households.
Foam is the ideal choice for all kinds of low-impact aerobics and other fitness activities. So, if you’re into yoga, pilates, or even stretching exercises, having a foam flooring would help.
Foam is soft and is known to absorb all kinds of impacts. Thus, it works great as all-purpose gym mats.
Dogs, horses, and almost all pets love foam flooring due to its warmth and softness. Moreover, foam flooring is highly durable.
Incorporating foam tiles into your everyday lives
Believe it or not, foam flooring tiles are one of the cheapest flooring options available these days. Of course the low upfront cost helps, but there’s more to it. The fact that the installation cost is also low and maintenance is virtually non-existent makes it an option worth considering. In fact, foam tiles can easily be swapped out for new ones.
Foam tiles are built to be used on hard flat surfaces. These are designed for padding, comfort, and insulation. The flooring requires no underlayment and is available in varied thicknesses and densities. These days, foam tiles are available in different color and style choices as well. You can even mix and match the tiles to create fun designs.
Key takeaway
When it comes to choosing the right play matting, we always recommend settling for the best products. Go through online reviews of the products to find the best seller or the widely revered and popular products. This way, you can rest assured of finding a reliable sellers and quality foam tiles for your home or office/ warehouse needs.
So, if you are on the hunt for a new floor or perhaps have a question or two about the different types of budget flooring options, feel free to reach us through the comment section below. We’d be happy to have our flooring expert have an answer for you.
We look forward to coming up with more such informative posts on flooring options in the near future.
