Out of all the decisions to make and details to research, nothing has caused me to walk in mental circles more than the floor. One of the great advantages of having this blog is the fact that I can ask for opinions, and receive hundreds of responses. One the great disadvantages of this blog is the fact that I can ask for opinions, and I receive hundreds of responses! With so many varied opinions, each reflecting the individual’s preferences and needs, I often find myself more confused than I was before. So I decided that titling this article, “Shop Flooring Options” would probably be a bad idea. Instead, I’m going to focus on the one flooring solution that I am leaning heavily toward, in hopes that your responses will push me one way or the other.
And before anyone even asks the question, “Why not go for xyz type flooring solution?”, let me say that I am not 100% decided on anything at this point. But what I really want to focus on right now are the advantages and disadvantages of a dense rubber shop floor.
Durability
I am currently waiting on samples to arrive so I can inspect this stuff first hand. The fact that it is made from recycled tires and each tile weighs in a 12 lbs is a pretty good indication that this is some seriously dense rubber. This is pretty much the same stuff you might find in a gym, getting smashed by dumbbells and experience lots of foot traffic. If it can hold up in a gym environment, I feel confident it will hold up in my shop. My only reservation is how well a heavy tool will roll across this surface. I don’t move my tools often, but if I need to scoot my planer or jointer one way or another, will this rubber have too much give? Hopefully the samples will give me some additional insight on this.
Cost
There’s really no way around the shop floor costing me quite a bundle. At 1800 sq ft., anything other than raw concrete is going to be expensive. But these rubber tiles are pretty darn cheap, comparatively, at $2.44 per square foot. Compared to engineered hardwood that usually starts around $4 per square foot. And that doesn’t include the cost of underlayment and professional installation if one were to require it.
Ease of Installation
Installation appears to be dead easy. The tiles are like big puzzle pieces that interlock. At 12 lbs per tile, I’m sure my arms and back will be aching by the end of the day, but there’s certainly nothing complicated about the process. Maybe I’ll bribe some local buddies to help out with BBQ and beer (talking to you Greg, Paul and Ron!).
Another cool feature of the tiles is that if one were to become damaged somehow, it can easily be replaced in seconds.
Anti-Fatigue
Being made of rubber, the floor would have permanent anti-fatigue qualities. Since the rubber is rather firm, it won’t be quite like walking on the soft interlocking tiles I used to use in my shop, but it is going to be 1000x better than concrete. And the firmness should make it easier to move things around. Again, need to see the stuff for myself before I make that call.
Appearance
Frankly, appearance is one of my biggest concerns. Since I make woodworking videos for a living, an ugly floor could be an issue. I have to think about things like light reflection (or a lack thereof) and whether or not it would simply look ugly. But most of my video shots are waist up and never even show the floor. The only time the floor shows up is when filming downward at the bench where the focus is on joinery. And I usually have an anti-fatigue mat in the shot so having black or gray in the background is nothing new.
I should note that this company does make lighter-colored tiles. But the lighter color comes from virgin rubber (teehee) and that results in more than double the cost.
Thinking long-term, a wall to wall rubber floor seems like a gift that keeps on giving. As someone who already suffers from the occasional back issue, I’m thinking anti-fatigue needs to be a major priority in my shop. So thanks to those that urged me to think about this back when I first started discussing the shop.
While I would certainly prefer the look of a wood floor, I am beginning to think a rubber floor trumps all in terms of comfort, ease of installation, and in most cases, cost.
Would you ever consider a rubber floor for your shop? Ridiculous or genius? Curious to hear your thoughts. A good suggestion I received on Facebook is to consider using this stuff in each work area, as opposed to wall to wall. Definitely would save money that way!
In case you’re interested, here’s a link to the specific product I am considering. Strong Rubber Tiles
Marc,
I just wanted to follow up with you and say thanks for writing this article! Because of this post, my wife and I actually chose rubber tile flooring for our basement living room. We had been stumped for several weeks trying to find an option that was waterproof, insulating, durable, and quiet. This was a perfect solution!
-Jeremy
Versatility. Isn’t that the question? Unfortunately, in my situation I have a garage shop with a cracked and uneven concrete floor, so my machines are mobile and I use anti fatigue mats wherever possible. What I see on the web of other woodworkers’ shops of your caliber is they section off their building into zones. Typically one area for machines, another for bench and assembly, and possibly a finish room. What I have seen is the machine area is left as concrete for the mobility of your tools without hassle and then mats can be used where needed. Then you could use a more preferable flooring in the bench area with whatever savings is managed. After all, more time is spent around our benches then anywhere else. Why not be comfortable where you do most of my work?
I used something similar that I found at Sam’s Club. They are lighter duty designed for a kid’s play room. They interlock the same way and really cushion the floor. Mine are black on one side and colorful red, blue, green and yellow on the other side. I didn’t cover the entire floor, only where I usually walk. Not under the table saw or workbench, etc. Pretty cheap too.
I’ve had them in my shop 4 or 5 years and they still look great and have worn well. (Except for the paint and stain that got spilled).
Mark what do you think about the livestock mats I linked?
They do not move they are about 50- 60 lbs each and they are about $1.66 a sf
they look like a great option. At 4×6 and with no way to interlock them, they would need to be strategically placed. But it certainly looks like a fantastic anti-fatigue option.
It has been said, but it does seem that this whole build is a “dream shop” situation. I wouldn’t compromise on the floor and wood is the way to go. Of course that adds a lot to the cost but I have seen some crazy deals at Lumber liquidators. While I wouldn’t use low quality stuff like this in my house, the shop is another story. Color match and grain doesn’t matter and you could probably beat the sq ft price, though install will carry a price tag.
Why not go with cork flooring?
1. It is renewable
2. It is environmentally friendly and renewable
3. It has insulating and acoustic properties
4. It doesn’t stink like rubber
5. Easy installation
6. It is easy on the feet and easily repaired
7. Dropped tools or project parts won’t get black scuffs or dent
8. Can be found for as little as 99 cents/sqft
9. Mateo won’t have black hands/knees/socks from playing on it (believe me, those rubber mats get disgusting – just wait for the trips to Chick-Fil-A or McDonalds playgrounds…
10. It looks better than rubber
11. It is resistant to absorbing liquids
12. Shouldn’t the Wood Whisperer use a product made from trees?
I thought about it, but decided against it due to a lack of durability. I don’t think a cork floor would hold up very well to repeated abuse from heavy tools and unfinished furniture and lumber being dragged across it.
I would of never known this product existed if you hadn’t of posted it. The cost is extra nice. Thanks
Marc – I used Easimat anti fatigue gym mats (http://www.easimat.com). Lightweight, inexpensive, tough, easy to fit, very easy on knees and back and best of all easy to keep clean. They interlock and come with edging strips. I think it cost me about £250 (c 400 bucks) to do my entire workshop, which is about 7 metres sq (23′ x 23′).
Take it from a Brit. Accept no substitute.
I have the rubber mats in my garage. I got them used they were about 2 years old. They had no smell. I have had problems moving heavy things on them and they do collect dust. Sweeping up is difficult but they mop up very well. That being said I do love them I can drop. A Tool or anything really with no worries they just bounce so no chipped edges on chisels or anything. It is absolute heaven on my back.
I would be very concerned with the floor for the times whn you need to moove a large too, as you already hinted.I can just see the weight of the tool starting a tidalwave effect as you roll. Can you buy an equivilent of say a 6×6 piece, build a frame around it with 2x to act as your walls, and try rolling a tool on it, if it works-great, if not sell it on the forum or save it for the Christmas giveaway as standard floormat. I would just hate to see you regret it later. The other downside in my book is dust geiing caught in all those seems, but thats just me and my OCD.
Dreamshop = wood floors in my opinion. I know it’s expensive, but what a payoff it would have. Plus now is the best time ever to make the leap.
Also Off-gassing would worry me- I have passed by rubber mats in home centers that reeked. Some products take years to off-gas- some cheap sunglasses I own come to mind.
Marc,
I think the rubber floor is a great idea. I was thinking though of positioning the machines and put the flooring around them, and because they interlock you can move your machines any way you want and just configure the tiles. I mean, why spend money to put tiles under a machines where no one is going to walk anyway – not a good use of funds.
Blessings on the shop, Marc. I’ll have a similar one in about five years as I retire from being a Lutheran Pastor and get my shop up and running full time. Thanks for saving me alot of time and research!
Marc, You’re not listening to me. Dri core. It’ the only floor I would put in any shop.
I take a 8′ sheet of 3/4 plywood and put on the floor standing up the 4′ way and can slide it down the length of the shop with one hand. It won’t hurt the floor. 1″ air space under the osb so no mold problems under the floor. This stuff is tough and it doesn’t move once it’s locked in. Put all your tools on top or don’t use it under your tools. Try some–pick up 8 or 10 at HD or Lowe’s and put it down behind your workbench for a few days. You’ll love it.
Or you can take them back.
Don’t be offended. As you can see, I’m not listening to a lot of people, lol. I’m trying not to give rebuttals for every suggestion since that might start to get a little annoying. So I’m taking it all in and weighing my options. But I’d be happy to share why I don’t think DriCore is the right choice for me. Primarily, cost and appearance. I don’t really like the look of an OSB floor so I would need to cover it with something. The total cost and workload is much more than I want to invest right now.
Marc, I wasn’t thinking of looks–my opinion is this is the best thing for your knees–back–hips in the long run because your’e gonna be in the shop off and on for maybe 55 years?
Dricore is the most forgiving floor over concrete I’ve ever worked on.
But I also film video for a living, so looks are almost as important as comfort. I certainly don’t doubt the comfort level of DriCore.
After skimming through all these replies, I can understand your dilemma!
I’m getting ready to do some major work on my garage (finally getting the ceiling and back wall insulated) and have to move all my tools and other stuff out to do it. While the garage was empty, I am contemplating doing something with my concrete floor as well, because I’ve spent way too many Sundays with an aching back and legs after spending all Saturday afternoon working in there.
I have bought an anti-fatigue mat or two, but it’s a pain to keep moving them every time I jump between my bench, tablesaw, routertable, etc. I’ve thought about a rubber floor like the ones talked about here, but since my cars are parked in the garage most of the time, I didn’t think that a permanent rubber floor would NOT hold up or at least not become dented by the weight of the parked cars.
I do kinda like the idea of cutting out and gluing anti-fatigue matting to a pair of old shoes, as it appeals to my sillier side, but am curious as to what products others here have used in their garages and how it holds up to cars parked on it, it’s anti-fatigue qualities, ease of cleaning and how well tools on mobile bases can be rolled around on it.
I’d like a flooring system that I can just lay down once and not have to use any of my precious shop time reconfiguring every time I have to move a tool, setup or break down the shop or move to a new work area.
Any ideas?
Here you go mark this is what I use
http://www.tractorsupply.com/r.....11;2219003
Only have had my shop for 10 years or so, but whenm I built it I put down OSB over the joists and followed that with 1/4″ smooth Masonite. It’s stood up to my work and 10 year’s or so Michigan weather. Just a suggestion.
I’m nth-ing cheap hardwoods. Lumber Liquidators is the way to go. The solid, pre-finished bamboo I put in the mancave was under a dollar per square foot. I should have laid it in the shop as well (stained concrete with foam rubber mats in front of work areas).
The main thing to look for is square edges. my bamboo has a micro bevel on the long edges and they fill with dust. That wide, solid, SYP that’s mentioned above sounds like the perfect choice.
James