Workshops are demanding environments. Whether you run a mechanical garage, a woodworking shop, a metalworking facility, or a general-purpose DIY workshop, the floor takes a relentless beating from dropped tools, chemical spills, heavy equipment, and constant foot traffic. The wrong flooring leads to slips, fatigue, damaged subfloors, and an unpleasant working environment.
Rubber matting solves these problems comprehensively. In this guide, we look at the key features to consider when choosing workshop matting, the different types available, and how to select the right product for your specific needs.
Why Workshops Need Specialist Matting
A bare concrete floor might seem adequate for a workshop, but concrete presents several significant problems:
- Slip hazards: Concrete becomes dangerously slippery when contaminated with oil, coolant, water, or metal swarf. Even dry concrete can be unexpectedly slick when polished by wear.
- Worker fatigue: Standing on hard concrete for hours causes back pain, leg pain, and circulatory problems. This reduces productivity and increases absenteeism.
- Tool and component damage: Dropped tools and parts shatter or deform on concrete. A rubber surface cushions impacts, saving expensive equipment and components.
- Cold and damp: Concrete floors are cold underfoot and can suffer from condensation, creating uncomfortable working conditions in winter months.
- Noise: Hard surfaces amplify workshop noise. Rubber dampens impact sounds and reduces overall noise levels.
Key Features of Workshop Rubber Matting
Oil Resistance
Standard natural rubber (NR) and SBR rubber swell, soften, and degrade when exposed to oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. For workshops where oil contamination is likely, nitrile rubber (NBR) is the material of choice. Nitrile rubber resists petroleum-based oils, diesel, petrol, hydraulic fluid, and many solvents without degradation.
If your workshop deals with engines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, or any oil-based products, insist on nitrile rubber matting. The additional cost is modest compared to the cost of replacing degraded standard rubber every year or two.
Anti-Slip Surface
Workshop matting must provide reliable grip even when contaminated with liquids. Look for these surface features:
- Raised patterns: Checker plate, penny coin, studded, and diamond patterns all channel liquids away from the walking surface, maintaining grip.
- Textured surfaces: Micro-textured finishes provide grip at the shoe-surface interface, even when a thin film of oil is present.
- Drainage holes: Perforated or open-grid matting allows liquids to pass through, keeping the walking surface dry and safe.
Anti-Fatigue Properties
Workshops where staff stand for prolonged periods benefit enormously from anti-fatigue matting. These products feature a cushioned construction that encourages subtle micro-movements in the legs, promoting blood flow and reducing the strain on joints and the lower back.
Chemical Resistance
Beyond oils, workshops may expose flooring to solvents, acids, alkalis, brake fluid, and coolants. Different rubber compounds resist different chemicals:
| Rubber Type | Oil Resistance | Solvent Resistance | Acid/Alkali Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber (NR) | Poor | Poor | Moderate | Dry workshops, woodworking |
| SBR Rubber | Poor | Poor | Good | General purpose, low chemical exposure |
| Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | Excellent | Good | Good | Mechanical garages, oily environments |
| Neoprene (CR) | Good | Moderate | Good | Mixed chemical exposure |
| EPDM Rubber | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Acid/alkali environments |
Types of Workshop Rubber Matting
Solid Rubber Rolls
Rubber matting rolls provide seamless floor coverage across large workshop areas. Available in widths from 1.2m to 1.8m and thicknesses from 3mm to 12mm, rolls are the most cost-effective way to cover extensive floor space. They can be loose-laid or adhered to the subfloor.
Interlocking Tiles
Interlocking rubber tiles are ideal for workshops where you want a quick, adhesive-free installation. Tiles click together to form a stable surface and can be easily removed or rearranged if your workshop layout changes. They are available in various thicknesses and surface patterns.
Drainage Matting
Open-grid or perforated rubber matting is essential in workshops where liquids are regularly present on the floor. The drainage design allows oil, water, and coolant to pass through to the subfloor beneath, keeping the walking surface dry and slip-free. The mats can be lifted for cleaning and the subfloor swept or hosed.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
Station-specific anti-fatigue mats are placed at workbenches, machine tools, and assembly stations. These are typically 900mm × 1500mm or larger and feature bevelled edges to prevent trip hazards.
Electrical Safety Matting
Workshops with electrical panels, switchgear, or high-voltage equipment require ESD and anti-static matting that provides insulation against electric shock. These specialist products are tested and certified to specific voltage ratings.
Workshop-Specific Considerations
Mechanical and Automotive Workshops
Oil, grease, brake fluid, and coolant are constant companions. Nitrile rubber drainage matting is the optimal choice, allowing spills to pass through while keeping mechanics on a safe, slip-resistant surface. Heavy-duty thickness (10mm+) withstands dropped tools, jacks, and rolling equipment.
Woodworking Workshops
Sawdust and wood shavings create slip hazards and can accumulate under matting. Solid rubber rolls with a smooth or lightly textured surface are easiest to sweep clean. Anti-fatigue properties are important, as woodworkers often stand at benches for extended periods.
Metalworking and Engineering Workshops
Swarf, cutting fluids, and heavy components define this environment. Thick, oil-resistant matting protects the floor from dropped workpieces, while drainage designs handle coolant runoff. Ensure the matting surface is compatible with metal swarf — deeply textured surfaces can trap sharp fragments.
Home and Hobby Workshops
For home workshops, interlocking tiles offer the best combination of performance and convenience. They are easy to install without tools or adhesive, can be lifted for cleaning, and come in a range of colours to brighten up a garage or shed workspace. Browse our garage flooring range for suitable options.
Installation Tips for Workshop Matting
- Clean the subfloor thoroughly: Remove all oil, grease, dust, and debris. Oil on the subfloor will prevent adhesive from bonding and can migrate through some matting types.
- Level the floor: Fill any cracks, holes, or depressions. Workshop floors often have pits, channels, and uneven areas that need attention before matting is laid.
- Dry fit first: Lay out the matting without adhesive to check fit, identify areas needing cutting, and plan the layout.
- Allow for expansion: Leave a 3–5mm gap around the perimeter to allow the rubber to expand with temperature changes.
- Use appropriate adhesive: If adhering matting to the floor, use a rubber-compatible contact adhesive. Standard tile adhesives are not suitable.
- Seal edges: In areas where liquids are present, seal the edges with silicone sealant to prevent oil from seeping under the matting.
Maintenance and Care
Workshop matting is low-maintenance, but regular care extends its life significantly:
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum to remove swarf, sawdust, and debris.
- Weekly: Mop with warm water and a mild detergent. For oil-contaminated areas, use a degreasing solution.
- Monthly: Lift drainage mats and clean the subfloor beneath. Check for oil accumulation under solid matting.
- As needed: Inspect for cuts, tears, or areas where the matting has lifted. Repair or replace damaged sections promptly to maintain safety.
Choose the Right Workshop Matting
The right rubber matting transforms a workshop from a tiring, hazardous environment into a comfortable, safe, and productive workspace. Whether you need oil-resistant nitrile rubber for a busy garage, anti-fatigue mats for a production line, or hard-wearing tiles for a home workshop, the correct specification makes all the difference.
Explore our full range of workshop-suitable rubber matting at rubbermatting-direct.co.uk. Need help choosing? Contact our team for expert advice, free samples, and competitive quotes tailored to your workshop requirements.