We often overlook the most obvious aspects of our lives—the things that are so foundational that re-examining them seems like a betrayal of the faith we’ve placed in our inherited systems and like a mockery of time. Indeed, mental filters help us discern what information gets the principal real estate in our mental landscapes. But in many cases, the leap from plateau to progress happens when we dismiss our preconceptions—consciously acting on reality as it is, and not as it likely is or as it should be. That’s the position I adopt toward things like flooring. I look beneath my feet for flooring that’s actually catered to my circumstances, and not just there to be something to stand on. Though, don’t get me wrong—flooring is stuff to stand on. But it’s more than that if you take a closer look. The type of flooring you have is like the clothing you sport: It’s the first thing you say to someone, and it’s tailored toward the sphere of life you inhabit. Carefully reassessing your floors might just take your game to the next level—from plateau to progress.

What Is Modular Flooring?

Modular flooring is flooring that comes in units such as tiles, and it is prefabricated so that the tiles attach to each other without adhesives. Oftentimes, modular floors can be installed onto a floor without adhesives, too. If you’re considering modular floors, it’s likely the case that you’re planning to install temporary floors for something like an outdoor event, a tradeshow, or a child’s playroom. In any case, your flooring needs to be durable enough to withstand the elements. It also needs to be easy to clean, as well as portable. These requirements make rubber, modular floors the ideal temporary-flooring option. Rubber modular floors consist of rubber tile pieces that fit together like a puzzle, making them easy to install and disassemble. This snap-together flooring option is durable, versatile, affordable, and easy to clean. Although these interlock mats are lightweight and easy to move, they are also heavy enough to stay set under their own weight, which eliminates the need for adhesives and makes their installation all the more straightforward. And because you aren’t using adhesives, you can uninstall the floors to reuse them in different configurations for future events—over and over. The concept of the interlocking tile implies easy installation and transportation. But, there are more reasons for why modular floors are a good choice. Now that you know what is modular flooring, check out these 8 reasons for why you should get modular floors:

1. Durability: A rubber tile is tough—built to withstand the elements. Companies like Rubber-Cal make their modular tile flooring with a UV-resistant material so that sunlight will not fade or damage the tiles. And because rubber is water-resistant, rubber interlocking floor mats are unaffected by moisture, making it a good choice for applications where excess moisture is expected. Rubber is also durable and shock-absorbent, meaning that your rubber modular floors will last for a long period of time despite harsh conditions.
2. Versatility: Because snap-together floor tiles attach to each other like puzzle pieces, they can be unassembled and reassembled into different configurations. Thus, the same interlocking mat can be used for different events at different locations—from an outdoor party to a deck, play area, basement, or gym. Versatility is one of modular floors’ greatest qualities.
3. Slip-resistance: Assuming that you’ve opted for rubber modular flooring, your interlocking floor pads will be slip-resistant. Rubber has a naturally high coefficient of friction, which means that it enhances traction. This quality makes rubber interlocking floor mats a good option for events that may get wet or for areas where slipping and falling is a problem. It is also a good choice for environments where rain, snow, and mud are common are often tracked onto floors.
4. Shock-absorption: If a slip and fall does occur, rubber is soft and thick enough to absorb some of the impact, making serious injury unlikely. Shock-absorbing material also reduces fatigue from prolonged standing or walking, making it a good surface for events where guests will be standing or walking for long periods of time.

5. Ease of cleaning: Since rubber is water-resistant, a snap-together tile made from rubber is easy to clean. This definitely makes rubber modular flooring tiles ideal for outdoor situations. But certain indoor applications can greatly benefit from rubber’s ease of cleaning. Rubber puzzle play mats can be cleaned using everyday household cleaners and equipment. Keep in mind, though, that some kinds of mats should not be cleaned with caustic solutions like bleach.
6. Eco-friendliness: A rubber interlocking mat is an eco-friendly flooring option if you go with a company like Rubber-Cal, whose philosophy is centered around sustainability. Because interlocking matting pieces are often made out of recycled or reclaimed material, they generate less waste—keeping more rubber out of landfills.
7. Color: Jigsaw floor mats come in a variety of colors, making them a fun addition to any setting. Using one color, you can create a sleek look to compliment—say—a professional setting. Whereas, mixing different colors can create a lighthearted atmosphere.
8. Affordability: There are multiple ways in which rubber puzzle-tiles flooring is more affordable than other flooring options. Firstly, because companies like Rubber-Cal make their rubber products using reclaimed rubber, the reduced raw-material costs often translate to lowered product costs. Secondly, because modular floors are so transportable, they can be reused across many, many different situations. In this way, a rubber, temporary floor covering is affordable in that one purchase affords you many uses. Finally, since modular floors are composites of individual mats, if your flooring is damaged, you can simply replace the jigsaw-flooring tile that’s damaged. Interlocking playmats are affordable in that they are much less expensive than most other options to repair.