Rubber Mat Flooring For The Garage Workshop

In this video I install rubber mats to the floor of my garage workshop. The main reason I chose to do this was to ease the fatigue and aches and pains in my feet, legs and ankles from standing on a concrete floor all day. But it will also help to prevent damage to tools if they drop on the floor, plus it helps insulate the floor and creates better acoustics in the room. It also hides the old, ugly concrete floor. I used two glue / adhesives in the video, one of which worked well and one of which failed miserably due to temperature issues! The rubber matting I chose is relatively inexpensive, and I explain in the video where I got it, why I chose it, the good and bad things about it as well as the total costs of the project.
This is the rubber matting that I got, ribbed, 3mm thick, available in various lengths: geni.us/yvGCkq6 (Amazon UK)
Here's a "checker" design as an alternative to the ribbed, same supplier: geni.us/BGMtc (Amazon UK)
There is also a "penny" design as an alternative to the ribbed, same supplier: geni.us/HdSr (Amazon UK)
Spray adhesive: the stuff by Everbuild is what I used initially (before I went to ScrewFix to get the No Nonsense stuff which is exactly the same product as far as I can tell) : geni.us/WJiABR (Amazon UK)
Adhesive Trowel (A2): geni.us/CRPj0 (Amazon UK)
Here's the video I watched and refer to : • How to glue rubber and...
#woodworking #workshop #floor
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[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

Viz top tip: Glue rubber matting to the bottom of your shoes to save time and money on matting.

[@eternalfizzer]

LOL! Of course that doesn't get you added sound/thermal insulation and protect dropped items, but a well-heeled shoe does absorb shocks :-D

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

Or just buy better shoes....

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

Andy P 😂

[@RagnBoneBrown]

@@woodworkerroyer8497 what's wrong with my shoes?? 😂

[@createdezign1840]

Just a quick tip... If each mat slightly overlaps you can cut through the two at the same time making for a perfect joint. Even if you cut through the two with a wavy line they will still match up perfectly. (Works on carpet two) ... :)

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

CreateDezign great tip bud! 👍

[@diyengineer811]

Great video Keith. The previous owner of my garage workshop had stuck some of this stuff to a benchtop to give a nice non-slip surface. Works really well.

[@AsadAli-lz1mm]

I've got the same problem in my garage workshop. I was waiting aaaaaaaaages for someone to make this video, glad it was you. MANY THANKS!!! I'll definitely follow up with this and try something, ANYTHING. My poor legs craving in.

[@zephatjeeeeeeeee]

The thing to look out for with spray adhesive is that it wants to sweat when not fully dry, and for the mapei adhesive, it has to be 18, degrees work with acrylic adhesive daily and when it's below 18 degrees, watching paint dry is quicker then this type of glue haha, what we tend to do, we have 4, 2kw heaters with fans in it the air movement is the quickest drying method

[@wolfgollnitz899]

Rubber flooring in a workshop really makes a difference. I installed interlocking rubber tiles. Was quick and easy to install. Greetings from South.

[@eternalfizzer]

Nice job! Thanks so much for all the history on what works and what didn't.

[@Phenrica]

Yep the spray contact adhesive does a good job, used it in mine on rubber matting and been good for the last 3 years or so 👍🏻

[@SteveZodiac777]

Good job - tenacity paid off!

[@paulmurphy1144]

Good video. Nice to see you work through the problems. Better than most videos on KZbin where everything works perfectly the first time.

[@Kahuna1239]

Great job Keith. The work shop is looking great!

[@Viken43]

I got some old carpet tiles from work and they are amazing tool friendly ....

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

I’ve learned so much watching you. Thanks for sharing.👍🏼👍🏼🙂

[@reemyabd]

Hello, the video is really helpful !! I liked the amount of information and details you gave... thank you all the way from Saudi Arabia!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

This is the rubber matting that I got, ribbed, 3mm thick, available in various lengths: amzn.to/398RA1e (UK) Here's a "checker" design as an alternative to the ribbed, same supplier: amzn.to/2OvKBrw (UK) There is also a "penny" design as an alternative to the ribbed, same supplier: amzn.to/2SjuKx6 (UK) Spray adhesive: the stuff by Everbuild is what I used initially (before I went to ScrewFix to get the No Nonsense stuff which is exactly the same product as far as I can tell) : amzn.to/2uqez9c (UK) Adhesive Trowel (A2): amzn.to/2RZ7mGd (UK) Here's the video I watched and refer to : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJSYiYlmiaqdp6M MY TOOLS: For links to the tools I use, plus some of my favourite consumables, finishes and more see links below. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases: UK affiliate store: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/ragnbonebrown US affiliate store: www.amazon.com/shop/ragnbonebrown HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Support with Patreon: www.patreon.com/ragnbonebrown Support with PayPal paypal.me/ragnbonebrown SHOP: Etsy: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KeithBrownMaker teespring.com/stores/rag-n-bone-brown-merch

[@ScreamOG1]

Rag 'n' Bone Brown ribbed for her pleasure!

[@ddonlyme5860]

Good job Keith, you have the patience of a saint ✊🏻

[@mikec2810]

Keith you are a better man than me, I would have thrown in the towel when the first adhesive didn't work! Looks good and I hope it lasts because no one should have to do that job twice! Take care and best of luck in your new house and shop!

[@matthawkins6875]

I used spray adhesive to fix rubber matting to a plywood ramp for a mobility scooter. Been down six months (outside) with no lifting or rucks. Works a treat. It was originally stapled but one of our dogs kindly tore it up and brought it inside.

[@whirled_peas]

9:38 - "I had a couple of cans" nothing like working with a couple of cans in ye. And thanks for sharing your experience sticking that stuff down!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

😂 in needed a couple of cans after this project

[@briansworkshop01]

I have the same floor but I use osb 8x4 this is fantastic great video thanks for sharing 🍺🍺👍👍

[@CasualDIY]

Very interesting video, thanks for sharing Keith 👍

[@Maninthewhitehouse]

Used to work for Oakley. All there rubber floors are glued with spray glue. It was a go to product for a lot of works there

[@5minutewoodworker143]

Would love to do this in my shop! Thanks for the experience.

[@AppalachianLife]

My shop is my 30x30 foot basement. Because the concrete floor has radiant heating, I didn't want to cover with matting. I quickly discovered my knees and back would hurt after long periods of working in the shop. So, I invested in some good orthotic shoe inserts that are designed for leg and back pain. I inserted them into some good Rockport walking shoes. No more leg are back pain. I did put down a short rubber runner directly in front of my bench to protect tools for breaking when I drop them.

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

Wow that seems like it was a right pain. I’m thinking of adding a wooden floor to my workshop in a couple of months, but it’s much smaller than what you have.

[@ShortWorx]

I used a similar product to adhere Schluter Ditra down to concrete/asphalt. Can't say I was very confident either, wouldn't seem to dry but the technical helpline assured me it would eventually. 18 months later and the tiles are still there...no idea if it dried.

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

Seemed a bit if a minor nightmare to start with, but sorted out in the end. 👍🏽 It is a big difference on the feet, back and anything you drop! Good job, mate. 👌🏽

[@MrBez007]

great perseverance !

[@FireCrowsWorkshop]

I have never realised that concrete surfaces can have such an impact on legs and spine! That explains my constant problems! Unfortunately, due to nature of my work I can't do anything about it, except working more out of office :D

[@chrisperry7963]

Came out good Keith, certainly better than the hard concrete. Stumpy Nubs has a video where he used industrial office carpeting, which seemed to work in a similar fashion...

[@colinbates9563]

Water based acrylics have a “minimum film forming” temperature, if you don’t exceed this they remain milky in appearance and don’t dry, above this temperature they will become clear and dry correctly. For varnishes/ lacquers if they do not exceed this temperature they will not dry nor achieve their correct film properties such as hardness and resistances. Although the air temperature in your shop can be raised it takes a longer for the floor to reach that temperature so although it may feel warmer and above the temperature recommended by the adhesive supplier the floor remains below and adhesive applied to this will not dry. Temperature, humidity and air movement are crucial for any coatings especially water based.

[@hdwoodshop]

Nice video sir. Interesting fact about that cold concrete floor.

[@sumosprojects]

You got there in the end mate 🍻👍

[@negotiableaffections]

What a bloody nightmare! I feel your pain. Great job though [esp given the endurance required, eh?] and the spray adhesive is a great product, a bit tricky if you need to keep things tidy but having spread liquid contact adhesive I know its a lot easier over large surfaces. Well done, mate.

[@theriggsworkshop8606]

Ahh i wish you would have asked me about this ! Lol ,, i went through exactly what you did when laying rubber backed 1mx3m giant carpet tiles in my garage ( yes my garage is carpeted ha ha ha) i figured out that spray carpet adhesive works great and is fast ...

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

I've actually seen a really good idea from a machinist to just take 1x2s and nail them together so they formed a kind of mesh mat. It worked well and he said it was better than walking on a concrete floor, cheaper than rubber mats, and could be picked up to clean or move machinery. I think it would be a great way to cover a floor, but the correct way would be to put firring strips down and then cover them with plywood. Only downside is cost and somewhat limited weight capacity. The weight isn't an issue with the tools you have now, maybe not even full on cabinet saws.

[@cleanrestore8634]

Helpfull info thanks

[@tippo5341]

Some interesting dance moves n shuffles in this particular video....and ugh...the great rubber adhesive debate without going into what makes the National debt look like pocket money 😂😂😂😂 The end result looks great, will be much better ergonomically, and also provide some insulation from the slab during winter, great work. I think the first adhesive might even struggle to go tacky here in Aus....on the sun it might stand a chance. Cheers from Aus!!!!

[@sithlordst32]

I see you are still using the roller blinds. BTW, congrats and excellent job with the workshop so far.

[@barryirby8609]

I bought laminate flooring at a freight auction for $20 and installed it in my shop. I was about a bundle short and a friend gave me one he had. The color didn't match but who cares? It's a huge improvement.

[@ben_lyngdoh]

Somehow this was very satisfying.

[@seaninfrared]

Been watching your videos for a while now. Can't help but to now comment on the video framerate, it's something that always pops to mind, but I never mentioned it before. I think your videos would be even better with 60fps. Keep up the good work.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

my laptop wouldn't be able to handle 60fps, it struggles even with 30

[@seaninfrared]

@@RagnBoneBrown It should still render, but granted may take longer. Keep it up.

[@philbaker1085]

"Ruck" is indeed a word !

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Phew!

[@warwickhowland5816]

Just ask any rugby player.

[@TheTrickyricky1982]

Ardex af 145 is by far the best adhesive for those types of applications. use a floor fan for air circulation rather than a heat gun.

[@paultay23]

Nice one Keith... Lookout for living room mats that people are throwing out, and lay on top of your main "Standing Area" these should help with your aching old weary bones, and you can practice your hoovering skills on carpet.....late edit, my missus reckons the ones i have on top of my rubber mats in my workshop are grass mats... and the ones on the garden (weed suppressors) are thicker... might do a swap.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Paul, I did consider that, but wanted a consistent floor level for the ease of wheeling things around

[@davehendry2519]

I did the same thing however being in the uk and with the weather being cold a lot the contact adhesive has started to give up and there are lots of bubbles

[@darylsmith8418]

If you lay the mat ribbed-side down, you get the slight springy and a smooth surface for sweeping (personally, I think it looks better too).

[@RagnBoneBrown]

i considered that but not much surface area for the glue to adhere to

[@markquinlan4876]

Hey Keith, way to grind it out. Not everything is fun but you did a great job completing the project. I need something in my small shop area and this for sure got me thinking. I have enough plank style vinyl wood flooring from an office install. What do you think about using that. Anyone out there have any insights? Proud to be one of your Patreon supporters. Thank you and God Bless.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers Mark, how thick is it? I think anything is better than nothing, even the thin 3mm rubber I got has made the world of difference to my feet!

[@jeffcarr392]

16:35 you mention insulation, I think it refers to not being so cold to walk on, and with your old concrete floor underneath, I'm sure it makes a difference, I've noticed the same with thin carpet tiles as well.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Do you know what, call me a cheapskate if you like?..... I purchased some large threshold mats from a closing down sale. Turned them upside down and glued them in place with Evo-spray adhesive. So much easier now to clean the woodwork shop, warmer on the feet and still going strong after nearly 4 yrs And cheap as chips as well.....👍👍

[@p_mouse8676]

I would have used something like Bison Tix (also available on Amazon UK). I forgot how the general name is being called for these types of glue but it's also being sold in bigger pots.

[@mawvelouslyyou1234]

Looks good though!

[@awantamta]

That is a great job and a useful video. It's pronounced MAPEI

[@Demop_VW_garage]

you could have got it in a can and sprayed it though a primer gun with a 3mm tip , would have been way cheaper this way but hats off for getting it done.

[@waynebreier1682]

Do you find the rubber floor down, helps with warmth in the winter as I get condensation on my machinery, which is not a good thing?

[@leehenderson8488]

Great Video Keith, but that looked like a nightmare job. Im looking at putting matting down in the garage too, for comparison did you price up the interlocking rubber tiles for your shop? They look far easier to lay but not sure how much that would have set you back for your size space.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

the firm rubber ones were about four times as expensive. You can get softer ones but I don't think the wheels would go over them

[@LonghornWorkshop]

That was hard work mate maybe peel and stick tiles would have been better?

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

Been thinking ahout this for my small workshop. I guess it would be ok over osb right?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

definitely

[@josephkrug8579]

How did you finish/seal under the door entry piece? I ask as I ran into all sorts of issues with not doing enough for that for one of my doors into my garage and I had water come in under it which caused quite a mess. Good job. :)

[@RagnBoneBrown]

it's about 500mm in from the front roller door, so it is totally dry

[@RustyOrange71]

All that sweeping and mucking about with dust - get a manvac like the Karcher WD3: it does it all. You could vac the floor, mop it and suck that up too. As a workshop/ site vac you can plug your corded tool into it and it'll switch on when you trigger the tool. Sucks like a good'un; one of the best buys EVER. Very, very undermarketed by Karcher and only costs £125.... cheaper than a Toby, which has only got stickers. The WD3 is the vac you want for that maiden flight to Mars. (Not sponsored)

[@RagnBoneBrown]

I have a completely integrated dust extraction system, featured in other videos on my channel. I don't sweep - not sure where you got that idea from!

[@StuffInMyStudio]

I would love to do that, the concrete in my garage is in a shocking state. Sadly I’m renting so laying new concrete isn’t viable to make a flat base :(

[@myutube6422]

Just remember that you will never learn any younger. Loved you making the mistakes rather than me. :o)

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

Bill P very true. Great saying 👍

[@mrhignettshorses]

Do you think attaching a layer of hardboard to the concrete floor would have helped with the gluiing? Another expense I know but the Mattei could well have worked and save the £50 On spray glue?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

yeah that's a good idea, maybe it would work

[@brianmoan]

Keith. Where did you get the riving knife for the DeWalt saw? I’m thinking of butchering the original that came with the saw

[@charlier4714]

Hi Brian, I have the same saw and became frustrated by the riving knife exceeding the height of the blade....my solution was just to cut it down to the desired height with my angle grinder (KZbin vids tell you about the QUICK riving knife removal 'trick', incase you aren't familiar. Now cut down, the riving knife works great. Hope that helps and saves a bit of cash :)

[@brianmoan]

Charlie R Thanks. That’s exactly what I planned on doing. I’m actually free tomorrow, so think I’ll get the grinder out

[@joeleonetti8976]

I'm now 51 and work on a concrete. It hurts my feet as well. I have a stool and try sitting as much as possible. Should I ever move, I will keep a wooden joist floor will be on my must have criteria.

[@OldManTony]

Great job. My budget is tighter than yours so I use old carpets and carpet off cuts.

[@JV-it9pm]

Yeah, i know. Do all the research, phone all the manufacturers and then still their products do not work as they state they will....i hear you.

[@JV-it9pm]

@KelMaster Construction Absolutely spot on. Nothing beats experience. Must be nice to be in your trade for so long that you simply know exactly what product to use etc. But glad there's guys like Keith who can help out by posting honest videos about his own experiences. Always helps

[@ksp1278]

Looks good. In my garage I am considering putting down some plywood on the floor to make it softer to walk on. Maybe I could even create a raised floor so that I can make the floor level (it slopes quite a lot currently)

[@JohnMadeit]

has it helped with fatigue of standing on your feet all day or is it still to early to say?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Yes definetely

[@felixreali7101]

Hi Keith, thanks for sharing this. I think Mapei should have refunded you the full amount. The product didn't work; once a product doesn't do what it says on the tin, it should be taken back by the reseller. But great result in the end. Question: instead of sweeping up before laying the rubber down, why not use a shop-vac? :-)

[@RagnBoneBrown]

my vacuum had to be disconnected while I needed access to the floor

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Miss the wood working videos now 😭😭😭

[@WoodyW2k]

I was interested to learn how much the floor makes a difference on fatigue. Floor looks smart now, Keith. I have a wooden shed with 12mm T&G flooring and 12mm OSB over the top of that. It’s unprotected though. Would you recommend painting it or rubber matting? Would the matting cause issues with dampness in the wooden floor?

[@WoodyW2k]

Just realised Grumpy asked this earlier. Interested in the thoughts here

[@RagnBoneBrown]

@@WoodyW2k If it's a floating floor it should be fine as is - do you get any aches and pains working on it? The rubber I used is only 3mm thick but it has made a huge difference

[@WoodyW2k]

Rag 'n' Bone Brown thanks for the response, buddy. No aches and pains, no - I’m not really in my workshop for as long as you are. Was thinking more for durability and aesthetics. So pleased to see you and the family settled in your new place. Keep up the great work and your next subscriber milestone 💪🏼💪🏼

[@08lerash]

I recently coated my wife’s Amish built she-shed with osb/plywood floor using a DIY concrete epoxy flooring kits with the specs you spread. I got a good deal on the Apoxsee kit and was really worried it would peel up or just not work at all on anything but concrete. * well, it worked absolutely perfectly… Going on three years and nothing has worn through or chipped.

[@mulberryworkshop]

Why you did rent the heater...

[@coalitionofrob436]

Been in the Gym Keith? looking pretty ripped in your thumbnail.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

haha, I think it's wideangle lens distortion, anything near the edges tends to get stretched - happy accident that it was my arms and made me look more buff

[@trooperjoe73]

I would like something like this, but my cats semi-own the garage as well. So, not in the works.

[@o.g.bwoodwork]

TrooperJoe73 I guess you could just do a few sections instead? That way everyone’s happy.

[@annmartin5347]

Wouldn't the type of rubber matting like they have in gyms, of been easier to put down and thicker underfoot?

[@Spreadsheets_and_pizza]

Ann Martin I have this as my garage is part workshop part gym. I have 18mm horse stall mats which are heavy enough not to need adhesive: a 6x4foot Mat is something like 20kg. The downside is they are very expensive (about £30-45 each depending on the quantity).

[@RagnBoneBrown]

too expensive unfortunately

[@Pistol_Knight]

I hope you used some form 'finish' on the underside of your threshold

[@RagnBoneBrown]

not needed, it's about 500mm in from the front roller door, so it is totally dry

[@Pistol_Knight]

time will tell, most 'outside timer' needs some sort of protection (remeber this post)@@RagnBoneBrown

[@konamanstudio2447]

😎🍻🍺 There's also shoes available for walking on concrete. Maybe she looked at those it would have been probably cheaper. Yeah, but it wouldn't have stopped tools from breaking.

[@martinarcher1503]

why not use those interlocking rubber floor tiles - the ones that fit together like jigsaws? Would have been thicker, and infinitely easier to lay. Possibly cheaper, too

[@RagnBoneBrown]

More expensive

[@makena70danielmascas]

Like 👍

[@bloodgain]

It doesn't seem like this would offer all that much padding for fatigue relief. I probably would have either bought some station mats or just some supportive shoes -- or even just some close-toed Crocs or insoles. I don't feel like anything short of 12 mm or a floating floor is really going to reduce the impact of concrete on the joints.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

it's definitely made a huge difference, i no longer ache

[@bloodgain]

@@RagnBoneBrown That's awesome, I'm glad it's helped!

[@garrysmythe]

Really enjoyed this video, maybe the sadistic streak in me, decided that now youare so good at this you should come to Barnsley, in South Yorkshire and do my garage, its only 6.5 metres by 6.5 metres, and my wife makes a lovely lattee coffee lol, thanks for posting from Garry in the UK

[@nicka99]

Looking very stiff in the thumbnail 😂

[@olivermansfield8341]

Ladies; ribbed or no ribbed?

[@p4ult1]

Ribbed rubber 😲😂

[@russellpedersen5212]

Hmmmm I don't think you will find any difference form the concrete floor. 3mm is not thick enough..

[@RagnBoneBrown]

it is. I've been living with it for about three months

[@solb101]

Maybe you know this by now, but it seems that your mat was too thin.

[@peterburley2086]

/

[@sandman2651]

Nice one keith, i really hope you washed your partners towel before hanging it back in the bathroom

[@RagnBoneBrown]

😂👍😂👍😂

[@lucianmorn7273]

I like ribbed rubber.... Just saying ...lol

[@TuckerSP2011]

That mat looks too thin to be antifatigue.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

it works, i've been living with it about 3 months