The Where, Why, and How: Foam Tiles

We are sure you have seen foam tiles at a lot of places but just didn’t know that they are called foam tiles. It is a popular choice among homeowners and businesses, courtesy of its versatile characteristics. For example, the flooring at most gyms is of soft foam tiles. Such tiles are seeing a growing demand because of preferences of having softer floors for kids, gyms, studios, and playrooms. In this blog, we will explain everything about foam tiles. 

What Are Foam Tiles Made Of?

Foam tiles are made of three types of materials namely, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), and polyurethane (PU). Let us understand each of the three types separately - 

EVA Foam Tiles

It is firmer than open-cell foam because of its closed-cell design. It is the same polymer that is also used in the production of colorful flip-flops. These are soft and flexible, usually reminding you of rubber. 

PE Foam Tiles

These are more durable and are offered in a closed-cell design. They deliver the firmness that is needed in gymnasiums or for the flooring of certain sports gyms like wrestling and gymnastics. These are sometimes also used to cover concrete floors also.

PU Foam Tiles

PU flooring offers a maximum amount of cushion. These are designed to absorb impact on floors easily and return to their original shape immediately. These are also used in memory foam pillows.

Where To Use The Foam Tiles?

Foam tiles provide a lot of flexibility in terms of usage as they are available in a wide variety of colours and textures such as faux, leather, tatami, and thatch. These tiles are highly popular for kid's rooms and playrooms due to their cushioned and comfortable nature. These tiles find usage among the interiors of gyms, martial arts gyms, yoga training floors, and dog training floors. Recently, it has been seen that these tiles are also being used in offices, trade shows, and even kitchens, for people who have issues such as joint and muscle pains.

Configuration of Foam Tiles

Foam tiles are popular because they can be cut to fit in a wall-to-wall installation. These are simple to install as they have a puzzle-type edge. The tiles can be popped together with very little force. They tend to stay together tightly even in areas of high foot traffic. The tiles are usually less than 1 inch in thickness thereby making them easier to cut according to the specifications. 

What Are The Advantages Of Foam Tiles?

We have understood that foam tiles have great advantages due to their soft nature and are heavily used in kid's areas and for flooring for physical activities. Apart from the cushioning and safety advantages that it provides, there are a few more advantages of using foam tiles. Some of them have been listed below:

• They absorb less water and hence can easily hold water spills and wet feet making them ideal for kids and pets.

• They absorb noise and are easy to clean and that’s why these are widely used in playschools and gyms.

• These do not need any adhesive to be glued to the floor due to their interlocking nature. 

• They add insulation that helps in winters.

• They are easy on the pockets and very easy to install. 

Click-N-Lock Tiles Are The Future

Welspun’s advanced flooring solutions are strong and have superior advantages. Apart from the usual characteristics of foam tiles, Welspun’s Click-N-Lock tiles are resistant to skidding, scratching, stains, chipping, and are antiviral and antimicrobial. These tiles are laid without a grout using a unique sliding mechanism thereby preventing the accumulation of germs between tiles. Welspun has a special range of tiles with a wide variety of designs and colours which are friendly for kids and the elderly. Additional details about Click-N-Lock tiles for kids can be found here.