interlocking floor tiles

No, interlocking floor tiles are designed to be laid loose and held together by their joining edges. That makes them quick to fit, easy to lift and possible to take with you when you move. In areas with heavy wheeled traffic, edge strips or tape along the outer row stop the edge tiles shifting.

Rubber tiles are better for a garage gym or a workshop where you stand and drop tools, as they are thicker and absorb impact. PVC and vented polypropylene tiles are lighter, come in colours and suit garages used mainly for parking and display. Both can be laid over a concrete slab without adhesive.

Common sizes here are 1m x 1m, 900mm x 900mm and 3ft x 3ft rubber tiles, 600mm x 600mm EVA tiles and 400mm x 400mm vented garage tiles. Interlocking EVA stable mats are larger, at 6ft x 4ft. Choose larger tiles for fewer joins and smaller ones for easier handling.

Mark the cut with a straight edge and chalk, then cut with a sharp utility knife in several firm passes. Cutting from the top surface gives the cleanest edge. For thick rubber tiles, bending the tile slightly as you cut opens the line and makes it easier.

Interlocking tiles can go over low, firm carpet, but they may shift and the joins can open as the carpet compresses. For a stable floor, lay them on a hard surface such as concrete, boards or vinyl. Heavier rubber tiles cope with low carpet better than light EVA tiles.

Yes, one advantage of interlocking tiles is that a single worn or damaged tile can be unclipped and replaced. Keep a spare tile or two from the same order, as colours and patterns can vary slightly between batches. Lift the surrounding tiles gently to release the damaged one.

Yes, the interlocking EVA stable mats have jigsaw edges, so several 6ft x 4ft mats join to cover a stall in one piece. That stops bedding and urine getting between mats. EVA is lighter than rubber, so the mats are easier to lift for cleaning.

Interlocking tiles follow the floor beneath them, so dips and bumps show through and can open the joins. Thicker rubber tiles bridge small defects better than thin PVC or EVA tiles. Fill deep hollows and remove high spots before laying for the flattest result.

Work out the floor area in square metres and divide by the area of one tile, then add around 5 to 10 percent for cuts. A 1m x 1m tile covers 1 square metre and a 900mm x 900mm tile covers 0.81 square metres. Count edge strips separately for any open sides.

Some interlocking tiles, such as vented garage tiles and drainage tiles, are sold for outdoor use. Indoor gym tiles and EVA foam are better kept inside. On an outdoor surface, choose tiles with drainage gaps so rain does not sit on top.