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What are the Pros and Cons of Rubber Patio Pavers?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Rubber patio pavers are a relatively new addition to the market. Most are made from recycled materials, and they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. They compete with concrete and brick pavers, which also have their own benefits, though of all the paver materials, rubber items are the easiest to install and replace. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials, and they may fade in direct sunlight more quickly, but they are a durable, affordable, eco-friendly choice for building a patio.

Perhaps the biggest benefit to rubber patio pavers is the safety feature. They are much more shock absorbent than stone, making them an ideal choice for patios that will be used by small children or elderly people. They are also slip-resistant, especially in wet conditions when other materials are more susceptible to becoming slick. If the patio is going to be built in a high traffic area, rubber is a good choice.

Rubber patio pavers are relatively new materials with which to build an outdoor patio.
Rubber patio pavers are relatively new materials with which to build an outdoor patio.

Since these pavers are made from recycled rubber, they are often the most eco-friendly of all the materials. Most rubber pavers are made from old car tires, which are made from a durable rubber meant to withstand use on the road. This translates into durability when used as a paver as well. While the pavers are not necessarily black like car tires, they are not always the most aesthetically pleasing choice. If the builder is trying to achieve a certain look with his materials, this type may not be the best choice.

Because they are more shock absorbent than bricks and stone, rubber tiles are ideal for patios where kids will be playing.
Because they are more shock absorbent than bricks and stone, rubber tiles are ideal for patios where kids will be playing.

Concrete and brick pavers are more difficult to install than rubber. When using stone pavers, the ground must be accurately leveled using a layer of fill beneath the stones. Since rubber pavers have a certain amount of flexibility to them, a perfectly flat surface is not entirely necessary. Rubber is also far less susceptible to cracking or chipping over time due to use or inclement weather, whereas brick and concrete will chip and crack, and they will probably have to be replaced after extended use. Like all pavers, rubber products are susceptible to shifting after time and may need to be pulled up and reset. Of all the possible materials, however, rubber patio pavers are the easiest to pull up if repairs are necessary.

Discussion Comments

anon1004838

I have a small north facing yard and am looking at rubber tiles for the entire space so my grandchildren can play safely. Once a week I look after my sister's dog - is it easy to clean these tiles after the dog has "used" them?

anon1001888

Wondering about rubber paving over top of cement blocks in driveway.

pastanaga

@MrsPramm - It does depend on what kind of concrete tile you get. They can be very hard wearing if you are willing to spend a bit more money, or shop around for the best kind.

Although with that said, I've seen recycled rubber patio pavers that you would have sworn were actually made out of brick. They have really got the likeness down.

MrsPramm

The thing I like most about these tiles is how much more practical they are in a place where the temperatures regularly get below freezing. Brick and stone and concrete will eventually crack or wear and if water gets in at the wrong place you can end up with a mess on your hands in the winter.

But rubber doesn't wear so badly and it is less likely to shatter if water gets into the tiles (which it isn't really likely to do).

Not to mention, they are safer than traditional tiles. They are really the only kind that I would use in a cold place.

browncoat

@kvanvoo - I would go to wherever you're planning to buy them from and ask about specific brands, because that's a bit more weight and possibly humidity than most tiles would be expected to bear.

I do think probably rubber flooring would be just fine and possibly even a better choice than other kinds of tiles, just because it wouldn't be susceptible to the wet and it would probably bear the weight better as well.

But, again, best to hunt around for specific brands and see what the experts say about them.

kvanvoo

I have an above ground pool and was wondering about your thoughts on whether these blocks would make a good base to set up an above ground pool on?

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    • Rubber patio pavers are relatively new materials with which to build an outdoor patio.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      Rubber patio pavers are relatively new materials with which to build an outdoor patio.
    • Because they are more shock absorbent than bricks and stone, rubber tiles are ideal for patios where kids will be playing.
      By: ChGuss
      Because they are more shock absorbent than bricks and stone, rubber tiles are ideal for patios where kids will be playing.
    • Since rubber pavers are flexible, a perfectly flat surface is not completely necessary, which makes them easier to install than brick or concrete pavers.
      By: kalpis
      Since rubber pavers are flexible, a perfectly flat surface is not completely necessary, which makes them easier to install than brick or concrete pavers.
    • Rubber patio pavers tend to be the most eco-friendly pavers because they are made from recycled rubber, usually old car tires.
      By: AustralianDream
      Rubber patio pavers tend to be the most eco-friendly pavers because they are made from recycled rubber, usually old car tires.