Selecting rubber sheets for warehousing & logistics

Rubber sheets perform far more than a purely protective function in storage and logistics areas. They have a direct effect on safety, efficiency and operating costs. Where forklifts drive every day, goods are moved and employees stand for long periods, the right floor construction decides whether processes run smoothly.

Alongside mechanical load, factors such as slip resistance, ergonomics and noise generation play a central role. Rubber sheets balance these requirements and create stable conditions for people and machines. A well-considered choice ensures that floors last longer, workplaces become safer and processes run without disruption.

Requirements in storage and logistics areas

In practice, rubber sheets are frequently used as industrial flooring, anti-slip mats or workplace mats. These different applications each place their own requirements on material, structure and load-bearing capacity.

In warehouses and logistics centres, different loads act on the floor at the same time. Rubber sheets must therefore fulfil several functions.

Typical requirements:

• High mechanical load-bearing capacity due to forklifts and pallet trucks
• Slip resistance for safe working processes
• Damping of vibrations and impacts
• Reduction of running noise
• Resistance to oils, greases or weathering

Depending on the area of use, the priorities shift considerably. In heavily frequented zones, wear resistance is the main focus, while in work areas ergonomics and sure-footedness dominate. In outdoor areas, in turn, weather resistance comes to the fore. A clear analysis of the place of use is therefore the basis of any sensible choice.

Suitable materials in comparison

The choice of material largely determines the function of the rubber sheet. Different elastomers react very differently to mechanical load, temperature, chemicals and environmental influences. The wrong choice of material often leads to sheets deforming, hardening or wearing out prematurely.

Material	Properties	Typical application
SBR	robust, inexpensive, abrasion-resistant	storage areas without chemicals
NBR	oil- and grease-resistant	workshop areas, machine zones
EPDM	weather- and UV-resistant	outdoor areas, ramps
NR	high elasticity, good resilience	shock-absorbing applications

SBR is suitable for classic storage applications without particular exposure to media.

NBR is used as soon as there is contact with oils or lubricants.

EPDM is the right choice for outdoor areas and changing weather.

Alongside these standard materials, there are also special compounds designed specifically for high abrasion resistance, antistatic properties or increased chemical resistance. These are used above all in specialised industrial environments.

Choosing the right hardness and thickness

Alongside the material, dimensioning plays a central role.

Shore hardness

• soft (approx. 40–50 Shore): high damping, less load-bearing
• medium (approx. 60–70 Shore): standard for many applications
• hard (from 70 Shore): high load-bearing capacity, lower elasticity

Thickness of the rubber sheets

• 3–5 mm: light load, protective function
• 6–10 mm: medium load, typical storage applications
• 10 mm+: high load due to vehicles or machines

Incorrect dimensioning leads to rapid wear or insufficient protective effect. Sheets that are too thin give way under load and lose their protective function, while materials that are too hard reduce damping and pass loads directly to the substrate.

Surfaces and structure

The surface influences safety and cleaning.

• smooth surface: easy to clean, lower slip resistance
• studded structure: better grip, good all-round solution
• ribbed surface: targeted drainage of liquids

For heavily frequented areas, a structured surface is recommended. At the same time, cleaning should be taken into account, as dirt and liquids can collect in heavily profiled surfaces. The choice of structure therefore always represents a compromise between safety and maintenance effort.

Typical areas of use in logistics

Rubber sheets are used in very different zones in logistics. Each of these areas places its own requirements on material, thickness and surface. A blanket solution rarely produces the desired result, so a differentiated view of the areas of use is worthwhile.

Workplaces and order picking

In order picking areas, employees stand on the same surfaces for extended periods. Rubber sheets provide noticeable relief here through their damping properties. At the same time, they increase sure-footedness and reduce fatigue, which has a direct effect on productivity and the error rate.

Conveyor technology and machines

Under conveyor systems and machines, rubber sheets perform a technical function. They damp vibrations, protect the substrate from permanent loads and reduce noise generation during operation. This improves both the service life of the systems and the working conditions in the surrounding area.

Loading zones and ramps

In loading zones, high point loads from vehicles act on the surface at the same time as weather influences. Rubber sheets must be designed to be particularly robust here and ensure safe walkability. A suitable structure prevents slipping and ensures stable processes even when wet or dirty.

How to order rubber sheets correctly

Before ordering, all relevant parameters should be clearly defined.

Take measurements exactly, assess the load realistically and define the area of use clearly. In addition, material, thickness and surface should be matched to one another.

Careful planning reduces rework and ensures that the rubber sheets fulfil the desired function in operation.

Avoiding mistakes in selection

In practice, the same problems frequently occur.

Typical mistakes:

• wrong material for the media present
• insufficient thickness under high load
• missing slip resistance
• inadequate adaptation to the area of use

These mistakes lead to increased wear, safety risks and unnecessary costs. Misjudgements of the load are particularly critical, as they often only become visible during ongoing operation and then make replacement necessary.

Rubber sheets cut to size and cut pieces

Standard solutions quickly reach their limits. Cut pieces made to measure offer clear advantages.

Exact adaptation to surfaces and systems ensures clean transitions and prevents tripping edges. At the same time, waste is reduced, so material is used efficiently. Installation also becomes considerably easier, as the sheets can be integrated directly into existing structures.

In addition, requirements such as cut-outs for machines, transitions to other floor coverings or defined work areas can be implemented in a targeted way. Individual solutions thereby increase efficiency and extend the useful life of the entire area.

Decision aid for selection

Use	Material	Thickness	Surface
Forklift traffic	SBR / NBR	8–12 mm	studded / ribbed
Oil and grease contact	NBR	6–10 mm	studded
Outdoor area	EPDM	6–12 mm	ribbed
Order picking	SBR / NR	6–8 mm	studded

This matrix enables a quick selection based on the real application.

Typical loads in logistics

In storage and logistics areas, both area loads and point loads act.

Typical values from practice:

• point load from forklifts: up to 5–10 kg/cm²
• area load from shelving: several hundred kg/m²
• dynamic load from driving movements and braking

Forklifts generate high point loads due to the small contact areas of the wheels. Shelving systems introduce constant area loads. Conveyor systems transfer vibrations into the substrate.

Rubber sheets must absorb and distribute these loads. Sufficient thickness prevents pressing through and protects the floor permanently.

Installation and laying

Laying has a considerable influence on function and durability.

Loosely laid sheets are suitable for flexible areas of use and temporary solutions. Bonded systems ensure maximum stability under permanently high load. Interlocking or form-fitting systems make installation easier and secure the position of the sheets even when they move.

Careful preparation of the substrate increases the service life and prevents shifting during operation.

Standards and safety

In many areas, safety requirements play a central role.

Slip resistance is assessed via classes such as R9 to R13 and provides guidance for use depending on the environment. Requirements for fire protection or electrical conductivity can also be relevant depending on the area of use.

A coordinated selection supports compliance with internal specifications and increases operational safety.

Comparison with alternative floor solutions

Rubber sheets compete with other materials.

PU coverings offer high chemical resistance and a closed surface, while rubber impresses through its elasticity and damping.

PVC solutions are suitable for light to medium loads, but often achieve shorter service lives under impact load and continuous stress.

In direct comparison, it becomes clear: rubber combines load-bearing capacity, slip resistance and ergonomics better than many alternatives and is therefore particularly suitable for industrial flooring, anti-slip mats and workplace mats in logistics.

Frequently asked questions

Which rubber sheet is suitable for forklift traffic?

Rubber sheets with high Shore hardness and sufficient thickness, usually from 8 to 10 mm, are suitable for forklift traffic. SBR or NBR are often the appropriate choice here, depending on the load and possible media in the area of use.

When should NBR be used instead of SBR?

NBR is the appropriate solution for contact with oils, greases or lubricants. SBR is very well suited to dry storage areas with high mechanical stress.

Which thickness makes sense for storage and logistics areas?

For many storage areas, 6 to 10 mm is a sensible range. Under higher load from forklifts, machines or ramps, a thicker version with 8 to 12 mm can make sense.

Which surface offers more safety?

Studded or ribbed surfaces generally offer more slip resistance than smooth versions. Which structure is ideal depends on the amount of dirt, moisture and the cleaning effort.

Are rubber sheets suitable for outdoor areas?

Yes, EPDM rubber sheets are particularly suitable for outdoor areas. This material is weather- and UV-resistant and withstands changing temperatures well.

Do cut pieces made to measure make sense in logistics?

Cut pieces made to measure make integration into existing areas easier, reduce waste and improve safety through clean transitions. Especially in storage and logistics areas, this brings clear practical advantages.

How do I find the right material for my area of use?

The choice depends on load, environment and stress. SBR is suitable for many standard applications, NBR for oil-exposed areas and EPDM for outdoor surfaces. In addition, thickness, hardness and surface play an important role.

Our rubber sheets

For industry and trade, we offer a wide variety of rubber sheets.

SBR rubber sheet

Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from first-class styrene-butadiene rubber and stands out through its outstanding physical properties.

EPDM rubber sheet

Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, which is manufactured from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.

NBR rubber sheet

The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product that has been specially developed for applications requiring excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals.

Viton rubber sheet

The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is used for a wide range of industrial applications. Manufactured from fluoro rubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.

FKM rubber sheet

The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is ideal for use in demanding industrial applications. Made from fluoro rubber (FKM), it stands out through a wide range of outstanding properties that make it the optimum choice for extreme operating conditions.

Silicone rubber sheet

The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class technical product that has been specially developed for applications placing high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.

PUR rubber sheet

The PUR rubber sheet, made from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product that has been developed for applications placing the highest demands on abrasion resistance and mechanical load-bearing capacity.

Neoprene rubber sheet

The Neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile technical product that is ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.