To improve outdoor parking lots that cannot be paved with asphalt or concrete, rubber mats can be used. Owners of unpaved outdoor parking lots may have the following concerns:
- Parking lots are difficult to use due to mud and puddles in the rain
- Over the years, tire marks have become deeper and made the parking lot look unsightly.
- We are planning to build a building in the future, so we cannot pave the current parking lot on a large scale, but we would like to improve the parking lot.
In this article, we will explain in detail why rubber mats are good for parking lots that cannot be paved with asphalt or concrete, and what rubber mats are recommended. Use rubber mats to solve the problems of unpaved parking lots.
Regarding paving outdoor parking lots
Outdoor parking lots are generally paved with asphalt or concrete, but there are many parking lots that cannot be paved for various reasons. Let's take a closer look at the problems that arise when parking lots are left unpaved, including solutions.
Problems that arise in unpaved outdoor parking lots
If an unpaved outdoor parking lot has been in use for many years, tire marks will deepen and it will be prone to mud and puddles during rainy weather.
Mud and puddles not only make it difficult to get in and out of your car, but your car body and tires may get covered in mud. If you get into your car with dirty shoes, the inside of the car may also get dirty.
Furthermore, if tire marks become deep, the parking lot will look bad, requiring measures such as adding more soil to the depressed areas, which incurs maintenance costs.
Means of paving outdoor parking lots
Outdoor parking lots are generally paved with asphalt, concrete, or gravel. If paving is not possible, rubber mats or other coverings can also be used. We will compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the costs.
|
merit |
Disadvantages |
Estimated cost (per square meter) |
|
|
asphalt |
Short construction period Non-slip |
May deteriorate There is a removal cost |
6,000 yen to 10,000 yen |
|
concrete |
|
|
9,000 yen to 12,000 yen |
|
gravel |
|
|
3,000 yen to 7,000 yen |
|
Plastic floor plate |
|
|
5,000 yen to 8,000 yen |
|
Rubber mat |
|
|
3,000 yen to 8,000 yen |
Asphalt and concrete paving requires special tools and heavy machinery, so it is common to hire a contractor. The larger the area, the lower the unit price, but the more space you save, the higher the unit price. Choose the best method based on the purpose of your parking lot and your budget.
When asphalt or other paving is difficult
There are some cases where asphalt or concrete paving is not suitable.
For example, if you plan to change the parking lot to a different use in the future, permanent paving such as asphalt or concrete is not suitable. Also, there may be cases where the parking lot is used temporarily, such as a construction site, or where large-scale paving work is restricted due to leased land.
In situations where asphalt or concrete paving is not possible, easy-to-install products such as rubber mats or plastic planks may be effective.
Benefits of using rubber mats in outdoor parking lots
Using rubber mats in unpaved outdoor parking lots provides the following four benefits:
- Can protect the ground
- Can be installed on land that cannot be paved
- Can be set up to suit your space and budget
- Can be easily removed when not needed
We will explain in detail the benefits of using rubber mats.
Benefit 1: Protects the ground
In unpaved dirt or gravel parking lots, the weight of your cars can cause tire marks to become deeper, making puddles more likely to form.
By laying rubber mats on dirt or gravel, you can prevent problems caused by tire marks. Rubber mats are flexible and durable, so they protect the ground and reduce tire marks and puddles. They also prevent gravel from scattering and soil from eroding, helping to maintain the appearance and landscaping of your parking lot.
Benefit 2: It can be installed on land that cannot be paved
Rubber mats can be easily installed even on surfaces where it is difficult to pave with asphalt or concrete.
For example, rubber mats are a good choice when land is only used temporarily or when the lease does not allow large-scale paving work. Rubber mats are lightweight, easy to handle, and easy to remove, and can be flexibly adapted to changes in use.
Another attractive feature of rubber mats is that they can be used in a variety of situations, as the size and thickness can be adjusted according to the installation location and soil conditions.
Advantage 3: Installation can be tailored to fit your space and budget
Another advantage of rubber mats is that they can be flexibly selected according to space and budget.
By choosing the appropriate shape and size, you can install it only in the spaces you need in your parking lot, which helps to reduce waste and costs. Rubber mats can be easily purchased at home improvement stores or online, and they can be easily installed without requiring specialized knowledge or expensive costs.
Rubber mats are easier to process than plastic flooring, and can be optimally positioned to suit the shape and environment of the parking lot. Rubber mats can also be used for partial repairs and expansions, allowing for flexible support for future maintenance and expansion.
Advantage 4: It can be easily removed when not needed.
Rubber mats have the advantage that they can be easily removed when no longer required.
Unlike asphalt or concrete, there is no cost to remove them, and they can be quickly reused elsewhere. For example, if the purpose of the parking lot changes, or if you want to use a rubber mat that was temporarily installed elsewhere, you can easily remove and reuse it. Even after removal, they can be stacked, so they can be stored in a space-saving manner.
The appeal of rubber mats is that they allow you to respond flexibly to any situation without incurring unnecessary costs.
Recommended rubber mat products for outdoor parking lots
The following five GYMMAT products are recommended as rubber mats for use in unpaved outdoor parking lots.
- GYMMAT 50cm square
- GYMMAT 100cm square
- GYMMAT Step-eliminating ramp
- GYMMAT Corner Slope for Eliminating Steps
- SmileTurf™ Premium Artificial Turf 1m x 10m
GYMMAT's rubber mat products are primarily used to reinforce the floors of sports gyms and home gyms, but they also have excellent load-bearing and durability and can be used for outdoor parking lots, etc. We will explain each product in detail.
Product 1: GYMMAT 50cm square
GYMMAT's 50cm square rubber mat is recommended when space is limited.
Although the 50cm square product is compact in size, it is highly durable and has excellent cushioning, making it suitable for use in parking lots. It can be installed efficiently, as it fits into particularly narrow spaces and small areas.
Rubber mats can also be cut to fit different shapes using tools that can be purchased at a home improvement store, such as cutters and rulers. The next article will explain how to cut rubber mats in detail, so please check it out if you are interested.
>>Introducing how to cut rubber mats and recommended tools
GYMMAT rubber mats have little odor and are anti-slip, making them highly safe. Thicknesses are available in 15mm, 25mm, and 50mm, so you can choose the product that best suits your needs.
>>Gym rubber mat 50cm square 15mm
>>Gym rubber mat 50cm square 25mm
>>Gym rubber mat 50cm square 50mm
Product 2: GYMMAT 100cm square
GYMMAT's 100cm square rubber mat is suitable for large parking lots.
The 100cm square rubber mat can cover a wide area at once, eliminating the need to install it. GYMMAT products are highly cushioned and durable, and are available in thicknesses of 15mm and 25mm, allowing you to choose the right one for your environment. They have an anti-slip function, which increases safety not only for cars but also for walking in the rain.
GYMMAT's 100cm square products are easy to install and highly stable, and are recommended for protecting large areas.
>>Gym rubber mat 100cm square 15mm
>>Gym rubber mat 100cm square 25mm
Product 3: GYMMAT step-eliminating ramp
GYMMAT's step-eliminating ramp is a recommended product for smoothly eliminating steps in parking lots or rubber mats themselves.
The ramp makes the road smoother and ensures safety by preventing tripping when getting on and off the vehicle. The back side has a buckle connection function, so it can be easily connected to 50cm square or 100cm square rubber mats, and there is no need to worry about them slipping when installed. It is also compatible with rubber mats of the same standard made by other companies, allowing for flexible placement.
Product 4: GYMMAT Corner Slope for Eliminating Steps
GYMMAT's step-eliminating corner ramp is a specialized product for eliminating the step at the corners when installing a rubber mat. By using it in combination with the step-eliminating ramp, the step of the rubber mat is eliminated, improving safety by preventing tripping and falls when walking.
Corner ramps are easy to install and can be firmly fixed, which will increase stability. Installing a corner ramp in your parking lot will make driving and walking in the parking lot more comfortable.
>> Corner slope to eliminate step difference 25mm
>> Corner ramp for eliminating steps 50mm
Product 5: SmileTurf™ Premium Artificial Turf 1m x 10m
GYMMAT's Smile Turf™ Premium Artificial Turf is the perfect product for anyone wanting to keep their parking lot or garden looking beautiful.
The pile height is 28mm, giving it the look and feel of natural grass. The grass threads are sewn together at a high density to keep the grass standing for a long time and prevent it from collapsing over time. The back side is made of urethane backing, which is more water-resistant, UV-resistant, and abrasion-resistant than typical rubber mats.
It can be used safely outdoors, and when laid in gardens or parking spaces at entrances, it creates a lush, green landscape.
>>Smile Turf™ Premium Artificial Turf 1m x 10m
Uses of rubber mats other than outdoor parking lots
Rubber mats are versatile items that are useful not only in outdoor parking lots, but in a variety of other situations. Here are five examples of how rubber mats can be used.
- Indoor parking lots and garages
- Truck or light truck bed
- Installation of walkways and heavy machinery at construction sites
- Safety measures for various equipment codes
- Gym and home gym floors
Let's take a closer look at each of their uses.
Use 1: Indoor parking lots and garages
Rubber mats are also recommended for use in indoor parking lots and garages.
By laying it on the floor of an indoor parking lot or garage, it prevents oil and dirt from vehicles from directly touching the floor, making cleaning easier. Rubber mats also have cushioning properties and reduce damage to the floor caused by the weight of vehicles.
Rubber mats are especially effective in garages to prevent tire slippage and impacts in the event of a fall. They are also effective in reducing noise, allowing you to maintain a quiet and comfortable garage environment. In motorcycle garages, they are reassuring because they can cushion the impact in the event of a fall.
Use 2: Truck beds
Laying rubber mats on the bed of light trucks or trucks can prevent cargo from slipping and reduce the risk of cargo shifting during transport.
It also helps protect the luggage and the loading platform itself from damage, which is especially useful when transporting delicate items. Rubber mats absorb shock, reducing the risk of damage to luggage caused by shaking or impact during transport.
In addition, the size of the rubber mat can be easily adjusted using a cutter or other tool, allowing you to achieve a perfect fit to the shape of your cargo bed.
Use 3: Installation of walkways and heavy machinery at construction sites
At construction sites, rubber mats can be laid on unpaved parking lots, walkways, and gravel roads to allow heavy machinery and vehicles to travel smoothly and to protect and condition the ground.
In particular, when used in areas where heavy machinery is installed or on construction site paths, they reduce damage to the road surface and provide a non-slip effect. Rubber mats are easy to install, highly durable, and can withstand the weight of heavy machinery, so you can rest assured.
Rubber mats prevent mud splashes in rainy weather, keeping the work site clean and improving work safety.
If you would like to use rubber mats for heavy machinery, please refer to the following article, which provides detailed information on their use and precautions at construction sites.
Use 4: Safety measures for cords of various equipment
At event venues and construction sites, cords from various equipment may crawl on the floor, but safety measures can be taken by using rubber mats.
Rubber mats protect the cords and ensure a clear passageway, reducing the risk of people tripping and breaking equipment cords. Using rubber mats, especially at event venues where many people gather, will ensure safety underfoot and provide an environment where people can walk through with peace of mind. The cushioning properties of rubber mats protect the cables, preventing deterioration even with long-term use.
Use #5: Gym and home gym floors
For gym or home gym floors, a specialized rubber mat like GYMMAT is ideal.
Free weights and training machines used in gyms are heavy, so placing them directly on the floor can cause significant damage. Laying a rubber mat protects the floor and absorbs vibrations and noise. Rubber mats have moderate cushioning and reduce shocks during training, so you can train with peace of mind. Especially in home gyms, they can also be used to prevent noise pollution for neighbors and family.
Rubber mats are an essential item for gym equipment because they are highly durable and maintain their effectiveness even after long-term use. If you are wondering how to choose a rubber mat for your home gym, please refer to the following article.
>>A thorough explanation of how to choose floors and mats for your home gym
Use rubber mats in unpaved outdoor parking lots
There is a way to use rubber mats to maintain parking lots that cannot be paved with asphalt or concrete. In this article, we introduced how to use rubber mats in unpaved parking lots and recommended rubber mats.
By using rubber mats in unpaved outdoor parking lots, you can prevent damage to the ground caused by ruts and ensure safety. Use rubber mats to solve the problems of unpaved outdoor parking lots.
GYMMAT can be used for a variety of purposes other than outdoor parking lots. By combining it with ramps, it can be used in a variety of situations. For more information, please visit the GYMMAT official website.
