Rubber flooring in the kitchen?

[90daychallenger]

I've having my kitchen done.

I've today discovered rubber flooring and I'm in two minds. I quite like the look but the smooth stuff not with the circular bobbles all over. But, does it look a bit hospital-esque?

[JT05]

Does it stain? Does it smell. To me rubber has a dreadful smell. I can't even take my own car for new tyres!

[leddeeburdee]

We have it. I wouldn't get it again, it marks quite easily and I find it hard to keep it looking clean. On the plus side it's quite warm under foot and has probably saved a lot of china and glass from getting smashed in its time! I've never thought it looked clinical but that depends on the colour I think.

[PigletJohn]

where I have seen it, dust and fluff seem to stick to it and it never looks properly clean.

[venys]

We considered it, but I think struggled with a supplier for the non bubbly stuff. Went with marmoleum in the end which can look and feel similar. It's quite nice and bouncy and also an eco friendly choice.

[BigGreenOlives]

The bobbles make it hard to keep clean

[wifeofdoom]

We have it- it has marked really badly and faded and peeled under the skylights. I wouldn't get it again, although it has been practical in terms of no worse round dog water bowl and soft for baby to fall on.

[90daychallenger]

Thanks for all your replies. Rubber floor is a no-no given what you've all said. Thank you!

venys I've never heard of that. Off to google!

[OfstedAintEverything]

Marmoleum looks fab and they will send you free samples.... As far as I can tell (we're hoping to use it later this
Year), the main issue is getting someone in with experience to fit the stuff.
My kitchen project is looming and I can't WAIT until our Floor Of Doom Tiling is out!

[rubybleu]

I've got it in my kitchen - horrid black with sparkles. I can confirm it never looks clean and just feels very cheap and nasty. It's getting replaced...

[Molecule]

I used to be involved in the supply of rubber used in various industrial processes. It's an absolute bugger for not liking liquids, one which can withstand water (and believe me many don't - they absorb it and form bubbles) will not like fat/oil so any splutters from a frying pan will leave nasty marks. Most will not be too keen on alkaline cleaning products either.

From this I guess you can see that I would never have a rubber floor anywhere, but especially not in a kitchen.