ASTM F1344-21a

Standard Specification for Rubber Floor Tile

ABSTRACT
This specification covers requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile. The polymeric binder of the rubber floor tile shall have been vulcanized such that it becomes thermoset. The rubber floor tile made from this compound shall be resistant to neutral pH cleaners. For homogeneous rubber floor tile, the surface coloring or mottling shall be uniform throughout the entire thickness of the rubber floor tile. For layered rubber floor tile, the surface color or mottling need not extend through the entire thickness of the rubber floor tile, but must extend throughout the entire thickness of the wear layer. The material shall be tested for heat resistance, abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, and light resistance.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 The following precautionary statement applies only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.80 - Specifications

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F141-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2023
• Refers: ASTM F925-13(2020) - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM F2199-20 - Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM F141-12(2020) - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1514-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM F710-19 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2199-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2018

Overview

ASTM F1344-21a: Standard Specification for Rubber Floor Tile provides comprehensive requirements for the composition and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile products used as resilient floor coverings. This international standard, published by ASTM International, outlines properties to ensure that rubber floor tiles offer reliable performance, safety, and durability across a wide range of commercial, institutional, and residential applications.

This specification covers requirements related to material composition, manufacturing processes, thickness, hardness, resistance to chemicals, abrasion, heat, dimensional stability, and appearance, ensuring rubber floor tiles are suitable for diverse environments where resilient flooring is critical.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: The specification mandates that the polymeric binder of rubber floor tiles is vulcanized to form a thermoset material, ensuring durability and resilience.
• Product Types and Grades:
  • Type I: Homogeneous rubber floor tile (uniform color or mottling throughout the entire thickness)
  • Type II: Heterogeneous (layered) rubber floor tile (surface color or mottling confined to the wear layer)
  • Grades based on hardness (Shore A): Grade 1 (≥85), Grade 2 (≥70 but <85)
• Physical and Performance Requirements:
  • Dimensional consistency: Defined tolerances for size, thickness, and squareness of tiles.
  • Abrasion resistance: Tiles are tested to limit material loss and maintain a lasting wearing surface.
  • Chemical resistance: Resistant to neutral pH cleaners and common household chemicals, ensuring suitability in various environments.
  • Heat and light resistance: Limits on color change after heat exposure.
  • Static loading performance: Specified requirements for indentation under load.
  • Workmanship and Appearance: Tiles must be free of manufacturing defects such as cracks, blemishes, or delamination.
• Ordering and Certification: Clear guidelines for specifying, ordering, and certifying compliant rubber floor tile products.

Applications

ASTM F1344-21a rubber floor tile is widely used in:

• Commercial Spaces: Offices, retail stores, and other high-traffic areas require resilient, easy-to-clean flooring.
• Institutional Facilities: Hospitals, schools, and public buildings benefit from the safety, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability of rubber floor tiles.
• Residential Use: Rubber floor tiles’ comfort and resistance to common household chemicals make them suitable for kitchens, laundry rooms, and home gyms.
• Industrial Settings: Areas needing durable, impact-resistant, and slip-retardant flooring solutions.

The specification ensures that rubber floor tiles can maintain their appearance and performance under routine cleaning, exposure to common chemicals, and varying loads, making them a flexible choice for diverse installation environments.

Related Standards

• ASTM F141: Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• ASTM D2240: Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness
• ASTM D3389: Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Coated Fabrics
• ASTM F373/F386/F410: Test Methods for measuring thickness and wear layer of resilient flooring
• ASTM F710: Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• ASTM F925: Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
• ASTM F2199: Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability after Exposure to Heat
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4: Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

For organizations and professionals involved in the specification, purchasing, installation, or maintenance of rubber floor tiles, adhering to ASTM F1344-21a assures a consistent standard of quality, performance, and safety suitable for today’s resilient flooring requirements.

Keywords: ASTM F1344, rubber floor tile, resilient flooring, rubber tile standard, commercial flooring, floor covering specification, chemical resistant flooring.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1344 −21a
Standard Specification for
Rubber Floor Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1344; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F373 Test Method for Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor
1.1 This specification covers requirements for the com-
Coverings
pound and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile.
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Ma-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
terials Having Flat Surfaces
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
and are not considered standard.
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
1.3 The following precautionary statement applies only to
Resilient Flooring
the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification. This F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
Flooring
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
Floor Coverings after Static Loading
environmental practices and determine the applicability of F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel
regulatory limitations prior to use.
Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- F1514 TestMethodforMeasuringHeatStabilityofResilient
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Flooring by Color Change
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the F2055 Test Method for Size and Squareness of Resilient
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Floor Tile by Dial Gauge Method
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical F2199 Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Expo-
sure to Heat
2. Referenced Documents
2.3 ANSI Standards:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the
spection by Attributes
date of this material purchase form a part of this specification
to the extent referenced herein:
3. Terminology
2.2 ASTM Standards:
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
standard, see Terminology F141.
D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard- 4. Classification
ness
4.1 Rubber floor tile covered by this specification shall be
D3389 Test Method for Coated FabricsAbrasion Resistance
classified as:
(Rotary Platform Abrader)
Type I—Homogeneous Rubber Floor Tile
A. Solid Color
B. Through Mottled
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on
Type II—Heterogeneous (Layered) Rubber Floor Tile
Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80
A. Solid Color Wear Layer
on Specifications.
B. Mottled Wear Layer
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
Grade—Based on Shore A durometer hardness
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F1344 - 21. DOI:
Grade 1$ 85
10.1520/F1344-21A.
Grade 2$ 70 but less than 85
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1344 − 21a
4.2 The tile in 4.1 may have either smooth, embossed, or 6.4.2 The appearance of the rubber floor tile, after removing
molded pattern wearing surfaces. 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) of the wear layer thickness, shall compare
favorably in appearance with the rubber floor tile original
4.3 These products shall not contain asbestos.
appearance. The removal of the wear layer may be accom-
5. Ordering Information
plished by any suitable method.
5.1 Purchaser shall state whether this specification is to be
7. Performance Requirements
used, select the preferred options permitted herein, and include
7.1 Hardness—The rubber floor tile shall have a durometer
the following information in the invitation to bid or purchase
order: hardness as follows:
Grade 1 ≥ 85
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification.
5.1.2 Type,color,pattern,andwearingsurface(seeSections Grade 2 ≥ 70 but less than 85 (Shore, Type A, instantaneous
4 and 6). reading) when tested in accordance with Test Method D2240.
5.1.3 Quantity, in square feet, square meters, or cartons.
7.2 Static Loading—When tested in accordance with Test
5.1.4 Size required (see 8.4).
Method F970, with an applied load of 250 lb (113.4 kg), the
5.1.5 Thickness required (see 8.3).
residual indentation shall not be greater than 0.005 in. (0.127
5.1.6 Overall thickness, if molded pattern tile is specified
mm).
(see 8.1).
7.3 Resistance to Chemicals—When tested in accordance
5.1.7 Base thickness, if molded pattern tile is specified (see
withTestMethodF925,therubberfloortileshallhavenomore
8.2).
than a slight change in surface dulling, color change or surface
5.1.8 Resistance to chemicals (see 7.4).
attack, when exposed to the following chemicals:
5.1.9 Lot formation, if other than as specified in ANSI/
7.3.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 11).
7.3.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
5.1.10 Sampling, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC
7.3.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 11).
7.3.4 Hydrochloric acid solution (5 % HCl),
5.1.11 Statement requesting certification, if certification of
7.3.5 Sulfuric acid solution (5 % H SO ),
2 4
compliance is required (see Section 12).
7.3.6 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH), and
5.1.12 Packaging and packing requirements, if other than as
7.3.7 Household bleach (5.25 % NaOCl).
specified (see Section 14).
5.1.13 Palletization, if required.
NOTE 3—These basic chemicals are representative of those likely to be
found in domestic, commercial, and institutional use. Many proprietary
5.1.14 Markingrequired,ifotherthanspecified(seeSection
compounds contain one or more of these basic chemicals. Should the
13).
rubberfloortileforanunusualapplicationneedtoberesistanttoaspecific
5.1.15 Other requirements.
chemical, this additional requirement should become part of the procure-
ment document (see 5.1.8).
6. Materials and Manufacture
NOTE 4—Since standard SBR rubber floor tiles are not recommended
6.1 Material—The polymeric binder of the rubber floor tile forinstallationwheretheproductwillbeexposedtoanimalfats,vegetable
oils, and petroleum-based reagents, mineral oil, olive oil, kerosene, and
shall (1)satisfythedefinitionofrubberinTerminologyD1566,
gasoline have been removed from the standard chemical list to eliminate
and (2) have been vulcanized, as defined in Terminology
any confusion regarding product selection.
D1566 (under vulcanization), such that it becomes thermoset
7.4 Resistance to Heat—When tested in accordance with
as defined in Terminology D883. The rubber floor tile made
Test Method F1514, the color change of the rubber floor tile
from this compound shall be resistant to neutral pH cleaners.
shall have an average ∆E not greater than 8.0 after 7 days
6.2 Color, Pattern, and Wear Layer Surface—The color,
exposure to 158 °F (70 °C). The specimen surface shall be
pattern, and wear layer surface, as applicable, shall be as
wiped with a clean, white cotton cloth prior to taking the initial
specified in the contract or order (see 5.1).
and post test conditioned period color readings to remove any
wax bloom or other contaminants which may affect the
NOTE 1—The colors and patterns that are available are indicated in
individual manufacturer’s current catalogs. As manufactured, colors may
accuracy of the color readings.
vary somewhat in hue or shade from the catalog.
7.5 Abrasion Resistance—When tested in accordance with
NOTE 2—Wh
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1344 − 21 F1344 − 21a
Standard Specification for
Rubber Floor Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1344; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 The following precautionary statement applies only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification. This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the date of this material purchase form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness
D3389 Test Method for Coated Fabrics Abrasion Resistance (Rotary Platform Abrader)
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F373 Test Method for Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor Coverings
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Materials Having Flat Surfaces
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of Floor Coverings after Static Loading
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80 on
Specifications.
Current edition approved July 1, 2021Oct. 1, 2021. Published August 2021October 2021. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20152021 as
F1344-15. DOI: 10.1520/F1344-21. - 21. DOI: 10.1520/F1344-21A.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1344 − 21a
F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
F1514 Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
F2055 Test Method for Size and Squareness of Resilient Floor Tile by Dial Gauge Method
F2199 Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
2.3 ANSI Standards:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this standard, see Terminology F141.
4. Classification
4.1 Rubber floor tile covered by this specification shall be classified as:
Type I—Homogeneous Rubber Floor Tile
A. Solid Color
B. Through Mottled
Type II—Heterogeneous (Layered) Rubber Floor Tile
A. Solid Color Wear Layer
B. Mottled Wear Layer
Grade—Based on Shore A durometer hardness
Grade 1$ 85
Grade 2 $ 70 but less than 85
4.2 The tile in 4.1 may have either smooth, embossed, or molded pattern wearing surfaces.
4.3 These products shall not contain asbestos.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Purchaser shall state whether this specification is to be used, select the preferred options permitted herein, and include the
following information in the invitation to bid or purchase order:
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification.
5.1.2 Type, color, pattern, and wearing surface (see Sections 44 and 6 and 6).
5.1.3 Quantity, in square feet, square meters, or cartons.
5.1.4 Size required (see 8.4).
5.1.5 Thickness required (see 8.3).
5.1.6 Overall thickness, if molded pattern tile is specified (see 8.1).
5.1.7 Base thickness, if molded pattern tile is specified (see 8.2).
5.1.8 Resistance to chemicals (see 7.4).
5.1.9 Lot formation, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 11).
5.1.10 Sampling, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 11).
5.1.11 Statement requesting certification, if certification of compliance is required (see Section 12).
5.1.12 Packaging and packing requirements, if other than as specified (see Section 14).
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
F1344 − 21a
5.1.13 Palletization, if required.
5.1.14 Marking required, if other than specified (see Section 13).
5.1.15 Other requirements.
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Material—The polymeric binder of the rubber floor tile shall (1) satisfy the definition of rubber in Terminology D1566, and
(2) have been vulcanized, as defined in Terminology D1566 (under vulcanization), such that it becomes thermoset as defined in
Terminology D883. The rubber floor tile made from this compound shall be resistant to neutral pH cleaners.
6.2 Color, Pattern, and Wear Layer Surface—The color, pattern, and wear layer surface, as applicable, shall be as specified in the
contract or order (see 5.1).
NOTE 1—The colors and patterns that are available are indicated in individual manufacturer’s current catalogs. As manufactured, colors may vary
somewhat in hue or shade from the catalog.
NOTE 2—Where color match is a concern, samples from the manufacturer shall be obtained to verify color acceptability.
6.3 Homogeneous Rubber Floor Tile—The surface coloring or mottling shall be uniform throughout the entire thickness of the
rubber floor tile.
6.4 Heterogeneous (Layered) Rubber Floor Tile—The surface color or mottling need not extend through the entire thickness of
the rubber floor tile, but must extend throughout the entire thickness of the wear layer.
6.4.1 The wear layer must have a minimum thickness of 0.040 in. (1.0 mm) when measured in accordance with Test Method F410.
6.4.2 The appearance of the rubber floor tile, after removing 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) of the wear layer thickness, shall compare
favorably in appearance with the rubber floor tile original appearance. The removal of the wear layer may be accomplished by any
suitable method.
7. Performance Requirements
7.1 Hardness—The rubber floor tile shall have a durometer hardness as follows:
Grade 1 ≥ 85
Grade 2 ≥ 70 but less than 85 (Shore, Type A, instantaneous reading) when tested in accordance with Test Method D2240.
7.2 Static Loading—When tested in accordance with Test Method F970, with an applied load of 250 lb (113.4 kg), the residual
indentation shall not be greater than 0.005 in. (0.127 mm).
7.3 Resistance to Short-Term Chemical Exposure—Chemicals—When tested in accordance with Test Method F925, the rubber
floor tile shall have no more than a slight change in surface dulling, color change or surface attack, when exposed to the following
chemicals:
7.3.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
7.3.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
7.3.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
7.3.4 Hydrochloric acid solution (5 % HCl),
7.3.5 Sulfuric acid solution (5 % H SO ),
2 4
7.3.6 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH), and
F1344 − 21a
7.3.7 Household bleach (5.25 % NaOCl).
NOTE 3—These basic chemicals are representative of those likely to be found in domestic, commercial, and institutional use. Many proprietary compounds
contain one or more of these basic chemicals. Should the rubber floor tile for an unusual application need to be resistant to a specific chemical, this
additional requirement should become part of the procurement document (see 5.1.8).
NOTE 4—Since standard SBR rubber floor tiles are not recommended for installation where the product will be exposed to animal fats, vegetable oils,
and petroleum-based reagents, mineral oil, olive oil, kerosene, and gasoline have been removed from the standard chemical list to eliminate an
...