ASTM F1859-21a

Standard Specification for Rubber Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of homogeneous (Type I) and layered (Type II) rubber sheet floor covering without backing. The floor coverings may either have smooth, embossed, or molded pattern surfaces, and shall not contain asbestos. They shall be tested on, and conform accordingly to the following requirements: chemical composition; hardness; modulus of 10 % elongation; static load limit; resistance to chemicals such as white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, sodium hydroxide solution, hydrochloric acid solution, sulfuric acid solution, household ammonia solution, and household bleach; resistance to heat; resistance to light; width and length; and base, wear layer, and overall thicknesses.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber sheet floor covering without backing.  
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 pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, 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 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 F710-17 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017

Overview

ASTM F1859-21a: Standard Specification for Rubber Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing establishes requirements for the composition and physical characteristics of resilient rubber sheet flooring products that do not include a backing material. These specifications apply to both homogeneous (Type I) and layered (Type II) rubber sheet floor coverings, which may feature smooth, embossed, or molded pattern surfaces. Notably, all products must be free from asbestos. As a key industry standard, ASTM F1859-21a serves as a benchmark for manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers, and purchasers to ensure quality, durability, and compatibility for commercial, institutional, and residential floor covering applications.

Key Topics

• Materials and Types

  • Homogeneous (Type I) and heterogeneous (Type II) rubber sheet flooring, without backing.
  • Surface options: smooth, embossed, or molded patterns.
  • Prohibition on asbestos-containing materials.

• Physical and Performance Requirements

  • Durometer hardness (Shore A) for adequate resilience.
  • Modulus at 10% elongation for flexibility.
  • Static load limit to ensure indentation resistance.
  • Abrasion resistance for longevity in high-traffic areas.
  • Resistance to common cleaning agents and chemicals (e.g., vinegar, rubbing alcohol, acids, ammonia, bleach).
  • Resistance to heat and light, maintaining color and appearance under stress.
  • Minimum and permissible tolerances on overall thickness, wear layer, width, and length.

• Workmanship and Appearance

  • Uniformity in color, pattern, and surface finish.
  • Free from defects affecting performance or visual appeal.

• Inspection, Sampling, and Certification

  • Adherence to ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 sampling procedures for quality assurance.
  • Certification requirements as specified in purchasing documents.
  • Marking and packaging to facilitate correct product identification and protection during transit.

Applications

Rubber sheet floor coverings addressed by ASTM F1859-21a are widely used in various environments due to their resilience, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common applications include:

• Commercial Spaces: Office buildings, retail stores, and healthcare facilities benefit from the flooring’s chemical resistance and durability.
• Educational and Institutional Facilities: Schools and universities select rubber sheet flooring for its comfort underfoot and ease of cleaning.
• Industrial Settings: Manufacturing plants and laboratories require solutions resistant to chemicals and static loads.
• Public and High-Traffic Areas: Transportation terminals, corridors, and lobbies utilize rubber flooring for its wear resistance and appearance retention.

The standard ensures these products maintain performance and safety in demanding conditions, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements for diverse flooring projects.

Related Standards

ASTM F1859-21a references several important standards to specify test methods, terminology, and installation guidelines, including:

• ASTM D2240 - Test Method for Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness
• ASTM D412 - Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension
• ASTM F970 - Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties after Static Loading
• ASTM F925 - Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Resilient Flooring
• ASTM F386 & F410 - Test Methods for Measuring Thickness of Resilient Flooring and Wear Layer
• ASTM D3389 - Abrasion Resistance Test for Coated Fabrics
• ASTM F1514 - Test Method for Heat Stability by Color Change
• ASTM F141 - Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 - Sampling Procedures and Inspection by Attributes

By adhering to ASTM F1859-21a and related standards, stakeholders in the flooring industry can ensure consistent quality, safety, and performance of rubber sheet floor coverings without backing, satisfying both regulatory and customer expectations.

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:F1859 −21a
Standard Specification for
Rubber Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1859; 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.
1. Scope D3389 Test Method for Coated FabricsAbrasion Resistance
(Rotary Platform Abrader)
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the com-
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
pound and physical characteristics of rubber sheet floor cov-
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Ma-
ering without backing.
terials Having Flat Surfaces
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
and are not considered standard.
Resilient Flooring
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains only to F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient
the test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: This
Flooring
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
Floor Coverings after Static Loading
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
regulatory limitations prior to use. F1514 TestMethodforMeasuringHeatStabilityofResilient
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Flooring by Color Change
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.3 ANSI Standard:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
spection by Attributes
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3. Terminology
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
2. Referenced Documents
standard, see Terminology F141.
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the
4. Classification
dateofthematerialpurchaseformapartofthisspecificationto
the extent referenced herein:
4.1 Rubber sheet floor covering covered by this specifica-
tion shall conform to the following types:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
4.1.1 Type I—Homogeneous rubber sheet floor covering,
D412 Test Methods forVulcanized Rubber andThermoplas-
4.1.2 Type II—Heterogeneous (Layered) rubber sheet floor
tic Elastomers—Tension
covering.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
4.2 The above may have either smooth, embossed, or
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
molded pattern surfaces.
ness
4.3 These products shall not contain asbestos.
5. Ordering Information
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on
Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80 5.1 Purchasers shall state whether this specification is to be
on Specifications.
used, select the preferred options permitted herein and include
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
the following information in the invitation to bid or purchase
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F1859-21. DOI:
order:
10.1520/F1859-21A.
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 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
F1859−21a
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification, 7. Performance Requirements
5.1.2 Type, color, and surface (see Section 4 and 6),
7.1 Hardness—The rubber sheet floor covering shall have a
5.1.3 Quantity, in square feet, square yards, or square
durometer hardness of not less than 85 (Shore, Type A) when
meters,
tested in accordance with Test Method D2240.
5.1.4 Thickness required (see Section 8),
7.2 Modulus at 10 % Elongation—When tested in accor-
5.1.5 Overall thickness, if molded pattern sheet flooring is
dance with Test Method D412 at a rate of 6 in. (152.4
specified (see 8.1),
mm)/min, using a 1 in. (25.4 mm) by 5 in. (127 mm) gage
5.1.6 Width required (see 8.4),
length rectangular specimen, the modulus shall not be less than
5.1.7 Length required (see 8.5),
300 psi (2.07 MPa). For molded pattern rubber sheet floor
5.1.8 Resistance to chemicals, (see 7.4),
covering, the raised pattern shall be removed by any suitable
method.
5.1.9 Lot information, if other than as specified in ANSI/
ASQC Z1.4 (see 10.1 and 11.1),
7.3 Static Loading—When tested in accordance with Test
5.1.10 Sampling, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC
Method F970, with an applied load of 250 lb (113.4 kg), the
Z1.4 (see 10.1 and 11.1),
residual indentation shall not be greater than 0.005 in. (0.127
5.1.11 Statement requesting certification, if certification of
mm).
compliance is required (see 12.1),
7.4 Resistance to Chemicals—When tested in accordance
5.1.12 Packaging and packing requirements, if other than as
with Test Method F925, the rubber sheet floor covering shall
specified (see 14.1),
have no more than a slight change in surface dulling, color
5.1.13 Palletization, if required,
change or surface attack, when exposed to the following
5.1.14 Marking required, if other than specified (see 13.1),
chemicals:
and
7.4.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
5.1.15 Other requirements.
7.4.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
7.4.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
6. Materials and Manufacture
7.4.4 Hydrochloric acid solution (5 % HCl),
6.1 Material—The polymeric binder of the rubber sheet
7.4.5 Sulfuric acid solution (5 % H SO ),
2 4
floor covering shall satisfy the definition of rubber in Termi-
7.4.6 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH), and
nology D1566, and have been vulcanized, as defined in
7.4.7 Household bleach (5.25 % NaOCl).
Terminology D1566 (under vulcanization), such that it be-
NOTE 3—These basic chemicals are representative of those likely to be
comes thermoset as defined in Terminology D883. The rubber
found in domestic, commercial, and institutional use. Many proprietary
sheet flooring made from this compound shall be resistant to
compounds contain one or more of these basic chemicals. Should the
neutral pH cleaners.
flooring for an unusual application need to be resistant to a specific
chemical, this additional requirement should become part of the procure-
6.2 Color, Pattern, and Wear Layer Surface—The color,
ment document (see 5.1.8).
pattern, and wear layer surface, as applicable, shall be as
NOTE 4—Since standard SBR rubber flooring is not recommended for
specified in the contract or order (see 5.1).
installation where the product will be exposed to animal fats, vegetable
oils, and petroleum-based reagents, mineral oil, olive oil, kerosene, and
NOTE 1—The colors and patterns that are available are indicated in
gasoline have been removed from the standard chemical list to eliminate
individual manufacturer’s current catalogs. As manufactured, colors may
any confusion regarding product selection.
vary somewhat in hue or shade from the catalog.
NOTE 2—Where color match is a concern, samples from the manufac- 7.5 Resistance to Heat—When tested in accordance to Test
turer shall be obtained to verify color acceptability.
Method F1514, the color change of the rubber sheet floor
covering shall have an average ∆E not greater than 8.0 after
6.3 Homogeneous Rubber Sheet Floor Covering—The sur-
seven days exposure to 158 °F (70 °C). The specimen surface
facecoloringormottlingshallbeuniformthroughouttheentire
shall be wiped with a clean, white cotton cloth prior to taking
thickness of the rubber sheet floor covering.
the initial and post test conditioned period color readings to
6.4 Heterogeneous (Layered) Rubber Sheet Floor
remove any wax bloom or other contaminants which may
Covering—The surface coloring or mottling need not extend
affect the accuracy of the color readings.
through the entire thickness of the rubber sheet floor covering,
7.6 Abrasion Resista
...

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: F1859 − 21 F1859 − 21a
Standard Specification for
Rubber Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1859; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber sheet floor covering without
backing.
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 pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, 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 the material purchase form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension
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
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
F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
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 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20142021 as
ɛ1
F1859-14-21. . DOI: 10.1520/F1859-21.10.1520/F1859-21A.
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
F1859 − 21a
F1514 Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
2.3 ANSI Standard:
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 sheet floor covering covered by this specification shall conform to the following types:
4.1.1 Type I—Homogeneous rubber sheet floor covering,
4.1.2 Type II—Heterogeneous (Layered) rubber sheet floor covering.
4.2 The above may have either smooth, embossed, or molded pattern surfaces.
4.3 These products shall not contain asbestos.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Purchasers 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, and surface (see Section 44 and 6 and Section 6),
5.1.3 Quantity, in square feet, square yards, or square meters,
5.1.4 Thickness required.required (see Section 8),
5.1.5 Overall thickness, if molded pattern sheet flooring is specified (see 8.1),
5.1.6 Width required (see 8.4),
5.1.7 Length required (see 8.5),
5.1.8 Resistance to chemicals, (see 7.4),
5.1.9 Lot information, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see 10.110.1 and 11.1 and 11.1),
5.1.10 Sampling, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see 10.110.1 and 11.1 and 11.1),
5.1.11 Statement requesting certification, if certification of compliance is required (see 12.1),
5.1.12 Packaging and packing requirements, if other than as specified (see 14.1),
5.1.13 Palletization, if required,
5.1.14 Marking required, if other than specified (see 13.1), and
5.1.15 Other requirements.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
F1859 − 21a
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Material—The polymeric binder of the rubber sheet floor covering shall satisfy the definition of rubber in Terminology D1566,
and have been vulcanized, as defined in Terminology D1566 (under vulcanization), such that it becomes thermoset as defined in
Terminology D883. The rubber sheet flooring 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 Sheet Floor Covering—The surface coloring or mottling shall be uniform throughout the entire
thickness of the rubber sheet floor covering.
6.4 Heterogeneous (Layered) Rubber Sheet Floor Covering—The surface coloring or mottling need not extend through the entire
thickness of the rubber sheet floor covering, 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 sheet floor covering, after removing 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) of the wear layer thickness, shall
compare favorably in appearance with the rubber sheet flooring’s original appearance. The removal of the wear layer may be
accomplished by any suitable method.
7. Performance Requirements
7.1 Hardness—The rubber sheet floor covering shall have a durometer hardness of not less than 85 (Shore, Type A) when tested
in accordance with Test Method D2240.
7.2 Modulus at 10 % Elongation—When tested in accordance with Test Method D412 at a rate of 6 in. (152.4 mm)/min, using
a 1 in. (25.4 mm) by 5 in. (127 mm) gage length rectangular specimen, the modulus shall not be less than 300 psi (2.07 MPa).
For molded pattern rubber sheet floor covering, the raised pattern shall be removed by any suitable method.
7.3 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).
7.4 Resistance to Chemicals—When tested in accordance with Test Method F925, the rubber sheet floor covering shall have no
more than a slight change in surface dulling, color change or surface attack, when exposed to the following chemicals:
7.4.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
7.4.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
7.4.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
7.4.4 Hydrochloric acid solution (5 % HCl),
7.4.5 Sulfuric acid solution (5 % H SO ),
2 4
7.4.6 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH), and
7.4.7 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
F1859 − 21a
contain one or more of these basic chemicals. Should the flooring 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 flooring is 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 any confusion
regarding product selection.
7.5 Resistance t
...