Rubber flooring consists of a layer of rubber on top of a subsurface. It can be either a sheet or tiles, and can be molded in place or installed dry. It provides a soft, comfortable walking surface, and is easier to clean than a carpet.

The rubber layer is the walking surface, whether formed in place or installed as separate pieces. The distinction therefore concerns the exposed material as well as the way it is laid.

Rubber beneath carpet is a backing or underlay and does not make the exposed floor a rubber floor. Artificial turf also has a separate identity where grasslike plastic fibers project from its backing.