Foam floor products often are used at live events, such as trade shows because these products are light, affordable, flexible and portable. Many foam flooring products today consist of interlocking tiles or mats that imitate wood or carpeting. Unfinished foam floor products also come in an array of colors to match your event display. Learning foam flooring products key terms is vital, since it allows you to hone in on those foam flooring products that can help make your display stand out.

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Foam flooring

Foam flooring is a flooring product that is made from polyurethane foam or from other synthetic materials. Foam flooring is often prized for its cushioning properties, easy-to-clean surfaces and mobility. Most foam flooring products are easy to install, and some products are designed to offer temporary flooring solutions at trade shows and other events.

I recommend: The Flooring Lady has a useful description of foam flooring, including how foam flooring is made and what it tends to be used for.

Trade show flooring

Trade show flooring includes temporary flooring solutions for trade show booths and displays. In most cases, trade show flooring is made from foam flooring products, because these products are soft and, therefore, comfortable as well as affordable. In most cases, trade show flooring solutions include interlocking foam tiles that resemble hardwood, carpet or other flooring options.

I recommend: MODdisplays offers a good description of trade show flooring and includes many examples of trade show foam floors.

Interlocking foam floor mats

Interlocking foam floor mats are large pieces of foam flooring that have interlocking jig-saw-like edges. You can use the mats to cover large or small surfaces.

I recommend: Read about interlocking foam floor mats and look at pictures at Rubber Flooring Direct.

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is a polymer foam product made from ethylene and vinyl acetate. EVA is often used in interlocking foam floor tiles because it is a durable and non-toxic material. EVA is also used for many other products, including flotation devices, children's toys, theater props and more.

I recommend: The Home Floor Designs Blog has a definition of EVA foam.

Anti-fatigue foam flooring

Anti-fatigue foam flooring includes mats and foam tiles that offer cushioning for workers who remain on their feet for extended periods of time. Anti-fatigue foam flooring is also non-slip, and, in some cases, is used in industrial environments. Anti-fatigue flooring can be made from vinyl and rubber, but foam is a very popular option for this type of flooring.

I recommend: Dawg has a detailed description of anti-fatigue flooring, including plenty of details about how such flooring is used.

Polyethylene foam

Polyethylene foam is a synthetic thermoplastic that used to be quite popular as a foam flooring product. Although still used for many consumer products, Polyethylene foam is less common as a foam flooring product. Many foam flooring products are now made from EVA foam.

I recommend: wiseGEEK has a detailed description of the composition and uses of Polyethylene foam.

Foam flooring products are more than just a comfort consideration when you're designing your company's trade show booth. Sure, installing foam floors will make it easier for your exhibit staff to stand on their feet all day, but you can also use customized foam flooring products as an advertising medium to get your message across.

Foam trade show flooring options let you create a welcoming environment for booth traffic while reinforcing your company's logo, color scheme or message. Consider the advantages of various types of foam floors:

1. Interlocking foam tiles can be adapted to various exhibit setups.

2. Foam flooring that comes in a roll makes installation quick and easy, and saves storage space.

3. Carpeted interlocking foam tiles give a professional appearance while still maintaining the benefits of foam tiles.

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Choose interlocking foam flooring that compliments your exhibit

Foam event flooring tiles offer vibrant, eye catching colors in easy-to-assemble 2x2 foot squares. Comfortable to walk on and durable enough to stand up under table legs and high heels, this foam exhibit flooring is reusable, and it's easy to replace individual tiles. Customizing options let you display your company colors, logo, brand name and services on foam flooring tiles. Order vinyl bags for ease of carrying and storage.

I recommend: Soft Tiles carries 2x2 foam tiles in 11 eye-catching, mix-and-match colors. With their free design service you can be assured that your foam tiles will fit the display area perfectly. Wondermat's design center lets you customize your foam expo flooring with color choices, picture tiles and lettering styles. Their Make a Mat calculator insures that you get the perfect fit.

Save time with rolled foam flooring that features ease of setup

Rollable flooring sets up and tears down in minutes. Rolled flooring is maintenance-free and waterproof. Measured out in 10x10 finished pieces, it offers the ultimate in convenience. Invest in a shipping case with wheels to protect your flooring investment and make storage and transport much easier.

I recommend: The TradeShow Display Store carries padded vinyl rollable comfort flooring, which comes in 7 colors including 2 wood grain surfaces. TradeShowDirect has rolled flooring that comes in two 5x10 sections for a final finished floor size of 10x10. Add more sections to make a custom size. This flooring comes in three different colors, including a faux maple finish.

Get a professional look by using foam flooring products with a carpet or finished overlay

Foam floors with carpeting are durable enough to handle traffic in and out of your booth, while still being comfortable, light and portable. Form decorative patterns in your display area by alternating 2x2 squares in different colors.

I recommend: GREATMATS.com offers premium carpeting fused onto interlocking foam mats in a variety of colors including charcoal, ocean, ivy and red. The soft carpet offered by MatsMatsMats.com comes in 12 different colors. This vendor also carries interlocking foam tiles with textured or laminated wood surface surfaces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One benefit of using interlocking foam floors over the roll flooring is that if part of the floor is damaged, one tile is much easier to replace than the entire floor.
• •  Take advantage of the free samples that many companies offer. By requesting samples you can be sure of the quality and the color of the foam flooring tiles.

Going into business for yourself by becoming a foam floor contractor? The majority of flooring contractors are self-employed. While most education and training is hands-on at the job site, it's important to learn more about your responsibilities such as becoming licensed and certified. You'll also want to learn all you can about professional installation. Being self-employed, you have only yourself to rely on when it comes to your educational needs and business goals.

Many contractors can install a variety of flooring including foam tile. You will benefit from becoming a generalist, opening up your possibilities for many different jobs. Clients will come to count on you for expert flooring installation that adds style to their home or office.

Consider this other career information:

1. Employment stability isn't always tied to construction activity like some other occupations, especially in working with interlocking foam mats.

2. Installing foam flooring tiles may be relatively easy to do but don't always count on an 8-to-5 shift. You may need to work after business hours to accommodate your client's needs.

3. Working with foam flooring products requires some hand-eye coordination, strength and coordination as well as being able to perform quick calculations and measurements.

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Find foam floor contractor license information

Before you go about promoting your business and getting down to work, you'll want to make sure you abide by all contractor rules and regulations in your state. Find out what it takes to become a licensed flooring contractor. Many times, all it involves is an application and a fee.

I recommend: Find licensing information for your state by visiting National Contractors.com. If you do business in the State of California, you'll have to abide by the license classification specifically set for flooring contractors.

Receive professional installation education on interlocking foam tiles from flooring associations

Many flooring associations provide flooring education through installation tutorials, continuing education seminars, and even trade shows. Becoming a member of a national or regional organization can open up many doors for you and your business.

I recommend: The Flooring Contractors Association provides training that includes access to guidebooks, manuals, and videotapes. Product installation information from one manufacturer can be found at Sponge Cushion, Inc.

Look into certifying your foam flooring skills

Becoming certified as a flooring contractor is not an easy task, and not everyone can receive certification status. Such certification is therefore seen as a symbol of a contractor's excellence in the industry. Consider taking this extra step. In doing so, you will reap many rewards and benefits for your business.

I recommend: Learn more about how getting certified can give you a competitive advantage from this BNP Media article. Check out the different levels of certification available, the skills required, and the costs through Certified Floorcovering Installers.