Writing a M50 Specification for Rubber Flooring

A well-written M50 rubber flooring specification is a technical control document and its role is to define what type of flooring is required for a project area, how it is to be installed, and what performance standard must be met.

Guidance from NBS is clear: specifications should be transparent, concise, correct, and unambiguous. Their function is to describe materials, workmanship, standards, and execution in a way that reduces risk. Where wording is vague or overly complex, projects are more exposed to less efficient substitutions, pricing inconsistencies, timely requests for information (RFIs) and legal disputes.

Rubber flooring is particularly sensitive to unclear specification risk because “rubber” is not a single product and is sometimes confused or lumped in with "vinyl".

A robust M50 clause needs to define, at minimum:

• Product type and format (sheet or tile and thickness)
• Subfloor preparation and moisture testing requirements
• Adhesive system and seam/join treatment
• Slip resistance expectations and intended use
• Detailing at edges, skirtings, and junctions
• Cleaning, maintenance, EPD and sustainablity standards along with warranty conditions

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In practical terms, a clear M50 specification helps to reduce RFIs, limits unintended value engineering, and improves consistency across projects. From a neutral technical perspective, publishing a NBS-aligned M50 for rubber flooring is best practice. Products that are specified correctly are easier to cost, install and approve—removing friction across the entire procurement chain.

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We feel every project and specification is unique so please speak to one of the specificaiton team if you require any information when writing a M50.

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