Quick answer: choose EPDM rubber sheet for anything outdoors or exposed to sunlight, weather, ozone or water: seals, weatherstrips, roofs, ponds and marine use. Choose SBR (commercial grade) rubber sheet for general-purpose indoor jobs where cost matters: matting, floor protection, packing, workbench covers and light gaskets. If the sheet will be in constant contact with oil or fuel, neither is ideal. Use nitrile or neoprene instead.
What are EPDM and SBR?
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber with outstanding resistance to UV, ozone and weathering. It’s the material used in many flat-roof membranes and outdoor seals.
SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) is the workhorse general-purpose rubber. It’s tough, abrasion-resistant and economical, and is the basis of most “commercial grade” black rubber sheet.
EPDM vs SBR: side by side
| EPDM | SBR / commercial grade | |
|---|---|---|
| UV & weather resistance | Excellent; won’t crack in sunlight | Limited; can harden and crack outdoors over time |
| Ozone resistance | Excellent | Poor to fair |
| Water & salt water | Excellent | Good |
| Typical temperature range | Roughly -40°C to +120°C | Roughly -30°C to +70°C |
| Abrasion resistance | Good | Very good |
| Oil & fuel resistance | Poor; swells in mineral oils | Not designed for continuous oil contact |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually the most economical |
Temperature ranges vary by grade, so always check the specification of the exact sheet you buy.
When to choose EPDM rubber sheet
- Outdoor seals, weatherstripping and gaskets
- Shed, garage and flat-roof protection and upstands
- Water troughs, tanks, garden water features and marine or coastal use
- Anywhere the sheet will sit in direct sunlight for years
Shop EPDM rubber sheet by the metre or in 10m EPDM rubber sheet rolls.
When to choose SBR (commercial) rubber sheet
- Indoor floor protection, van and trailer linings
- Workbench and shelf covers, anti-vibration pads under machines
- Packing, spacers, general gaskets and washers
- Large areas where cost per metre matters most
Shop commercial rubber sheet, black rubber sheet by the metre or 10m black rubber sheet rolls.
What about neoprene, nitrile and reinforced sheet?
- Nitrile: the go-to rubber for oil, grease and fuel contact. Ideal for workshop and engineering seals.
- Neoprene: a good all-rounder with moderate oil and weather resistance. Our neoprene strips and sponge sheet suit sealing jobs.
- Fabric reinforced (1-ply): a textile layer adds tear strength. See our reinforced rubber sheet.
- Soundproofing sheet: dense rubber for noise and vibration. See soundproofing rubber sheet.
Which thickness?
- 1.5mm–3mm: gaskets, washers, light seals and surface protection
- 4mm–6mm: van linings, bench covers, general matting
- 8mm–12mm: anti-vibration pads and heavy floor protection
- 15mm–25mm: impact protection and heavy plant
EPDM vs SBR FAQs
Can I use SBR rubber sheet outdoors?
For short-term or shaded use, yes. For long-term exposure to sunlight and weather, EPDM lasts much longer.
Is EPDM rubber sheet oil resistant?
No. EPDM swells in contact with petroleum oils and fuels. Use nitrile for oily environments.
Can EPDM sheet be used as a pond liner?
EPDM is widely used for pond liners, but make sure the sheet is specified as fish-safe if you’re keeping fish. For garden ponds, see our pond liner.
Do you cut rubber sheet to size?
Yes. Most of our rubber sheet is sold by the linear metre in your chosen width, or in full 10m rolls.
Browse our full rubber sheet range with free UK delivery, or call 01744 520 110 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) and we’ll help you pick the right compound.