The stability of the patented 3D connection system is largely due to the intermediate elements—often called “floating cells” by our customers. Without these components, the strong vertical interlock of the tiles would not be possible. For this reason, both the Puzzle Mat 3D® safety tiles and the original edge tiles were equipped with these elements. However, because each Puzzle Mat 3D® tile contains intermediate elements on two sides, the intermediate elements of the tile and those of the edge tile would meet and “push” against each other during installation.
Intermediate Elements as a Key Stability Factor
Since the Puzzle Mat 3D® includes intermediate elements on two sides, this issue appeared on two edges of any given installation area. Until now, the slightly thinned intermediate elements on the edge tiles could be removed with a utility knife or jigsaw. In practice, however, many users did not have the correct blade available—or only used small hobby cutters. The result: unnecessary loss of time and, for many installers, a painful layer of callus between thumb and index finger.
How Installation Worked Until Now
Customers have been asking for an adjusted edge tile version without intermediate elements for quite some time. Because the Puzzle Mat 3D® includes intermediate elements on two sides, removing or modifying the edge-tile elements was often required. While technically feasible, it slowed down the installation process and increased the risk of imprecise cuts. With the update, the need for manual trimming has been eliminated entirely.
A Long-requested Production Update
The updated edge tiles now feature a dedicated version without intermediate elements. They also include a drainage structure on the underside and can be locked in from above. This top-down connection speeds up installation significantly, as the edge tiles no longer need to be fine-tuned or manually aligned with the Puzzle Mat 3D® tiles. The enhanced 3D system strengthens our core promise: to offer Germany’s easiest-to-install safety surfacing system.
Faster Installation thanks to the New Edge Tiles
More information can be found in our updated installation guide:
