Method of manufacturing mats for use with a plurality of top side seal members in a load-supporting surface includes at least one milling machine, router or thermoplastic mold forming at least one channel in the upper surface of each mat proximate to the outer edge of at least a first side thereof and configured to engage at least one dart of at least one of the seal members and a recess in each mat's upper surface around each respective channel and configured to seat at least part of one leg of at least one of the seal members.

An acoustical vinyl tile having an integral acoustical layer is disclosed. The vinyl tile includes a vinyl portion and an acoustical portion. The acoustical portion comprises a plurality of individual layers, the combination of which is customized to the particular sub-floor structure to which the tile will be adhered or overlain. The individual layers of the acoustical portion can include any of a variety of combinations of rubber, cork, polyurethane foam, and the like. The resulting tile meets one or more of ASTM E 2179, ASTM E 989, ASTM E 492, and ASTM E1007 IIC sound requirements. A method of designing the disclosed tile to suit a particular flooring application is also disclosed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Apparatus for forming a liquid-tight seal across gaps formed between adjacent components of a load-supporting surface useful at an outdoor worksite includes a liquid-impermeable, elongated, seal member configured to be sealing coupled to first and second mats in the load-supporting surface and extend across the gap formed therebetween.