What Do You Put Under A Horse Stall Mat?

Installing a horse stall mat for your animal space isn’t always as simple as just picking one that’s affordable and throwing it down. You will want to consider what type of subfloor or subsurface exists as the base on which the horse stall mat will sit. Depending on what type of surface already exists, you may need to alter that subsurface to make it suitable for stall mats and large animals. So what do you put under the stall mat to make it suitable?

What to Use Under Horse Stall Mats

1. tamped gravel
2. wood
3. asphalt
4. packed limestone fines (⅛ inch or smaller)
5. granite
6. or other level well-compacted surface

Once you’ve determined what level subfloor is the best fit for your barn, you will also want to determine if the horse stall mat you’re considering will be a good fit for the given space. That includes considering whether or not the surface will be subject to moisture and/or extreme temperatures like freeze and thaw conditions. 

If installing over a non-solid surface, make sure your fines do not exceed 1/8 inch in size. This will help eliminate troublesome bumps in your stall floor. This type of subsurface also works the best for drainage and standing up to freezing and thawing conditions.

When using fines, it's best to have a depth of 4 to 5 inches of compacted fines that stop 3/4 inch short of the desired height of the mats - assuming you are using 3/4 inch thick stall mats. If not, adjust accordingly with the thickness of your stall mats.

Tamping is the preferred method of compacting the fines. Soaking the material with water will also aid in the process.

Once the subsurface is leveled and compacted, allow it to dry before installing your stall mats.

Horse Stall Mat Options

12x12 Horse Stall Mats

A user friendly horse stall mat option is the 12x12 mat kit. This product is pre-sized for 12x12 stalls and is ¾ inch thick - which is super heavy duty for horses and other heavy livestock. 

These mats work best when installed on compacted crushed stone or similar surfaces, and they are very easy to assemble with their pre cut component pieces. Their interlocking seams make for an easy cleaning process as they won’t separate or allow bedding and waste to pack between or under the mats. 

This kit actually comes with six 4x6 ft mats, with each individual mat measuring 24 square feet, making the entire 12x12 foot kit a total surface area of 140.19 square feet. This product is made in the USA of durable rubber, and they come with a 12 year warranty. 

4x6 Straight Edge Sundance Mat 

An excellent straight edge horse stall mat is the 4x6 and ¾ inch thick and durable Sundance mat. This versatile product does an excellent job providing comfort and traction for your animals and also has shock absorption qualities. They can be laid on any flat, solid surface, including a barn aisleway and they will insulate well against cold and damp floors. 

This mat delivers anti-fatigue benefits, and it will also help prevent slipping and reduce bedding costs. The mats are made from 100 percent recycled rubber. The mats’ straight edges make for easy installation by just lining them up right next to each other, and these 100-pound mats are not easily jostled out of place by horses or other livestock. 

These are a high quality, versatile mat available at an affordable price and come with a 10 year warranty. 

Portable Horse Stall Mats

Traditional horse stall mats are made from heavy-duty, recycled rubber, and they have a lot of weight to them to keep them in place. Sometimes, however, you may need an option that can be easily transported and taken with you to a temporary stall. These should be lightweight and easy to carry.
 
The portable horse stall mat, which is a 3/4 inch EVA foam mat with a fast and easy interlock design, is just 2.2 pounds. This product is a puzzle mat, so each mat will connect to the next like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle do. 

These work really well for horse shows, fairs, and exhibits as well as in trailers and can be installed over any flat surface. These mats are durable and waterproof with a non-slip pebble top surface texture on both sides. They can greatly absorb impact and protect your horse from injury. This product comes with a 1 year warranty.

Wash Rack Classic Interlocking Mat

If you are seeking a horse stall mat suitable for a wet area, the Wash Rack Classic Interlocking Mat is an excellent choice. Perfect for wash bays and other wet areas, these durable, anti-odor, anti-slip mats are perforated with holes that allow water drainage. The 1/2 inch thickness allows for heavy weight, and they are designed from durable waterproof material that can be used indoors or outdoors. 

They work best when placed directly over concrete, or another flat, smooth surface. The mats will then provide a safe and sure footing for your animals, and the product comes with a 15-year warranty. 

Greatmats - for your Horse Stall Mat Needs 

Regardless of the space or place you are wanting horse stall mats for, Greatmats has a suitable flooring solution for you. All of the mats are top quality, with strict tolerance levels, great warranties, and the best service. If you are unsure which product is the right one for your space, simply reach out to one of the customer care representatives at Greatmats. Let them know the size of your space, type of subfloor, and any needs you have, and they will help you determine the perfect mat or mats for you.