- Cutting rubber floor mats starts with careful measuring, layout planning, and the right tools
- Odd corners, posts, doorways, and trailer edges may require custom cuts
- Proper measuring and DIY tips can help you make cleaner cuts with fewer mistakes
Every barn, like every home, is unique. Floors slope in certain places, weird angles arise from shifting over time, or there are strange designs someone once thought was a good idea. This is especially true in older barns where settling has taken place.
At Therubberman.com, we pride ourselves in meeting your rubber needs where you are, customizing sizes as much as possible. However, cutting rubber floor mats yourself is sometimes necessary when there are quirks and fixes that aren’t evident until the mats are in place.
Don’t fear! We’ve found some of the best ways to cut rubber mats, so use these six tips to create the mat your barn needs!
Tip 1: Gather the Right Tools
Like any job, this starts by having the right tools at your disposal. Cutting into rubber mats can be done easily if you are using the right equipment. The wrong tools can ruin the mat and end your day in frustration.
We recommend using these tools for cutting:
- "T" square
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- White-out pen
- Chalk line
- Utility knife with extra blades
When cutting rubber floor mats, remember to always think of safety first when using any tool, especially those that are sharp, like a utility knife. Cut away from your body whenever possible; when you do need to cut towards yourself, keep your body angled away from the knife.
Tip 2: Plan the Layout Before You Cut
The best way to cut rubber mats is to plan ahead. Scope out your space and identify the angles, corners, and slopes that could potentially give you problems. Slopes typically mean you are going to need either to install with adjustments or fill in to make the floor level.
Tip 3: Measure Carefully Before Cutting
Before you begin cutting rubber floor mats, you need to measure, measure, and measure again. Start by measuring the entire area of the floor to know how much square footage you will need to cover and order accordingly. It doesn’t hurt to order an extra mat to be safe.
Whenever you have an interesting angle, measure twice to account for any misreadings. After you’ve made your initial cut in the mat, measure each turn as you go, never moving ahead without assurance of what you’re cutting. Assuming an area is plumb can lead to miscuts and wasted mats.
For odd shapes, measure from two fixed edges whenever possible. If you are working around a post, doorway, drain, trailer edge, or uneven corner, make a template with cardboard or kraft paper before cutting the mat. Fit the template to the space first, then trace it onto the rubber mat with a white-out pen or chalk line.
Tip 4: Mark and Cut the Mat Slowly
As you are cutting rubber floor mats, use the chalk line or white pen for help. After you’ve measured, pop the chalk line or draw with the pen the exact angles you will need to follow.
This trick is the best way to cut rubber mats since it works well on the black rubber, making it easy for you to see the necessary cuts.
Use the T-square as you go to ensure straight cuts and as a guide for the knife.
Tip 5: Fit the Mats Into Place
Once you have placed the mat where you would like it to go, use the hammer to lightly tap it into place, lining up the spots where you’ve been cutting your rubber floor mats. Don’t hit too hard and run the risk of breaking up any concrete or subfloor.
Tapping the mats into place is especially helpful if you are using one of our interlocking mat kits, since the tabs need to be flush together and the seams need to be as tight as possible.
Tip 6: Test the Fit Before You Finish
The best way to cut rubber mats is to do so only once! Before allowing your horses or other livestock into the areas where the mats are, test them yourself to ensure they’re ready for the weight. Walk on the mats with as much weight as possible, kicking them to see if they move.
After cutting rubber floor mats, lightly rinse the area to check whether water is pooling or moving under seams where it could affect the base. Unmanaged water can affect the subfloor and create uneven areas under the mats.
Now you’re ready to finish the installation process!
Why Re-Vulcanized Rubber Matters
Re-vulcanized rubber has extensive benefits that make it ideal for high-traffic, rough areas like barns, outdoor areas at farms, and recreational areas. It’s made out of recycled rubber, so it’s eco-friendly, incredibly strong, durable enough to hold its shape, and provides a more forgiving surface than bare concrete or packed ground.
Re-vulcanized rubber also makes cutting rubber floor mats much easier. The material, while strong, is also flexible and pliable. With the proper techniques and tools, you can make cuts with ease.
Need Help Cutting or Choosing Rubber Mats?
The best way to cut rubber mats is to plan the layout, measure carefully, mark your cuts clearly, and work slowly with the right tools. If you are unsure which rubber matting product fits your space, call Therubberman.com for help before you order.