- A proper subfloor is crucial to rubber mat flooring in a barn
- The subfloor can be fortified with a variety of packing options
- Once the foundation is set, you can install your rubber mats
A strong foundation is key to most things in life. A strong base supports long-term durability and prevents any future shifting. A foundation is especially important for rubber mat installation in a horse barn foundation. A properly installed floor can last 20 to 25 years.
Without a proper foundation and subfloor, the entire flooring structure runs the risk of cracking or becoming uneven, posing a danger to you and your horses. But with a well-packed foundation and subfloor, your rubber mat flooring can serve you for years to come with a safe, sturdy base.
Handling the Process
Our rubber mat flooring is easy to install, and customers can often handle the installation themselves. If you prefer to contract out your subfloor construction, always ensure the person doing the work understands what the flooring will be used for, livestock-wise.
If you are handling the rubber mat installation yourself, from the subfloor up, then bookmark our complete set of installation tips here. Then continue reading below for tips and tricks on how to best start the process for your horse barn foundation with a proper subfloor.
This flooring is a commitment to your horse’s health, so make sure it can care for them.
Prepare the Subfloor First
Before you can fortify the first layer of the subfloor or install a single mat, you need to prepare the area, whether it’s a stall, barn aisle, tack room, or another area. You’ll do this by creating a level foundation that will eventually be fortified before the rubber mat installation.
Mark out the perimeter where you will lay the rubber floor mats, and level off that area, evening out any dirt or soil. After everything is level both across the surface and plumb on the edges, you can spread a crushed substrate or lay down a solid substrate.
What Can I Use for Substrate?
A substrate is any underlying substance or layer. For your horse barn foundation, use a solid material throughout, like concrete or asphalt. Materials such as these create a durable base for your rubber mat installation that is less pliable than more natural options.
On that note, try to avoid using anything that would be considered a natural option, like dirt, clay, or sand. These materials can lead to soft spots that are subject to erosion, which, in turn, will buckle underneath continued weight from your horses over time. Avoid wood, since only specially treated wood works as a substrate, and using the wrong material will ruin the floor.
Cover the area with 4 to 6 inches of your crushed substrate, then level it as well.
The Importance of Fortifying Your Subfloor
The key to a solid, long-lasting subfloor is to give yourself a layer that is completely packed together, leaving little air or space to move after completing your rubber mat installation.
While there will always be some malleable settling over time, you want to give your horse barn foundation as solid a base layer as possible. Doing so will keep your floor and, subsequently, your mats from slipping too much, especially under the weight of your horses.
How to Fortify the Subfloor
Once the subfloor is level and the substrate covers the entire area, tamp it down to make it as strong as possible. If you used crushed stone as a base layer, lightly spray it with water to cut down on flying dust and particles before continuing the rubber mat installation.
We recommend renting a vibrator-compactor to compact the layer evenly, with the same amount of force across the entire area. This machine is incredibly useful on corners and edges.
The best way to know the subfloor is sufficiently fortified is if you can walk across the horse barn foundation without leaving a footprint.
Conclusion
Once the subfloor is laid and fortified, you’re ready to install your mats! Explore our equine flooring for options, and never hesitate to contact us with any questions during the process.