Stall Mat Installation
Step-By-Step Guide For How To Install Horse Stall Mats
When you order stall mats from TheRubberMan, you’re investing in you and your horse's future. When properly installed, these mats can last 20 to 25 years, so doing so correctly is vital.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process for rubber flooring installation. For beginners and pros alike, here is everything you need to know to install the mats in your barn. Most of our rubber mats are DIY-install-friendly, but having some extra hands around is always helpful.
Barn floor preparation
The most important part of installing stall mats is preparing the barn floor beforehand. Create a solid sub-floor using wood, concrete, or asphalt for a durable base. An entirely “natural base” of dirt, clay, or sand can lead to soft spots that buckle as horses put weight on the mats over time.
The first step of how to install horse stall mats is to level the natural dirt floor. Then cover the ground with 4 to 6 inches of crushed substrate. Once laid, you’ll want to level your crushed wood, concrete, or asphalt before moving on.
Fortifying the subfloor
Once your subfloor is laid and level, tamp it down to ensure it’s as strong as possible. If the crushed stone is dry, you can spritz it with a water hose to reduce flying dust and particles.
Rent a vibrator-compactor and use it to compact the ground evenly. It’s especially useful around edges and corners. Once finished, the sub-floor should be packed tight, smooth, and level; you should be able to walk across without leaving a footprint.
How to Cut Stall Mats for Horses
Trying to make a pre-cut mat fit into a custom spot can be the most confusing part of rubber flooring installation. Our stall mats come in a variety of sizes. However, every barn has its own unique angles. When figuring out how best to install horse stall mats for your project, the following tools can be a great help.
Materials:- "T" square
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- White-out pen
- Chalk line
- Utility knife
Measure every part of each stall individually, since they can vary from the barn settling. Mark the mats where you need to cut them with the White-out pen and chalk line, then do so with the utility knife, using the T-square for a straight line. You can measure and cut ahead of time or as you go.
How to Install Horse Stall Mats
Now it’s time to move on to the actual rubber flooring installation. Place the first mat along the back wall. You’ll work your way across and forward. Move the second mat into place, then interlock the tabs by gently tapping them into place with the hammer.
Interlock each subsequent piece, laying them down in a "L" shape if possible, as you work towards the door, so you can measure in each direction.
Putting in the final piece
No piece is more important than the final doorway piece. Pick a piece and measure to ensure it abuts tightly against the threshold. Having it tight will keep your horse from pawing at the edge.
Summary and takeaways
For those looking for how to install horse stall mats, the task doesn’t have to be daunting. Create a solid subfloor, measure every part of the stall and the mats, follow our instructions for how to cut stall mats for horses, and your project should go smoothly. When in doubt, give us a call, and we’ll do all we can to help.
- Use proper tools for easy cutting
- Measure every wall and area of the stall before rubber flooring installation
- Work your way towards the door for a tight fit against the threshold