Horse stall mats are durable, versatile rubber flooring that is good for more than just flooring stables and stock trailers. They’re also great for gym flooring, or anywhere else you might need affordable flooring that absorbs impact and cleans up easily. Learn more about the different types of horse stall mats, and determine if they’re right for you.

Horse stall mats are used by the equine community to provide a comfortable place for their horses to walk and lay. These mats are sold in various sizes and thicknesses and are non-porous. They can cover a smaller space or be used for the whole floor. It’s up to you.

To install these floor mats, all you need to do is lay them out, secure them with double-sided tape if desired, and you’re done! Simple as that.

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Interlocking rubber tiles offer a convenient way to create a custom-sized mat. They’re easy to install and replace if for some reason one of the tiles becomes damaged.

These tiles interlock very tightly so that liquids will not penetrate through to the subfloor, though this typically isn’t an issue since most stables and barns are outside. To install, connect the interlocking edges together just like the tiles are giant puzzle pieces.

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Rubber rolls offer full flooring coverage for a large area, and they are durable, impact-resistant, and machine-cut for professional looks. They are a premier flooring type you’ll see in most traditional gyms, but can also work in barns, trailers, and horse stalls.

If you want to install rolled rubber flooring, simply roll it out, cut it to size, secure it with double-sided tape if desired, and enjoy your new floor.

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Rubber is the ideal material for stall mats, for a lot of reasons. It’s impact-absorbant, slip-resistant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. The anti-fatigue properties provide comfort for your four-legged friends, and the rubber also provides some thermal insulation compared to bare concrete floors.

One drawback to rubber horse mats is the smell. With cheaper rubber especially, the floor will off-gas and produce a distinct rubber odor. To address this less-than-pleasant smell, keep the area well-ventilated, and mop the floor with a mild soap and water mixture a few times.

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Foam horse mats are an alternative to the usual rubber, and while they might not be quite as durable, they come with some other benefits. Foam is much lighter than rubber, which makes interlocking foam tiles much more portable. If you need to set up a temporary space for your horses, this is the perfect solution.

Non-porous foam won’t absorb moisture and it interlocks tightly together for a water-resistant surface. One drawback is that foam can be punctured by animal claws or other sharp objects.

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Rubber mats come in a wide range of thicknesses, so you can choose based on how you intend to use the space. Thicker mats are often better at absorbing impact from freeweights or heavy livestock.

Here are your options for mat thickness:

• 1/2”
• 3/4”
• 7/8”
• 1”
• 1-3/4”

Horse stall flooring used for gyms has become very popular over the years because they are inexpensive and readily available. All anyone has to do is go down to their local pet supply store and they will have many on hand. So the real question here is, “Why would I want a horse stall gym mat?” Let’s weigh out the pros and cons.

• Absorbs impact: Horse barn flooring provides a high level of shock absorbency, which is great for exercise programs like P90X, Plyometrics, CrossFit, and more.
• Price: Stall mats are cheaper than buying rubber tiles or rolls made specifically for gym use.
• Availability: Because horse stall flooring is pretty common, these mats are easy to find and readily available.

• Durability: The recycled crumb rubber used for some horse stall mats isn’t very dense, so it doesn’t offer the best durability.
• Smell: Horse stall gym mats are made for outdoor use and will have a pungent smell. So it is best to use these mats in well-ventilated spaces.
• Unevenness: Most stall mats feature an unfinished bottom. This helps to keep the mat in place, but if you are installing a whole floor, each mat can end up being a different height. This can create tripping hazards throughout your floor. To help alleviate that, we suggest shaving the bottom with a cheese grater or laying the mats in a brick pattern to reduce this effect.
• Weight: Rubber stall mats are heavy and can be cumbersome to move and store. They’re definitely not the most portable option.

Rubber stall mats are easy to take care of. To maintain and keep them clean, follow these tips:

• Sweep any loose crumbs, dust, dirt, or debris from the mat surface when necessary.
• Occasionally, mop the mats with a mild soap and water solution. A few recommended soaps are Dawn dish detergent or Tide laundry detergent.

Note: Do not use any solvent or oil style cleaners such as Lysol, Pinesol, WD40, or Murphy’s Oil Soap, since these types of cleaners will break down the rubber flooring over time.

To cut the mats to fit, all you will need is a straight edge and a utility knife with a fresh blade. Because rubber stall mats are so tough, it will take a few passes on the utility knife before you can completely cut through the flooring. Alternatively, you can use a handheld bandsaw or a large bread knife to make your cuts. Be sure to leave a gap around the rolls roughly the thickness of the rolls being used to account for expansion and contraction.

Whether you’re shopping for a new home gym, or a genuine horse stall, you’re sure to find the perfect mat for you.