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When it comes to choosing the best rubber matting for your horse’s stall or stable, understanding the differences between semi-cured and cured rubber mats is crucial. Each type offers unique benefits, making them suitable for different needs in equine care. This guide will help you decide whether semi-cured or cured rubber mats are the better choice for your horse.
1. Understanding Semi-Cured Rubber Mats
Semi-cured rubber mats, such as the 4x8 stall mats often used in stables, have a distinctive texture that sets them apart. These mats are almost sticky to the touch, providing a super non-slip surface that’s excellent for horse safety. The high level of grip ensures that your horse has stable footing, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls, particularly in moist environments.
A significant advantage of semi-cured rubber stable mats is their customizability. Because they are made to order, they can be produced as one continuous piece tailored to the specific size requirements of your stable. For example, if you need a mat for a stable box measuring 3.6 meters by 3.6 meters, the semi-cured mat can be delivered in a roll as one single piece. This eliminates the need for seams or joins, which can be a weak point where dirt collects or where mats might separate over time.
However, the sticky nature of semi-cured rubber can also have some drawbacks. Dirt, pebbles, and other small particles can adhere to the surface, making it more challenging to keep clean. But for horse owners who prioritize safety, the enhanced grip of semi-cured horse stable mats can far outweigh the minor inconvenience of extra cleaning.
2. The Durability of Cured Rubber Mats
In contrast, cured rubber mats are known for their hardness and durability. These mats undergo a complete vulcanization process, resulting in a firm, non-slip surface that is ideal for high-traffic areas where longevity is key. Cured rubber mats, like the popular equine rubber matting used in stable flooring, are an excellent choice for durability and ease of maintenance.
One of the key differences with cured rubber mats is that they come in fixed sizes. The most common size is a 2-meter-wide roll with a hammer blow surface, which refers to the texture pattern. If you need to cover a larger area, such as a stable floor that measures 4 meters by 4 meters, you would need to use two strips of this 2-meter-wide matting. This results in a join down the middle of the floor.
While it’s possible to seal this join using different types of sealers, which is a relatively easy process, some customers prefer the one-piece solution offered by semi-cured rubber mats to avoid the risk of the join coming apart over time. This makes semi-cured mats particularly appealing for those looking to minimize maintenance and maximize durability in a seamless floor covering.
3. Which Is Right for Your Horse?
The choice between semi-cured and cured rubber mats depends on your specific needs and priorities. If your primary concern is providing maximum safety and slip resistance, especially in wet or slippery environments, semi-cured rubber stable mats might be the best option. Their customizability and the ability to create a seamless floor can give you peace of mind, knowing that your horse is less likely to slip and that the mat will remain intact without any joins to manage.
On the other hand, if you need a mat that’s more durable and easier to clean, cured rubber horse stall mats could be the better choice. Despite the need for joins in larger areas, cured rubber offers long-lasting performance and ease of maintenance, making it a popular option for high-traffic stables.
4. Custom Solutions for Your Stable
Both semi-cured and cured rubber mats are available in various sizes and can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of your stable. Whether you need equine stall mats that cover the entire floor or just specific areas, both types of rubber matting are designed to meet the demands of stable environments.
5. Final Thoughts
When deciding between semi-cured and cured rubber mats for your horse’s stable, consider the specific conditions of your environment and the needs of your horse. Semi-cured rubber mats offer unmatched safety with their sticky, non-slip surface and the convenience of a one-piece solution tailored to your stable’s exact dimensions. In contrast, cured rubber mats provide a durable, easy-to-clean option with the possibility of needing multiple pieces to cover larger areas. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right stable flooring solution that ensures your horse’s comfort and safety.
Have a look at our range:
Semi-Cured Rubber 10mm thick: https://www.amacron.com.au/collections/stable-box-or-breezeway-rubber/products/custom-made-one-piece-rubber-mats
Semi-Cured Rubber 14mm thick: https://www.amacron.com.au/products/one-piece-rubber-stable-breezeway-mats-14mm-thick
Cured Rubber: https://www.amacron.com.au/products/flat-base-hammer-blow-top-matting-10mm-thick-x-20m-wide
Interlocking tiles: https://www.amacron.com.au/collections/interlocking-rubber-tiles
Horse Walker Rubber: https://www.amacron.com.au/collections/horse-walker-rubber
Wash Bay Rubber: https://www.amacron.com.au/products/wash-bay-one-piece-rubber-mats-10mm-thick-made-to-size
Get a quote: https://www.amacron.com.au/pages/get-a-quote