Cheaper alternative to "stall mats"

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

Any tips on where to find cheaper alternatives to your standard 4x6 or 5x7 rubber mats?

We have a concrete culvert that runs through a high traffic area, where the culvert meets a concrete pad there is a 1ft wide shallow channel that horse and human keep tripping over so I’d like to fill with gravel then place some mats over top to even out the footing. The cost of stall mats at TSC and fencing supply stores makes me wonder if there is another industry out there that supplies similar product without the high cost.

Or is rubber really that expensive?

[Ceylon_Star]

Would conveyor belting be enough? I’ve heard of people finding it for cheap (when compared to “proper” mats). Not sure where to look though.

[Kyrabee]

Our local farm store (D & B) has ‘half’ mats. Not quite the chunk of change as a whole 4 x 6 and easier to deal with for small spots.

I got one to go under my mares grain feeder and it works well. I just didn’t need a full size mat.

Susan

[clanter]

[QUOTE=Kyrabee;9018722]
Our local farm store (D & B) has ‘half’ mats. Not quite the chunk of change as a whole 4 x 6 and easier to deal with for small spots.

I got one to go under my mares grain feeder and it works well. I just didn’t need a full size mat.

Susan[/QUOTE]

TSC does has the a 4by3 by 1/2" at $20 vs the standard 4by6 3/4" at $39.99
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-3-ft?cm_vc=IOPDP1

However we found the TSC mats to not preform as well as those made by others

[Brnord]

I must be missing the purpose. My thinking is to just mix up some quickcrete and fill the gap. Or fill with class 5 gravel and grade it smooth…with even light traffic and a bit of rain, it should harden up into very smooth footing in a few weeks. Mats in high traffic areas just have so much likelihood of getting caught on something or causing a fall.

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

Brnord- it’s hard to explain, but the area where this culvert is located has some funky stuff going on that I don’t think I will be able to properly smooth out without just packing with gravel and draping a somewhat flexible mat over. Also, can you pour concrete during Canadian winter?

It’s also only high traffic temporarily until we can make some changes to our setup this spring, so not looking for drop a tonne of cash into a permanent fix.

I also figured everyone on this site would appreciate learning if there was a cheaper alternative to stall mats.

[Calvincrowe]

Our local farm stores carry a 1/4 rubber matting by the roll–you can buy a few feet or 25 or more. Priced by the foot. I use it for aisle matting in my barn.

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

Calvincrowe- and 1/4 is thick enough?

[Brnord]

You’d be surprised what some good class 5 can do. It’s not just gravel, it’s got a bonding material in it that makes it stick and pack hard very well. But you’re right, the concrete option is probably a no-go if this task is meant to be completed before spring. Although maybe the class 5 could hold you over until then and make it permanent in the spring with concrete.

But, you also know your own situation best and if you go with mats instead, it doesn’t hurt my feelings. And you’re right, a cheap mat source is usually appreciated around here.

[2DogsFarm]

I’ve had pieces of rubber roofing (ice dam?) in my aisle for going on 13yrs.
It is nowhere near even 1/4" thick.
Aside from a small snag/hole in one of them, they’ve held up really well.
Aisle is floored in stonedust, these “mats” are placed directly on top of that.
They provide a sweepable, clean/dry surface for vet or shoer to work.

For a couple years I had them in my stalls too, but eventually horse hooves & picking with a metal fork tore those up too much.

Hardware stores sell the stuff in huge - 50 or 100’ - rolls, but might have an end left they could sell you.
I got mine free from the guys who built my barn - one of them was redoing his roof.

[paintedpony]

Are you looking for a cheap fast fix, only intended to last until repairs can be completed in April/May? If this is the intent, perhaps a section of pre-owned carpet flipped bottom side up would work (and probably be free). Also can be readily trimmed to size with an Exacto knife/Box Cutter. You could post an “In Search Of” on your local Facebook Buy and Sell page.

[Calvincrowe]

Parrs-- maybe? How long would the mat have to be? (So it’s 1 foot wide by ??) I’d say pack with gravel and see what happens before adding a mat. Is this high traffic by horse and people or by vehicles?

A 1/4 inch mat over gravel, if fit below the level of the concrete might be perfect.

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

Horse and people. Tt’s through a gate, about 10-12ft long.

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

**It’s

Can’t edit

[Simkie]

That’s two mats? Eighty bucks?

Seems like a lot of effort when it’s not even a hundy in cash outlay.