We’re working on installing stall mats in a couple of stalls and want to make sure we’re setting them up with a solid, long-lasting base, and well-draining base. I know that crushed limestone screenings (aka stone dust) are generally considered the gold standard for this — but unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find any locally near us.
So, we’re trying to decide between what is available to us:
•Concrete screenings from a local gravel yard
•Sakrete paver base (bagged) from Home Depot
We’d love input from anyone who has used either (or both). We’re aiming for a base that will provide the best compaction, drainage, and long-term mat stability.
We also want to know if 3 inches of base material (whether Sakrete Paver Base or limestone screenings) is enough under the stall mats. We’re planning to use the 3/4” thick rubber stall mats from Tractor Supply, and our stalls are 12x12, so I believe we’ll need six mats per stall.
I mentioned in a couple of other threads that we currently have Stall Savers in the stalls with play sand underneath. We’re planning to remove both the Stall Savers and the sand completely and start over to avoid drainage issues and other problems.
The natural ground of the stalls was rolled and compacted when the barn was originally built. But since we’re pulling up the play sand, will we need to re-compact the native ground before adding the new base material?
We’re planning to rent a vibrating plate tamper to compact and level the new base material, but we’re unsure if the existing natural ground also needs compacting again before we start laying down the new layers.
Any advice, experience, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
