Keeping horse stall mats from sliding makes them a safer surface and prevents problems like mold, mildew, and muck from getting underneath.
Horse stall mats are used for horse trailers, stalls, and even for home gym flooring due to their durability and affordability. Securing your horse stall mats so they don’t slide is the final, crucial step in their installation.
There are several different ways to keep horse stalls from sliding. In this article, we will look at many of these methods, such as tape that is applied on the creases between mats, metal fasteners used around the perimeter of the mats, and sub-flooring layered underneath.
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Methods we’ll discuss:
- Gorilla Tape
- Wrestling mat tape
- Screws
- U-channel aluminum edge strips
- Zinc plated corner braces
- Anti-slip mats
- Mending plate
- Double-sided carpet tape
How to keep stall mats from shifting
Horse stall mats that slide around are dangerous for animals and people. Used in a gym setting, cracks between mats can be a tripping hazard and difficult to clean.
Luckily, there are several easy ways to create a seamless connection between your mats so they won’t move apart.
How do you tape a stall mat?
Taping horse stall mats is a universal solution because it is easy and inexpensive.
To tape horse stall mats together:
- Choose a durable tape like the ones below, and tape along the seams where the mats meet.
- Make sure the piece of tape is longer than the seam so that it extends about 3 inches past the mat.
- Take this extra tape and tuck it under the edge so that it grabs the same seam on the bottom.
This method creates a secure border without having to tape the entire bottom side of the mats.
Gorilla Tape
Black Gorilla Tape comes in widths from 1 to 2 inches. We recommend using wider widths for taping your horse stall mats.
Gorilla Tape adheres to any surface, and it is resistant to moisture and wear and tear.
Wrestling Mat Tape
Wrestling mat tape is transparent, so you will be able to see the joints between your mats, but this means the clear tape blends right into the mats without being too noticeable.
Standard mat tape is 1” wide. It is designed for vinyl and other solid surfaces but isn’t a good option for open cell materials like foam and tatami.
Screws
Tapcon concrete screws are a fast, easy solution to keep your mats from sliding if you are installing your mats on a concrete floor.
We recommend placing the screws around the outside perimeter of the mats. This will minimize the number of screws you need, prevent buckling in the middle of the floor, and offers a smooth, undisturbed finish in the main part of the floor.
A U-channel
U-channel aluminum edge stripping is used for a multitude of purposes, both functional and visual.
Aluminum edging can line the outer edge of your mats and, like screws, will offer a neat but minimal amount of hardware. Place the edging on the outer edge of each mat and gently tap it to a snug fit. This finishes the edge of the mats nicely and pushes them firmly together.
Zinc plated corner braces
Depending on how you will be using your mats, these corner braces may be the perfect option.
You’ll need corner braces the same height as your mat so they won’t stick up over the edge, which could cause someone to trip. You can be fastened them into the wall, floor, or mats with screws.
Anti-slip mats
A simple solution is to use anti-slip mats under your horse stall mats. That’s their intended purpose, so they are the perfect tool for the job.
Anti-slip mats are not permanent, so if you ever need to remove the mats, they will be no evidence. They are also inexpensive and easy to install before putting down mats.
Mending plates
A mending plate, also called a pronged truss plate, is a flat piece of metal (usually steel) used to secure joints where several wood boards come together, like trusses.
Watch this video for a simple explanation of how to install these mats. Mending plates are inexpensive and easy to find.
Double-sided carpet tape
Double-sided carpet tape works similarly to anti-slip mats. The only difference is that the tape attaches to both the mat and the floor, so it will be a little harder to move the mats if you ever decide to.
Horse stall mats are a great option for your home gym, but keeping them from sliding is very important to make them safe as well as clean.
Wrapping Up
From taping to securing with fasteners you can buy at any hardware store, there are many ways to keep horse stall mats from sliding over time.
When installing horse stall mats, it’s imperative that you secure them in some way.
Choose the method from above that is easiest and most effective for your situation, and you’ll have safe, durable flooring for as long as you want it!
