Do you want to renovate a smaller farm and you are thinking about which floor is best for a horse stable? Probably you want to renovate the floor for the same reason as most small farmers, because you no longer like the soil of earth, clay and sand. Then you probably know that it would be better to cover this floor with a surface that does not create dust in the summer and cannot be easily broken by the horses when they get bored. However, there are several options and how should you find the right one?
In our comparison of soils suitable for livestock, we consider several most commonly used variants in different price ranges. In particular, we consider:
- the harmlessness to health,
- the comfort for the animals,
- the ease of maintenance,
- the possibility. to drive the barn with the tractor and other agricultural machinery.
Perhaps in the end you find that you lay out the barn with one type of flooring, and for the rest use a different flooring. Of course, this is also possible. Often the decision is very difficult, which material is better overall.
Wood has always accompanied us
Does your barn have a wooden floor? Wooden floors used to be as popular in horse barns as earth or clay. However, these were more likely to be purchased by wealthy farmers, and the higher price is still a disadvantage today.
Health safety: wood is a natural material, so there is no danger here. However, pay attention to the composition of the top coats and substances with which the wood was stained. These substances could harm the health of the animals.
Comfort for the animals: Wooden floors are soft, so the horses can stand and lie on this floor very well. Of course, litter must also be used, but not such a thick layer. There is also no need for special insulation of the floor, wood itself has a heat insulating effect.
Easy care: Unfortunately, the care is not very simple. Wood does not like water, rotten spots and mold can develop. In the gaps (for example, between the boards) hold dirt and food residues, this attracts rodents. It also absorbs urine over time.
Agricultural machinery: In order for the floor in the barn to withstand high loads, you need to use hard wood (such as oak) and thick boards. Then there will be no problem.
Today, wood is used for stables, for example, in the form of plank floors, wooden blocks or wooden tiles. This looks very nice, but because of the rot and absorbed urine, these floors must be kept dry. And this is not so easy.
Concrete is probably the most common solution
If you have already made a survey of what floor riding stables most often have, you probably came to the conclusion that the most common material is concrete. Sometimes concrete pavers are used, but much more often poured concrete floors. However, remember that this floor should never be smooth, so that there is no risk of slipping. It is always good to design a pattern on the surface - it is enough to "sweep" the concrete with a broom before it hardens, so that small grooves are formed in it. It is also recommended to pour the floor with a slight slope, so that water can drain.
Health safety: concrete floors can be harmful to horse hooves. They are very hard, so very easily form pressure marks, abrasions, hooves are worn. Rubber tiles, with which the boxes are laid out, can help. You can also use rubber mats, which are simply placed on the finished concrete base.
Comfort for the animals: As mentioned earlier, concrete is very hard. It also gets damp and cold, so expect a decent litter layer.
Easy maintenance: a simple broom is enough. The only problem are the grooves. They make the floor non-slip, but absorb dirt and food residues. Unlike the wooden floor, rodents can not cause damage to the concrete floor.
Agricultural machinery: The bearing load is not a problem, concrete floors are dimensioned for high loads. However, damage can be caused by dripping oil from agricultural machinery. These stains cannot be easily removed from the concrete.
A reasonable compromise is to put a patterned concrete floor where horses move. The floor in the stalls can remain smooth, but line it with rubber mats so that the floor is not so cold.
PVC tiles are a modern option
PVC tiles are relatively new, but thanks to their universal properties, they are also used for floors in farms. They are soft, easy to maintain and withstand high loads. They are commonly used in garages, industrial plants and households, so why not in stables?
Health safety: PVC tiles terramondi are safe for health, they do not contain hazardous substances that would be released and harm animals.
Comfort for the animals: the tiles have a heat-insulating effect, and therefore much more comfortable for horses than, for example, concrete. They already have a pattern, so the animals can not slip.
Easy maintenance: a broom is enough, from time to time the floor should be washed with water and a detergent. Unlike concrete, oils and chemicals can also be easily washed off, compared to wood, the tiles do not absorb unpleasant odors.
Agricultural machinery: The tiles are 7 - 8 mm thick and can withstand high loads and impacts. As already mentioned, they are non-slip, so vehicles can be steered better.
If you are not afraid of modern technologies, there is no reason not to choose the PVC tiles. You will also be surprised by the ease of laying and long life. Even after ten years, the floor will look the same, which definitely can not be said about wood and concrete.
You can not decide? Probably better to combine several options, as said at the beginning. How about concrete, and then lay PVC tiles in the stalls? However, do not forget that horses need, first of all, enough litter, which can not be replaced by any flooring. This is soft and warm and also absorbs urine and feces. Do not think only about the finances and your own benefit, every real farmer takes care of his animals with love, even if it is expensive.
