How to Cut Rubber Flooring for Horses

Rubber stall mats prevent joint discomfort by reducing pressure and increasing circulation and are used in stalls, walkways and trailers to prevent slips as well. Stall mats are solid, porous or textured and can be purchased in interlocking square tiles, straight edged tiles or bulk rolled aisles. Stall mat material is easy to work with, requiring only a few tools and good idea of the dimensions the stall mat is going to cover.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber flooring
  • Non-retractable utility knife
  • White sidewalk chalk
  • Measuring tape
  • Mallet
  • One wood block, 4 inches wide-by-6 inches high
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dimensions (width and length) of the space you want the stall mat to fit. Measure three times to determine an accurate measurement.

    • 2

      Mark off the length of mat needed using sidewalk chalk.

    • 3

      Measure the marked off dimensions twice before cutting the mat, to ensure accuracy.

    • 4

      Place the wooden block on the ground to make a raised cutting surface, and lay the stall mat on top of the block with the chalk line 1 inch from the edge of the block. This allows you to cut the mat without the blade of the knife hitting the ground.

    • 5

      Perforate the stall mat using the non-retractable utility knife, following along the chalk line.

    • 6

      Continue to perforate the stall mat every 2 or 3 inches. Keep the chalk line 1 inch from the edge of the wooden block until you have perforated the desired length of mat.

    • 7

      Break apart the stall mat by pulling the lighter of the two pieces by the incision notches in an upward direction away from the heaviest of the two pieces of stall matting until the whole mat is free.

    • 8

      Check to make sure the stall mat fits flush against the walls of the stall once the mat is place inside the stall.

    • 9

      If not, use a mallet and block of wood to nudge stall mats into place and close gaps and seams. Use the utility knife to cut excess edging for a flush fit.