Choosing the correct stable mat thickness is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from UK horse owners and yard managers. Too thin and horses stand on insufficient cushioning; too thick can affect the stable door clearance and increase the step-up at the entrance. This guide walks through exactly how to choose the right 17mm stable mats, 22mm, or other thicknesses for your specific horses and setup.
Why Stable Mat Thickness Matters
The thickness of a stable mat directly affects three critical outcomes: the level of cushioning for your horse's legs and hooves, the insulation from cold concrete, and the long-term durability of the mat under repeated loading.
Horses stand for up to 16 hours per day. During this time, legs and hooves bear the full bodyweight with little movement – a situation that places significant stress on joints, tendons, and the hoof capsule. Adequate matting cushioning is not a luxury; it directly impacts your horse's soundness and welfare over time.
At the same time, thicker is not always better. Excessively thick mats can create a step-up at stable doorways (a tripping hazard), raise the floor height enough to interfere with door clearance, and cost significantly more per square metre without proportionate benefit for lighter horses.
Stable Mat Thickness Guide
| Thickness | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12–14mm | Horse lorry floors, trailer ramps, temporary stabling | Lightweight, easy to move; not suitable as primary stable floor |
| 17mm | Standard stabling – horses up to ~16.2hh in regular work | Most popular choice; ideal cushioning/durability balance |
| 18–19mm | Active yards, competition horses, large horses | Good step up from 17mm for heavier use environments |
| 22–23mm | Heavy horses (17hh+), older horses with joint issues, box rest | Maximum comfort; check door clearance before ordering |
Key Factors When Choosing Stable Mat Thickness
1. Your Horse's Size and Weight
Larger, heavier horses exert more pressure per square inch of hoof, compressing matting more quickly. A 600kg warmblood will degrade a thinner mat noticeably faster than a 400kg pony. As a rule of thumb: horses 16hh and under can use 17mm effectively; horses over 16.2hh benefit from 19mm+; heavy breeds (Warmbloods, Draughts) should use 22–23mm.
2. Use of Bedding
If you use deep straw or shavings bedding, the bedding itself provides additional cushioning on top of the mat. In this case, a 17mm mat is usually sufficient even for larger horses. In minimal-bedding or bedding-free systems (increasingly popular for ease of management), the mat takes the full load – opt for 22mm+.
3. Existing Sub-Floor Condition
Uneven, damaged, or very cold concrete benefits from thicker matting that can bridge minor undulations and provide better insulation. If your concrete is in excellent condition and has good drainage fall, thinner mats perform well.
4. Door Clearance
Check the clearance between your stable door bottom and the existing floor level before ordering. Adding 22mm of matting can be enough to prevent a door from opening fully in some older stable designs. Measure carefully or speak to our expert team for advice before placing your order.
5. Budget
Thicker mats cost more per mat, but the cost difference over the lifetime of the mat is minimal compared to the welfare benefits for your horse. If budget is a constraint, 17mm is a genuine workhorse option that will serve most horses well for 10+ years of regular use.
Shop Stable Mats by Thickness
Browse our full range of horse stable mats in 12mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 22mm thicknesses. All mats available with Free UK Delivery. Not sure which to choose? Our team is on hand to help.
View All Stable Mats →Most Popular Stable Mat Options
17mm Rubber Stable Mats – The UK Standard
The 17mm rubber stable mat has been the UK industry standard for decades, and for good reason. It provides meaningful cushioning over concrete, insulates against damp and cold, and will outlast almost any horse's working life when properly installed. The standard 6ft x 4ft (1.83m x 1.22m) size covers a typical stable with 6–8 mats depending on layout.
22mm Heavy-Duty Stable Mats – For Large and Senior Horses
For Warmbloods, Draughts, heavier sport horses, or older equines with degenerative joint conditions, 22mm mats provide the additional cushioning that makes a measurable difference to daily comfort. Many owners report noticeable improvements in their horse's willingness to lie down and rest when upgraded from 17mm to 22mm.
Stable Mat Alternatives
For those needing flexibility in layout or coverage, our rubber rolls can be cut to any size and provide consistent coverage across an entire stable block aisle. Our rubber matting range also extends to outdoor yard areas and wash bays.
Sub-Floor Preparation for Best Results
No matter what thickness mat you choose, proper sub-floor preparation is essential. A poorly prepared base reduces the effective life of your mats and creates hygiene problems:
- Drainage fall – ensure the concrete floor slopes at least 1:60 towards a drain or channel. Flat floors cause urine to pool under mats
- Level surface – fill any significant cracks or undulations with a levelling compound before laying mats
- Clean base – power wash and disinfect the concrete before installation, especially in established stables
- No adhesive – do not glue rubber stable mats; their weight keeps them in place and adhesive makes future removal very difficult
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best stable mat thickness for a horse?
For most horses in standard stabling with bedding, 17mm rubber stable mats are the ideal choice. For larger horses over 16.2hh, older horses with joint issues, or minimal-bedding systems, 22–23mm mats provide superior comfort and joint support.
Is 17mm thick enough for stable mats?
Yes – 17mm rubber stable mats are the UK industry standard and suitable for most horses up to approximately 16.2hh in systems that use regular bedding. They provide excellent cushioning, insulation, and drainage while keeping the floor height increase to a manageable level.
Are thicker stable mats always better?
Not always. While thicker mats offer more cushioning, they also add more height to the stable floor, which can cause issues with door clearance in some older stable designs. For most horses with bedding, 17mm provides all the cushioning needed. The main benefit of 22mm+ mats is for very large or older horses, or minimal-bedding systems where the mat takes the full load.
How many stable mats do I need for a 12ft x 12ft stable?
A standard 12ft x 12ft (3.66m x 3.66m) stable requires approximately 8 mats in the standard 6ft x 4ft size, covering 192 sq ft. We recommend adding one extra mat to allow for trimming around any uneven edges or stable fixtures.
Do I need to use bedding with rubber stable mats?
You do not have to, but bedding is recommended for most horses. While rubber stable mats provide cushioning, bedding adds warmth, absorbs moisture between cleans, and gives horses a softer lying surface. Minimal-bedding systems can work well with thicker 22mm+ mats and horses that prefer standing, but most welfare guidelines recommend some form of bedding.
Can I mix different thickness mats in the same stable?
This is not recommended. Mixing thicknesses creates uneven surfaces which can cause a tripping hazard and create uncomfortable ridges for horses to stand on. Choose a consistent thickness throughout each stable.
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About the Author
Rubber Matting Direct Experts — Our team of rubber flooring specialists has years of hands-on experience with industrial, commercial and domestic rubber matting solutions. All our guides are reviewed for technical accuracy against current UK standards.
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