Posted 2014-03-25 2:37 AM (#158255) Subject: Horse Stall Mats
Member
Posts: 8
Location: NEw York
I am converting a section of my garage 12'x20' into a workout area and read just about every thread on here about home gym flooring. I still am unsure of what to use. My workout area will consist of a body solid multipress rack, 300# olympic barbell set, an FID bench, a dumbell rack that holds 5-60 lb dumbells and a lat pull down station. The flooring I select will be covering the raw concrete floor in the garage.
Posted 2014-03-25 8:34 AM (#158260 - in reply to #158255) Subject: RE: Horse Stall Mats
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Most generic horse mats' smooth edges do not affix to each other, and if they cup, you will have a proud seam. If you are doing free weights, this may result in tripping. The mats are available in varying densities, and some are sold with tapered edges. Black is the common colour. You will have to shop around to find which brands are the most apropos for your usage. Once installed, they should last a life time in your home.
There are many types of rubber interlocking flooring, made specifically for installation over concrete. Several companies sell interlocking mats, enjoyed for the special garages of car collectors, or the garage conversions to "man caves". They vary in sizes, textures and colours. A quick scan on the Internet will produce many sources, along with advertisements in car magazines. Some auto parts and big box stores sell the basic products that are used by car buffs, woodworkers and hobbyists. Harbor freight is also a source.
Posted 2014-03-25 4:05 PM (#158265 - in reply to #158255) Subject: RE: Horse Stall Mats
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Our main barn floor is covered with horse mats that were used in a high school weight room. Their older mats, used for years, are a harder mat that stayed put and did not come up at the seams or move around. They couldn't get these anymore and went with a softer mat for the expansion of the weight room. These are typically sold as stall mats today and did not work due to what Gard mentioned so they sold them all. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time and took all of them. The harder mats work great--you can drive 20k pds over them and they stay put. Not so with the new mats--they are always moving around and cupping. Good luck!
Horse Stall Mats
