Paddock flooring

Technical details of the paddock floor panels

Technical Details – Perforated Paddock

• Dimensions: 1200 × 800 mm
• Height: 43 mm
• Weight: approx. 27 kg per plate
• Effective usable area (combined): 1160 × 760 mm
• Hole diameter: Ø 25 mm (perforated structure)
• Material type: Recycled plastic (highly durable, chemically resistant)
• Palette: 30 pieces per pallet

Constructive properties:

• Plug-in/locking system for surface connection
• Staggered relocation required
• Optional fastening with screws/anchors or PU adhesive

Features:

• High load-bearing capacity (suitable for horse areas, also drivable e.g. with tractor)
• Slip-resistant surface
• Water-permeable (drainage through perforation)
• Heat insulating
• Flame-retardant
• Weather and chemical resistant
• Low maintenance and quick to assemble

Why modern paddock flooring is crucial

Unsuitable soils quickly lead to mud, waterlogging, and health problems in horses. The cause is usually insufficient drainage or compaction of the subsoil, which prevents rainwater from seeping away. . A professional paddock surface prevents exactly these problems and ensures:

• Dry, firm surfaces in all weather conditions
• Reduction of injury risks through slip resistance
• Improved hygiene and reduced maintenance
• Optimal movement conditions for horses

Construction of a professional paddock floor

A modern Paddock floor typically consists of several functional layers:

1. Base course (gravel, crushed stone or lava)
2. Separation and stabilization layer (e.g. paddock floor panels)
3. Footing layer (Sand or special surface)

This Paddock floor structure ensures effective drainage and high stability even under intensive use .

Operation without a walking surface (only floor slabs)

Possible, especially in the case of:

• Feeding places
• Transition areas / Walkways
• High-traffic areas

Advantages:

• Maximum drainage
• Minimal maintenance required
• No material loss (no sand erosion)
• Very durable

Disadvantages:

• Harder ground → reduced comfort for horses
• Increased risk of slipping in wet/frosty conditions
• Less “natural” running feel

2. Operation with walking surface (recommended)

Typical:

• Sand
• Sand-wood mixtures
• Special walking surfaces (e.g. fleece/fiber additives)

Advantages:

• Significantly better Foot protection & joint protection
• Slip resistance improved
• Natural movement behavior
• Even load distribution

Disadvantages:

• Low maintenance required (tightening, refilling)
• Material costs

👉 Conclusion: Standard solution in the equestrian sector

3. Recommended interpretation (Best Practice)

For typical paddocks:

• Footing layer: approx. 5–10 cm sand
• On perforated paddock floor panels
• Including: Base course (gravel/crushed stone)

Important:

• Sand must not be too fine (→ siltation)
• Not too rough (→ risk of injury)

Paddock floor panels – the efficient solution

Paddock floor tiles made from recycled plastic (e.g. perforated systems) offer a particularly economical and durable solution for modern equestrian facilities.

Advantages at a glance:

• High load capacity – suitable for horses, machinery and vehicles
• Optimal drainage through perforated structure
• Slip-resistant surface for maximum security
• Heat insulating & weather resistant
• Chemical and ammonia resistant
• Quick installation thanks to plug-in system
• Low maintenance

The slabs serve as a stable base for sand or other footing layers and prevent mixing with the subsoil.

Lawn grid panels are often considered as a cost-effective solution for paddocks, but are only conditionally suitable. They are primarily designed for grassed areas and light traffic loads. Under the high point load from horses' hooves, they quickly lose their stability, the turf is damaged, and the surface becomes muddy. This results in unevenness, waterlogging, and increased maintenance. For permanently durable, mud-free paddocks, specially developed paddock floor panels are a significantly more reliable solution.

Optionally, the plastic paddock floor panels are also available WITHOUT drainage holes.

Areas of application

• Paddocks and open stables
• Riding arenas and horse walkers
• Transition areas and walkways
• Feeding areas and heavily used zones

Especially in heavily trafficked areas, permanent soil stabilization is essential, as horses generate high point loads through their weight and movement. .

Conclusion

A professional Paddock flooring with paddock floor tiles is the most economical and sustainable solution for modern horse husbandry. It prevents mud build-up, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the health and safety of the animals in the long term.