Paddock Flooring

Technical Details of the Paddock Floor Panels

Technical Details – Perforated Paddock Panels

• Dimensions: 1200 × 800 mm
• Height: 43 mm
• Weight: approx. 27 kg per panel
• Effective usable area (interlocking): 1160 × 760 mm
• Hole diameter: Ø 25 mm (perforated structure)
• Material type: Recycled plastic (highly load-bearing, chemically resistant)
• Pallet: 30 pieces per pallet

Structural Features:

• Plug-/locking system for surface connection
• Installation in staggered pattern required
• Fastening optionally with screws/dowels or PU adhesive

Performance Characteristics:

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

Why Modern Paddock Flooring Is Crucial

Unsuitable floors quickly lead to mud, waterlogging and health problems in horses. The cause is usually poor drainage or compaction of the substrate, preventing rainwater from draining away . A professional paddock floor 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 effort
• Optimal movement conditions for horses

Construction of a Professional Paddock Floor

A modern paddock floor usually consists of several functional layers:

1. Load-bearing layer (gravel, crushed stone, or lava)
2. Separation and stabilization layer (e.g. paddock floor panels)
3. Walking layer (sand or special covering)

This structure of the paddock floor ensures effective drainage as well as high stability even under intensive use .

Operation without Walking Layer (only floor panels)

Possible, especially for:

• Feeding areas
• Transition zones / walkways
• Heavily used zones

Advantages:

• Maximum drainage
• Minimal maintenance effort
• No material loss (no sand washout)
• Very durable

Disadvantages:

• Harder substrate → less comfort for horses
• Sometimes higher slip risk when wet/frosty
• Less "natural" walking feel

2. Operation with Walking Layer (recommended)

Typical:

• Sand
• Sand-wood mixtures
• Special walking layers (e.g. fleece/fibre additives)

Advantages:

• Significantly better hoof protection & joint relief
• Improved slip resistance
• Natural movement behaviour
• Even load distribution

Disadvantages:

• Some maintenance effort (raking, refilling)
• Material costs

Conclusion: Standard solution in the horse sector

3. Recommended Design (Best Practice)

For typical paddocks:

• Walking layer: approx. 5–10 cm sand
• On top of perforated paddock floor panels
• Below: load-bearing layer (crushed stone/gravel)

Important:

• Sand must not be too fine (→ silting)
• Not too coarse (→ injury risk)

Paddock Floor Panels – The Efficient Solution

Paddock floor panels made of recycled plastic (e.g. perforated systems) offer a particularly economical and durable solution for modern horse facilities.

Advantages at a glance:

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

The panels serve as a stable base for sand or other walking layers and prevent mixing with the substrate.

Grass grid panels are often considered a cheap solution for paddocks but are only conditionally suitable. They are primarily designed for green areas and light traffic loads. Under the high point loads caused by horse hooves, they quickly lose their stability, the turf is destroyed, and the structure silts up. This causes unevenness, waterlogging and increased maintenance effort. For permanently load-bearing, mud-free paddocks, specially developed paddock floor panels are the significantly more reliable solution.

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

Areas of Application

• Paddocks and open stables
• Indoor riding arenas and exercise systems
• Transition zones and walkways
• Feeding areas and heavily used zones

Especially in high-load areas, permanent ground stabilization is essential as horses generate high point loads through their weight and movement .

Conclusion

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