5 Types of Horse Trailer Flooring and How to Choose One
Michelle DrumWhen traveling with your horse, safety is your top priority. But did you know your horse trailer floor plays a big role in your horse’s safety? Choosing the right flooring can keep your horse stable and comfortable in the trailer. On the other hand, improperly maintained horse trailer flooring can be a safety hazard.
To prevent injuries, it’s important to learn about horse trailer safety. In this guide, our friends at Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer will walk you through how to choose the best horse trailer flooring for you and your horse, when and how to replace it, and how to maintain it properly.
How to choose horse trailer flooring
When choosing horse trailer flooring, consider your horse’s demeanor and your lifestyle. For example, if your horse is easily spooked, you’ll want to choose flooring that minimizes noise in the trailer. And if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s best to choose insulating flooring that will keep the trailer comfortable for your horse in the summer and winter months.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you decide on horse trailer flooring:
- Support: How much cushion and grip does the flooring provide for your horse?
- Maintenance: What kind of upkeep does the flooring require?
- Durability: How long will the flooring last?
- Noise: Does the flooring absorb shock well enough to reduce sound?
- Heat: Does the material conduct or insulate against heat?
- Cost: What’s your budget?
Each type of horse trailer flooring has pros and cons, but prioritizing features based on your needs can make your decision much easier. In the next section, we’ll explore the different types of flooring and what you can expect from each.
Types of horse trailer flooring
There are five different types of horse trailer flooring to choose from, each with unique benefits. Aluminum, wood, and Rumber flooring are installed directly on the trailer’s frame, allowing for easy maintenance. Meanwhile, Polylast and WERM are rubber floorings installed on top of the existing floor to enhance comfort and slip resistance. Let’s dive into what each type has to offer.
Aluminum trailer flooring
Aluminum flooring is commonly used in horse trailers because it’s lightweight and relatively inexpensive. Because it’s so light, standard aluminum floors require many supporting crossmembers, but planked aluminum floors provide extra support with interlocking panels. While aluminum is resistant to moisture and sun exposure, it is prone to corrosion from horse urine and road salts when not maintained properly.
| Aluminum Flooring Pros | Aluminum Flooring Cons |
| Aluminum resists moisture, sun exposure, and termites, making it more durable than wood. | Aluminum flooring doesn’t absorb shock well, which creates a lot of noise that can disturb your horse. |
| Aluminum is a sustainable building material. | Aluminum is conductive, making the trailer very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. |
| It’s fairly easy to maintain, though it requires more frequent maintenance. | It can become very slippery, so rubber mats are required. |
| Aluminum is one of the cheaper flooring options and is less expensive to install. | Because aluminum is prone to corrosion, it requires regular maintenance. |
At about $10 per square foot, aluminum flooring is a great cost-effective option, but damage can require more frequent replacements. This can be costly, but with regular cleaning and acid baths, aluminum trailer flooring can last a few decades.
Wood trailer flooring
With natural insulating and shock-absorbing qualities, wood trailer flooring is another popular choice. Installation is cost-effective, but once installed, wood flooring requires regular maintenance and treatment to maximize its lifespan.
| Wood Flooring Pros | Wood Flooring Cons |
| When installed with proper drainage, wood flooring can last longer than other types. | Installation requires careful spacing of wood planks to prevent water retention and rotting. |
| Wood absorbs shocks and vibrations for a smoother, quieter ride for your horse. | Wood trailer flooring is not water resistant, leaving it vulnerable to rot. |
| Wood does not conduct heat, which can keep your horse cool in the summer and warm in the winter. | Wood is prone to scratching and requires regular maintenance including sweeping and polishing. |
| Wood is cheap and readily available. | Termites and other wood-boring pests may damage wood flooring. |
Wood trailer flooring is sturdy and can keep your horse calm and comfortable. If rotting occurs, wood planks are accessible, inexpensive, and easy to replace. Rubber mats are recommended for slip resistance and should be removed periodically to check the integrity of the wood.
Rumber trailer flooring
Rumber is a modern flooring option made from recycled rubber and plastic. The synthetic boards interlock to create a solid surface, preventing water and urine from seeping through. This flooring effectively reduces noise and insulates, making it suitable for extreme weather conditions.
| Rumber Flooring Pros | Rumber Flooring Cons |
| Rumber is very durable and easy to maintain. | Interlocking tiles could potentially leave small gaps, leading to water seepage. |
| The mix of rubber and plastic absorbs shocks and reduces noise for your horse’s comfort. | Although thick and heavy, Rumber may not be as strong as wood and requires additional support to prevent bowing. |
| Rumber is rough to provide a non-slip surface for your horse’s safety. | Newly installed Rumber flooring may have a strong chemical smell. |
| Rumber does not transfer heat to keep your horse comfortable year-round. | Rumber is more expensive than wood and aluminum, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the trailer size. |
| Rumber tiles can be cut to size and interlocked for easy installation. |
Though pricier than aluminum and wood flooring, Rumber is long-lasting and low-maintenance, which may justify the higher cost. When tiles get damaged, they can be replaced individually, keeping repair costs low.
Polylast trailer flooring
Polylast is made from 100% recycled rubber and mixed with an adhesive which is then poured and leveled over the existing trailer floor. It’s porous, allowing moisture to drain through the flooring and out of the trailer. Drain holes are drilled in the existing floor during installation to ensure proper drainage.
| Polylast Flooring Pros | Polylast Flooring Cons |
| Polylast is very durable, with a lifespan of over 25 years. | Installation involves drilling multiple drain holes in the trailer’s metal floor, which can weaken the structural integrity. |
| Polylast is a great insulator, keeping the trailer comfortable in hot and cold weather. | If the flooring is damaged, repairs can be challenging and costly. |
| Polylast rubber flooring effectively absorbs road noise and vibrations, providing a quieter and more comfortable ride for your horse. | Polylast is one of the more expensive flooring options, with prices ranging from $10 to $16 per square foot. |
| Polylast flooring is textured for excellent slip resistance. | It can be difficult to check the integrity of the metal floor underneath. |
| The only maintenance required is rinsing it out and letting it dry. |
Polylast is relatively expensive and can be difficult to repair if damaged, but it’s an excellent choice for those looking for low-maintenance flooring. What you pay for initially, Polylast makes up for in durability and comfort for your horse.
WERM trailer flooring
WERM (“We Eliminate Rubber Mats”) is also made from 100% recycled rubber and adhesive and offers similar benefits to Polylast. Unlike Polylast, WERM flooring does not require drainage holes and instead forms a seal to keep moisture from seeping through and prevent rot. WERM eliminates the need for rubber mats with a textured, cushioning surface for a low-maintenance flooring option.
| WERM Flooring Pros | WERM Flooring Cons |
| WERM is durable and protects the trailer bed from exposure to moisture and acid. | WERM can react with the trailer’s aluminum, potentially causing the floor to rot or corrode over time. |
| The rubber composition absorbs road noise and vibrations for a quieter and smoother rider for your horse. | Proper installation is crucial to prevent gaps between the WERM surface and the trailer floor. |
| WERM does not transfer heat, keeping the trailer comfortable in extreme temperatures. | WERM flooring can cost $10 to $13 per square foot. |
| It can easily be hosed down, and the seamless edges help control bacterial accumulation. | WERM can be damaged by horses that paw at the flooring, and if damaged, repairs can be costly and complex. |
| The flooring prevents easy inspection of the metal underneath. |
WERM is low-maintenance and offers excellent insulation and shock absorption. It’s also customizable with several flooring colors to choose from. However, it may not be the best option for horses that get restless during transport, since they could easily damage it.
When should you replace your horse trailer flooring?
To keep your horse safe on the road, you should check your trailer flooring for damage before each trip. Inspect your horse trailer flooring more thoroughly each time you clean it, making sure to check underneath the trailer for signs of corrosion or rotting.
If wood flooring has been damaged by moisture, it will be spongy in the affected areas. You can use a screwdriver or knife to test the integrity of the floorboards. If the wood easily crumbles, it’s time to replace the affected planks or the entire floor.
To check aluminum for damage, look for corrosion, pitting, or cracks in the welding. These are all signs that it’s time to repair or replace your horse trailer flooring. If you have WERM or Polylast flooring with an aluminum base, it’s important to regularly check underneath your trailer for damage or have it professionally inspected.
Rumber flooring is very durable, but if it gets damaged, you can replace individual Rumber boards rather than replacing the entire floor.
How to replace a horse trailer floor
If your trailer flooring doesn’t pass inspection, it’s time to replace it. Horse trailer flooring replacements can be time-consuming and expensive, but a sturdy and supportive flooring makes all the difference for your horse’s safety. Follow these steps for a safe and effective installation process.
1. Prep
Before you begin, set up a fan in the trailer to keep you cool and help remove debris. Put on safety equipment such as safety glasses, a mask, headphones, and gloves.
2. Use a descaler
Prepare the trailer for the new flooring by using a descaling tool to remove any rusted nails. This can get messy, so be sure to use a fan and airflow tube to remove debris so you can see your progress and protect your eyes and airways.
3. Paint
After cleaning the trailer, apply a rust resistant paint to protect and beautify the trailer. Before installing the flooring, give the paint ample time to dry.
4. Install the flooring
Once the trailer is prepped, you can install the flooring. This process looks very different depending on which type of flooring you use. Wood planks must be spaced out with a quarter-inch gap between each for proper drainage. If you choose aluminum flooring, you may need to install additional aluminum crossmembers before screwing in the floor plate or panels. Rumber flooring is heavy and may also require crossmembers to keep the floor from bowing. Then, it is easily snapped together to form a seal.
Polylast and WERM trailer flooring are only effective if applied correctly, so these types are typically installed by professionals. Before installing Polylast flooring, holes are drilled in the existing floor to ensure moisture will drain properly. Then, the Polylast or WERM rubber and adhesive are mixed, poured, and troweled. If installed improperly, the floor below can corrode and weaken, so do not attempt to install it yourself unless you have been trained to do so.
How to maintain horse trailer flooring
No matter which type you choose, maintenance is key to making your horse trailer flooring last for many years. Cleaning and upkeep may seem tedious, but caring for your trailer flooring will keep your horse safe and save you from a costly replacement. Here are our best tips for horse trailer flooring maintenance:
- Check the flooring for damage before each use
- Use bedding to soak up urine before it reaches the trailer floor
- After use, remove any wet straw or bedding to prevent bacterial and mold growth
- Hose down the flooring right after each use and allow it to dry
- Remove rubber mats and wash the trailer two to six times a year, depending on how often you use it
By taking these steps to maintain your horse trailer flooring, you protect your horse from injury and your trailer from damage. If you can’t commit a lot of time to maintaining your trailer floors, consider a low-maintenance option like Polylast or WERM.
Need help deciding which horse trailer flooring is right for you and your horse? Ken Feagin and his team are happy to help. And if it’s time for a new horse trailer, Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer carries a wide selection of models from top brands. Give them a call or visit them in Campobello, SC to speak to one of their experts.
You might also like: