Can Equinox tiles be laid directly on the floor?
Generally speaking, Equinox stabilization mats must be laid on a prepared surface to ensure their effectiveness and durability. It is not recommended to lay them directly on mud, as this could compromise their stability and longevity, unless your soil is naturally draining and a load-bearing.
Floor preparation before laying Equinox Grids:
1. Ground preparation
Level the floor to obtain a flat surface that is as smooth as possible. Lay a foundation layer of crushed gravel (type 0/31.5 or 0/40 mm) or sand to ensure good drainage and avoid subsidence. Compact this layer with a vibrating plate or roller. Place a levelling layer (optional but recommended) : a thin layer of sand 0/4 mm (2 to 5 cm) to facilitate adjustment of the slabs.
2. Installation of Equinox Grids
Lay the tiles, interlocking them before checking alignment and flatness. Depending on intended use, fill cavities with gravel, sand or topsoil for a stable, aesthetic finish.
Depending on the type of soil you have, you may also want to add a geotextile to prevent silt from rising or grass from growing back. If you choose this option, be sure to add a layer of sand or drainage material before laying the slabs to ensure they are properly anchored.
For more details on the different installation options, please consult our installation guide.
FAQs From Same Category
Equinox Grids are designed to be laid on damp ground, so we strongly advise you to lay them before the ground is completely muddy.
For the actual installation, the technique for both sides of the tiles is the same: simply fit them together, and their unique anti-lift system will take effect once the tiles have been joined together.
It is necessary to leave an expansion joint between the slabs to prevent them lifting as a result of temperature variations.
For more details on the different installation options, please consult our installation guide.
We recommend at least two people to lay the tiles in the best possible conditions.
The spikes on the top of our slabs are designed to slow down the movement of the hoof when it comes into contact with the slab. As the surface is rigid, slippage cannot be ruled out, especially for shod horses.
However, as horses live outdoors, there is always a risk of slipping on grass or any other surface.
To reduce this risk, we recommend covering your tiles with sand after laying them, or laying them with the honeycomb side up and then filling them with sand for extra grip.
Equinox stabilizing slabs are designed for use on all types of terrain. If the area to be stabilized is on an even slope, the weight of our stabilizing slabs, the efficiency of their fastening system and their anti-lift system ensure that they remain effective. If the slope is steep, we recommend laying them with the honeycomb side up and filling them with sand for extra grip.
Yes ! This is a major advantage over concrete, for example.
But beware: dismantling them can be more or less physical, depending on the amount of soil, dung and other matter accumulated on your mud-control slabs.
If you want to move your rack or change your horses' pasture, simply dismantle them and reinstall them in the desired location.
This is a great advantage if you're renting out your space and aren't allowed to build on it.