Perforated Mats

What this mat actually does

Under every riding surface three things happen at once: sand works its way into the sub-base, water has nowhere to drain, and the horse digs hollows where it travels most. The perforated mat deals with all three at the same time. Separation. A rigid, continuous slab separates the working layer from the sub-base. Sand stays out of the aggregate and the aggregate stays out of the sand, so the footing does not turn grey after the first season. Stabilisation. The mat spreads the load across the whole surface rather than point by point. Hooves do not punch through to the sub-base, even under heavy work, and the arena does not develop hollows where it is ridden most. Water management. The perforation drains excess water downwards while slowing the drying of the sand layer above. In practice: fewer puddles after rain and less watering in hot weather. Less sand. On the mat an 8-10 cm quartz layer is enough instead of the usual 15 cm. On a 20 x 60 m arena that is tens of tonnes of material saved, which often covers a large part of the cost of the mats themselves. Reliable grip. A stable base under the hoof means less slipping and less strain on tendons.

Where it works

• Paddocks and turnout areas – the most common use. Laid on levelled ground, the mat ends the mud at the gate, around the water trough and along the fence line.
• Outdoor arenas and indoor schools – as the separating and stabilising layer of a complete footing system.
• Renovation of an existing arena – without stripping everything back to the ground.
• Walkways, stable approaches and machinery parking areas.

What it is made of

Ecoplank produces the mats from recycled PVC at its plant in Radziejowice. The material does not rot, does not absorb water, is of no interest to mould or insects, and needs no treatment for its entire service life. The origin of the raw material is confirmed by the recycling certificate available for download below.

Technical data

How many mats do I need

One mat covers one square metre, so the number of mats equals the area in square metres. Mats travel on pallets of 50; we work out the split for you when we quote.

Larger areas? Send us the dimensions and we will come back with a quotation covering the mats, transport and the remaining layers of the footing.

How to lay it – three layers

1. Sub-base – 0-31.5 mm aggregate, a layer of approx. 10 cm, compacted and levelled.
2. Perforated mat – laid directly on the sub-base with an expansion gap between mats, no glue and no anchoring.
3. Working layer – 8-10 cm of quartz sand; less than in a classic build-up.

On clay soils or where the water table is high, the layers are specified individually. The full installation instruction is available for download below.

Delivery and lead time

• Shipped on pallets by pallet freight, throughout Poland and Europe.
• Transport is priced together with the mats and stated in the quotation, so the figure you approve is the figure you pay.
• Delivery in 2-4 weeks from order confirmation, where the market standard is two to three months.
• One named contact with a direct phone number, from quotation to unloading. Invoice with agreed payment terms for business customers.

Not what you are looking for?

If you need a finished hard-wearing surface to protect ground, turf or flooring under traffic, see Easy Mat. The perforated mat works underneath the sand; Easy Mat is laid as the top surface you walk and drive on.

Download files

• Safety Data Sheet – Polish
• Safety Data Sheet – English
• Safety Data Sheet – German
• Perforated Mats Assembly Instruction
• Recycling Certificate of Origin
• Warranty
• Terms of Service