Rubber Matting for Stables. How Much Does it Really Cost?
Are you puzzled about how much to budget for stable matting?
You’re in the right place. We’ll break down the costs for you, offering key insights into why some mats come cheap and others are a more substantial investment.
With prices varying widely—from $50 to $200 per m2—knowing the ins and outs can make all the difference to your pocket.
What Drives Up Your Costs?
Quality and Longevity: The primary determinant of a mat’s value is its quality. Premium mats, crafted using elite materials, are tailored to withstand the daily hustle and bustle of busy racing stables, ensuring optimal comfort. High-quality mats can endure up to 15-20 years, whereas mats at the lower end may last just a few years. While the initial investment in premium mats might be more expensive, their durability ensures that they’re a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Freight and Logistics: The cost of transporting mats constitutes a considerable portion of your overall expense, irrespective of the quality of the mat. This further accentuates the distinction between premium and budget-friendly mats.
Design Complexity: The mat’s design, especially in terms of interlocking patterns, can both elevate costs and installation duration. Certain mats may come with stringent alignment patterns, complicating installations around the edges and leading to more wastage. On the other hand, well designed mats can minimize your wastage and streamline the installation process, bringing you significant time and cost savings.
How Can You Save Money?
DIY Installation: Going the DIY route for installation can substantially cut your costs. With a clear instructional guide, you can accurately lay out the mats, eliminating professional installation fees and adding flexibility to the installation timeline.
Innovative Mat Design: As mentioned earlier, mats with innovative interlocking designs can lead to tangible savings. These mats are designed to curtail wastage and expedite installation, especially in unique spaces, and are more cost-efficient in the long run.
Reasons Some Companies’ Mats are More Expensive
Historical Lack of Competition: Traditionally, some companies could set higher prices due to a lack of competitive pricing pressure in the market. The limited number of players allowed them to dictate prices based on their dominance rather than the inherent value of their products. However, with the emergence of more competitors introducing innovation and value-driven products, the pricing landscape is undergoing a shift. A case in point is NumatAGRI’s Kura mat. Despite being of superior quality, it’s priced competitively in the mid-range, representing the changing dynamics of the industry and the value such innovations bring to the market.
Value-Added Services: Some brands provide ancillary services, including expert installation or extended warranties. Although these can increase the initial cost, they guarantee comprehensive backing for your investment.
Mat Design: As already mentioned, some designs might seem economically priced at first glance, but they might necessitate more wastage to ensure full coverage. Other mats, such as NumatAGRI’s Kura, are designed to offer a blend of quality and efficiency.
Reasons Some Companies Have Lower Prices
Material Sourcing: Certain mats might be priced lower due to the use of filler compounds, such as Carbon Black, which may cut down the initial cost but can compromise longevity and quality. These filler compounds are often toxic and can cause damage to your soil and horses.
Design Simplicity: Mats with basic designs could be more affordable, but they might lead to increased wastage and unforeseen expenses during installation.
Spotlight on Cost
In the Australian equine industry, while prices for stable matting can range from $50 per m2 for basic DIY options to $200 per m2 for premium, fully installed ones, higher costs don’t always equate to superior quality. A prime example of this is NumatAGRI’s Kura mat. Despite its renowned exceptional quality, it sits surprisingly in the mid-price range. Many might anticipate it to command a higher price, but the Kura mat balances its price with performance. The upfront investment is reasonable, especially considering the myriad of benefits it brings, from enhanced horse comfort to impressive durability, highlighting its outstanding value for money.
Making an Informed Choice
In the competitive sphere of horse racing, discerning real value is crucial. With options like the Kura mat available, horse owners are reminded that true value isn’t solely tied to the highest prices but rather a combination of quality, durability, and affordability.
If you would like to receive a sample of the Kura stable mat and pricing, please reach out to us at 0800 686 119.
