Kennel Flooring
5 products
5 products
Description
Updated May 2026
Rubber kennel flooring is the professional standard for UK dog kennels, cattery runs, and pet facility flooring — it's hygienic, non-slip, easy to clean, and provides a comfortable surface that reduces joint stress for dogs. This guide covers everything you need to choose the right kennel flooring.
Why Rubber Flooring Is the Best Choice for Dog Kennels
Concrete is still the most common kennel floor material in the UK — but it's cold, hard on joints, and difficult to keep hygienic without specialist coatings. Rubber kennel matting solves all three problems:
- Joint protection: The cushioned surface reduces impact on hips and elbows — important for large breeds and older dogs
- Warmth: Rubber provides thermal insulation from cold concrete floors, reducing kennel cough and respiratory problems in winter
- Hygiene: Non-porous rubber doesn't harbour bacteria or urine — it can be hosed down, pressure-washed, and disinfected without degrading
- Slip resistance: R11-rated kennel rubber matting provides secure footing even when wet
- Durability: Commercial rubber kennel flooring lasts 10+ years under heavy use — far outlasting foam alternatives
Types of Rubber Kennel Flooring
| Type | Best For | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Round dot rubber matting | Kennel runs, catteries, pet shops | 6–10mm |
| Flat ribbed rubber matting | Kennel sleeping areas, grooming tables | 3–6mm |
| Heavy-duty kennel tiles | High-volume boarding kennels, rescue centres | 10–15mm |
| Drainage link mats | Wet areas, outdoor runs, hose-down zones | 12–16mm |
Kennel Flooring Thickness Guide
Choosing the right thickness for kennel flooring depends on the size of dog and the type of area:
- 3–6mm: Sleeping areas and low-activity zones — adequate cushion for small to medium dogs, easy to clean
- 6–10mm: General kennel run use — the most popular specification for UK boarding kennels
- 10–15mm: High-activity runs, large breed kennels (Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs) — greater impact protection and warmth
- Drainage link mats: Hose-down zones, outdoor runs, paddocks — the raised drainage surface allows liquid to pass through freely
How to Maintain Rubber Kennel Flooring
Proper maintenance keeps kennel flooring hygienic and extends its working life:
- Remove solids and sweep daily
- Hose down or pressure-wash with hot water regularly
- Disinfect with a kennel-safe disinfectant — rubber is compatible with most quaternary ammonium and enzyme-based products
- Allow to dry before replacing bedding
- Inspect quarterly for tears, crazing, or lifting edges that could create trip hazards or harbour bacteria
Frequently Asked Questions — Kennel Flooring
What is the best flooring for a dog kennel?
Heavy-duty rubber matting rated R11 for slip resistance is the professional standard for UK dog kennels. It's warm, hygienic, non-slip when wet, and protects dog joints better than bare concrete or vinyl. Round-dot or ribbed profiles are the most common patterns for kennel runs.
How thick should rubber kennel flooring be?
For general UK boarding kennels, 6–10mm is the standard thickness. For large breed facilities (dogs over 40kg), specify 10–15mm for better joint protection and thermal insulation from cold concrete.
Can rubber kennel flooring be cut to size?
Yes — all Rubberco kennel flooring is available cut to your exact dimensions. Specify your kennel run measurements when ordering and we'll cut to size with no extra charge.
Is rubber kennel flooring easy to clean?
Yes. Rubber is non-porous, so urine and disinfectants don't soak in. A daily hose-down and weekly disinfect is typically all that's needed. Avoid bleach-based products as prolonged exposure can degrade rubber compounds over time.
Do you offer free delivery on kennel flooring?
Yes — free UK mainland delivery on all kennel flooring orders. Most orders dispatch within 24 hours.
Kennel Flooring Cost Guide UK 2026
Understanding the cost of rubber kennel flooring helps you budget accurately and avoid being undersold on quality. Here are typical UK 2026 prices:
| Product Type | Typical Price Range | Expected Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round-dot rubber matting (6mm) | £6–£10 / m² | 8–12 years | Cattery runs, smaller kennels |
| Flat ribbed rubber matting (3–6mm) | £4–£8 / m² | 8–15 years | Sleeping areas, grooming |
| Heavy-duty kennel tiles (10–15mm) | £12–£20 / m² | 12–20 years | High-volume boarding kennels |
| Drainage link mats (12–16mm) | £14–£22 / m² | 10–15 years | Wet runs, hose-down areas |
Cost tip: Cheaper rubber kennel mats with thin compound or recycled filler content may cost 30–40% less upfront but require replacement in 3–5 years vs 12–20 years for quality materials. In a commercial kennel with 20+ runs, the life-cycle cost difference is significant.
Kennel Flooring Installation Guide
Installing rubber kennel matting is straightforward for most kennel configurations:
- Measure each kennel run precisely — allow for any drains, corners, or raised threshold strips
- Clean and dry the concrete base thoroughly — rubber laid on damp concrete can trap moisture and develop mould underneath
- Cut rubber to size using a sharp 18mm Stanley knife and straight edge — rubber matting cuts cleanly
- Lay loose for easy removal in most cases — rubber kennel mats are heavy enough to stay in place and loose-lay allows easy lifting for deep cleaning
- Permanent installation where escape risk from dogs pulling at the mat — use rubber contact adhesive on the perimeter and seams only, not full bed
- Seal any gaps between mat and kennel walls with flexible rubber-compatible sealant to prevent urine pooling at edges
See our dog kennel flooring guide for detailed specification advice or browse our kennel flooring range.
Is rubber kennel flooring safe if dogs chew or bite it?
Quality commercial rubber kennel flooring is vulcanised (heat-cured) and non-toxic, posing minimal risk if dogs lick or chew at edges. However, no rubber flooring is designed to be chewed — persistent chewing that removes chunks is a welfare and safety concern. For dogs that chew flooring, install with permanent adhesive to remove loose edges, or use a removable tile system that can be quickly replaced if damaged. SBR rubber is the most common material and carries no REACH-restricted substance concerns when sourced from reputable suppliers.
How often should rubber kennel mats be replaced?
Commercial rubber kennel matting from reputable suppliers should last 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Signs that replacement is needed include: visible tearing or chunking, surface compression that no longer recovers, persistent odour despite proper cleaning, or loss of surface texture that reduces slip resistance. Annual inspection is good practice for commercial kennels. In a boarding kennel running 250+ days/year, replacing a single run's matting costs significantly less than a kennel injury claim.
Kennel Flooring Buying Guide 2026: Cost Comparison
| Product Type | Thickness | Price From | Best For | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round dot rubber matting (cut to size) | 6mm | £8/m² | General kennel runs | 10+ years |
| Flat ribbed matting (cut to size) | 3–4mm | £5/m² | Sleeping areas, grooming | 10+ years |
| Heavy-duty kennel tiles (interlocking) | 15mm | £18/tile | High-volume boarding kennels | 12+ years |
| Open-grid drainage link mats | 16mm | £12/m² | Hose-down zones, outdoor runs | 8–12 years |
Dog Breed-Specific Kennel Flooring Recommendations
Different breeds and sizes have different flooring requirements:
- Large breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers): 10–15mm minimum for joint protection — these breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and hard flooring accelerates joint degeneration
- Giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds): 15mm minimum; consider a maternity area with 20mm mats for breeding bitches
- Small breeds and toy dogs: 6mm is adequate — the priority is warmth and grip rather than heavy impact absorption
- Greyhounds and sighthounds: Minimum 10mm for thin-skinned breeds with bony prominences — these breeds are particularly susceptible to pressure sores on hard surfaces
- Active working dogs (Border Collies, Spaniels, Springer Spaniels): 6–10mm with high-grip surface profile to match their activity levels
Kennel Flooring vs Concrete: Is Rubber Worth It?
The most common question from first-time kennel operators: is it worth the investment over bare concrete?
Based on a 10-year cost analysis for a 10-kennel boarding facility:
- Bare concrete: High cleaning costs (longer scrub time), vet bills for joint injuries, potential welfare investigation risk, shorter kennel lifespan due to moisture and urine penetration into concrete
- Rubber kennel flooring: Higher upfront cost (approximately £800–£1,500 for 10 kennels), but reduced cleaning time, healthier dogs, better welfare compliance, and mats lasting 10+ years
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 and CIEH Model Standards for Cat and Dog Boarding (2013) do not mandate rubber flooring specifically, but inspectors consistently recommend it as best practice for joint health and hygiene.
Related Reading
- Rubber Flooring for Dog Kennels, Vets & Pet Care Facilities: Complete UK Guide
- Rubber Matting for Dog Kennels & Dog Runs UK: Welfare, Hygiene & Spec Guide 2026
- Kennel Flooring UK: Best Rubber Matting for Dog Kennels & Pet Areas
Updated June 2026 — Kennel Flooring Buying Guide
How Much Kennel Flooring Do You Need?
To calculate the amount of rubber kennel flooring required:
- Measure the length and width of each kennel run in metres
- Multiply length × width for each area
- Add 5–10% for wastage and cuts
- For rubber rolls: round up to the nearest whole metre
Use our rubber flooring calculator to get an accurate estimate.
Kennel Flooring for Boarding Kennels: Compliance & Standards
UK boarding kennels must comply with local authority licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. Key flooring requirements include:
- Impervious surfaces — flooring must not absorb urine or bacteria
- Cleanable and disinfectable — rubber meets this requirement fully
- Adequate drainage — drainage-link mats are ideal for wet kennel runs
- Non-slip — R11-rated rubber provides safe footing for dogs and handlers
Kennel Flooring Comparison: Rubber vs Concrete vs Vinyl
| Material | Hygiene | Joint Protection | Warmth | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber matting | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ££ |
| Bare concrete | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Poor | ❌ Cold | £ |
| Vinyl sheet | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate | £ |
| Foam tiles | ❌ Poor | ✅ Good | ✅ Warm | £ |
Kennel Flooring FAQ 2026
What is the best rubber flooring for dog kennels in the UK?
Round-dot or ribbed rubber matting at 6–10mm is the most widely used kennel flooring for dog runs and sleeping areas. For high-volume boarding kennels or rescue centres, heavy-duty interlocking rubber tiles at 10–15mm give longer life and easier replacement of worn sections.
How do I clean rubber kennel flooring?
Hose down or pressure wash with warm water and a kennel-safe disinfectant. Avoid bleach-based cleaners used neat, as these degrade rubber over time — always dilute as directed. For urine odour, enzyme-based kennel disinfectants work best and are safe for rubber surfaces.
Can rubber kennel flooring be used outdoors?
Yes. EPDM rubber or recycled SBR crumb rubber tiles are suitable for outdoor kennel runs. For long-term outdoor use, EPDM has better UV and weather resistance than standard SBR. Drainage-link rubber mats are ideal for outdoor runs as they allow rain and hose water to drain freely.
Does rubber kennel flooring smell?
New rubber matting has a mild rubber odour that dissipates within a few weeks. Recycled SBR grades (made from tyre crumb) may have a stronger initial smell. Once broken in, rubber kennel floors do not hold urine or faecal odour — they can be fully disinfected, unlike concrete which is porous.
What thickness kennel flooring do I need?
For sleeping areas and general kennel floors, 6–10mm rubber matting is standard. For large breeds, older dogs, or high-welfare facilities, 10–15mm provides better joint cushioning. For outdoor drainage runs, drainage-link mats at 12–16mm are recommended.
Is rubber kennel flooring safe for dogs?
Yes — rubber kennel flooring is used by UK vets, RSPCA centres, boarding kennels, and rescue organisations. It is non-toxic, non-porous (so it does not harbour bacteria), provides safe non-slip footing, and reduces the risk of joint problems from hard concrete exposure. Always ensure rubber products do not contain harmful additives — all Rubberco kennel matting is safe for animal contact.
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