Glue Down vs. Dry Set Rubber Pavers: Which Installation Method Is Right for Your Barn?
One of the most important decisions in a rubber paver installation isn't the product itself, it's how you install it. Innovative Equine Systems' Equi-Paver line supports two distinct installation methods, and choosing the right one for your barn's conditions is critical to how well the floor performs over its lifespan.
Here's a clear breakdown of both methods, when each is appropriate, and what you need to get the installation right. For reference, you can also download the full Equi-Paver installation guide directly from the Innovative Equine Systems website.
The Two Installation Methods
Glue Down (Adhesive Installation)
In a glue-down installation, rubber pavers are permanently bonded to a concrete or asphalt subfloor using rubber paver adhesive. This method is used with thinner pavers and creates a rigid, unified surface that won't shift regardless of horse traffic, pawing, or equipment use.
Best for: 5/8", 7/8", and 1" Equi-Pavers installed over existing concrete or asphalt.
Dry Set (No Adhesive)
In a dry-set installation, thicker rubber pavers are laid directly over a compacted gravel or stone base without adhesive. The pavers' interlocking dogbone design provides sufficient stability without bonding, and the surface can be removed and reset if needed.
Best for: 1-5/8" and 1-3/4" Equi-Pavers installed over a properly prepared and compacted base.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Barn
Do You Have an Existing Concrete Subfloor?
If your barn already has cured concrete or asphalt, glue-down is typically the preferred method. It creates the most stable and permanent surface, eliminates any possibility of paver movement, and works with the thinner paver options that tend to be the most cost-effective per square foot.
For glue-down success, the concrete must be fully cured, dry, clean, and free of cracks or contamination. Adhesive should be applied per the manufacturer's specifications, one container covers approximately 100 square feet. Allow full cure time before putting the floor into service.
Are You Building on Compacted Gravel or Dirt?
If your barn doesn't have a concrete subfloor, or you're working with a new build on compacted base material, dry-set is the right approach. Thicker pavers (1-5/8" and 1-3/4") provide enough mass and interlocking stability that they don't require adhesive to perform correctly over a well-prepared compacted base.
The base must be properly compacted before installation. A poorly compacted base leads to settling, unevenness, and paver gaps over time. For guidance on base depth and preparation, read our post on how thick a horse barn floor needs to be.
Subfloor Preparation: The Step Most Installations Get Wrong
Regardless of which installation method you choose, subfloor preparation is the single biggest factor in how long your flooring performs correctly.
For glue-down installations:
Concrete must be fully cured (minimum 28 days for new pours)
Surface must be clean, dry, and free of oil, dust, or sealers that would interfere with adhesion
Address any cracks or low spots before laying pavers, surface irregularities will telegraph through the finished floor
For dry-set installations:
Base material should be compacted crushed stone or gravel to a consistent depth (typically 4 to 8 inches depending on soil type and drainage conditions)
Compaction should be done in layers, not all at once, for long-term stability
Surface should be graded for drainage before pavers are laid
Drainage Considerations
Both installation methods allow water and moisture to drain away from the surface, this is one of the core advantages of interlocking rubber pavers over flat mats or solid concrete.
In glue-down installations, the grout lines between pavers allow liquid to drain off the surface. In dry-set installations over gravel, liquid also drains down through the base. For wash rack areas where drainage volume is highest, plan for floor drains before installation begins. See our wash rack flooring guide for more on that specific application.
Can You Remove Dry-Set Pavers Later?
Yes, one of the advantages of the dry-set method is that pavers can be lifted and reset if needed. This makes it a good choice for facilities where you may want to reconfigure areas in the future, or where access to the underlying base is important for maintenance purposes.
Glue-down pavers are a permanent installation. While they can technically be removed, doing so will damage both the pavers and the adhesive layer on the subfloor.
A Note on Indoor vs. Outdoor Applications
The Equi-Paver is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. For outdoor applications, barn entryways, paddock paths, and trailer loading areas, thicker dry-set pavers over a compacted base are typically the recommended approach, as they accommodate ground movement from freeze-thaw cycles better than glue-down over concrete.
Download the Full Installation Guide
Innovative Equine Systems provides a detailed Equi-Paver installation guide covering subfloor prep, adhesive application, pattern layout, and border cutting. We recommend reviewing the guide before purchasing to confirm you have the right materials and tools for your specific installation.
Questions about which method is right for your barn? Call our flooring team at 775-481-6005 or contact us online.