The best way to keep your feet warm and dry while ice fishing is to lay down some rubber floor tiles. Pop-up ice fishing huts such as the Clam C560, or the Otter Vortex do come with the disadvantage of having a large, unprotected floor space.
This is quite an easy fix though, as you’ll find that there are many different types of useful floor tiles to keep your feet warm and your fishing gear dry. In the sections below, you’ll find a list of the 7 best choices in terms of both function and value.
Should I Buy Rubber Tiles For My Ice Fishing Hut?
Yes, interlocking rubber tiles are one of the best purchases that you can make as an ice angler. If you have one of those pop-up hub shelters, such as the Clam C560, then it is an absolute must.
Here are several good reasons:
- Keeps your feet warm and dry
- Prevents loss of heat through the floor
- Keeps your equipment dry
- Provides an even flat surface to stand on
- Is portable and easy to transport
- Easier to adjust than a carpet or mat
- Affordable
How to Buy Floor Tiles For Ice Fishing
There are a few things to consider when purchasing floor tiles for your ice fishing hut:
- Ideally, each tile should be a centerpiece. This means that each side of every tile has an interlocking pattern. Many tiles come with a removable end piece so that you can add a straight edge to the tile as needed.
- You could also purchase roll-out mats, which are easier to set up but come with the downside of making it harder to customize your floor pattern.
- Thickness of the tile
Best Rubber Tiles For Ice Fishing
Below you’ll find rubber floor tiles split up by best of category: drainage, double-sided, best for traction, extra thick, compact size, best value, and roll-out.
For Drainage: Envelor Perforated Floor Mat
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 36” x 36” |
| Thickness | 0.5” |
| Square Feet | 36 |
| Price (For Pack Of 4) | For the current price, click here |
The major advantage of these is how well they drain out any water. You do pay a little bit higher price for the drainage, but these can also come in handy for a basement, garage, or any workspace where things get wet.
The only downside is lesser protection from heat loss since the floor will be more exposed to more ice. One idea would be to place some tone of underlay under the tile (could be as simple as recycled cardboard.
This way you are getting the best of both worlds in terms of preventing heat loss and promoting drainage.
Reversible Non-Slip Surface: BalanceFrom EVA Foam 24 x 24
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 24” x 24” |
| Thickness | ½” |
| Square Feet | 24 |
| Price | For the current price, click here |
The BalanceFrom comes with a double-sided non-slip surface, making it easy to flip over and reverse sides if you need to. It is also moisture-resistant and can be washed with soap and water.
You have the option of purchasing a 24-square-foot pack or a 48-square-foot pack. For the size and features, this tile is reasonably priced.
Extra Thick: ProsourceFit 1” Thick
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 24” x 24” |
| Thickness | 1” |
| Square Feet | 24,72, or 96 |
| Price | For the current price, click here |
The Prosourcefit mat is 1″ thick and comes with the option of purchasing in either a 24, 72, or 96 sq. ft pattern.
There are many advantages to the thicker mat: it’ll retain heat better, more moisture will be absorbed and it’s less likely that water from your drilled holes will slap up and get you wet.
Small Mats: BeMaxx 12” x 12”
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 12” x 12” |
| Thickness | 0.4” |
| Square Feet | 18 |
| Price | For the current price, click here |
A smaller tile dimension gives you much greater flexibility. You can design a unique pattern around your drilled holes in the ice. It also means that the tile package is much less bulky and awkward to carry— conserving space within your sled.
Another great thing about the BeMaxx 12” x 12” tiles is that it is easy to carry the tile under your arm when you decide to do a little exploring outside your hut in search of fish. You can comfortably kneel on the tile instead of having to kneel directly on the ice.
Best Value: Yes4All 12” x 12”
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 12” x 12” |
| Thickness | 7/16” |
| Square Feet | 12, 16, 36 |
| Price | For the current price, click here |
At just under ½” of thickness, Yes4All represents one of the better values on the market for rubber floor tiles. Packaging is convenient too. The 12, 16, and 36 sq. ft offerings jive well with the typical floor space found in ice fishing huts.
Roll It Out: Rubber-Cal Diamond-Plated Rubber Flooring Rolls
| Dimensions Of Each Roll | 4 ft wide, various lengths 1’ to 15’ |
| Thickness | 0.18 in |
| Square Feet | varies depending on the length |
| Price | For the current price click here |
As an alternative to interlocking floor tiles, perhaps you want to explore the option of a roll-out mat. The advantage of this is that it is easy to set up and can be stuffed down in your sled with ease.
The downside would be that you do not have anywhere near the customization ability. You may also have to get used to the floor shifting on you since these don’t have the same cohesiveness as the interlocking tiles.
One nice thing, however, is that the rolls do come in a large variety of lengths.
For Traction: Rubber-Cal Revolution Diamond-Plate 36 x 36
| Dimensions Of Each Tile | 36” x 36” |
| Thickness | ⅝” |
| Square Feet | 18 |
| Price (for a pack of 2) | For the current price, click here |
The Rubber-Cal Revolution has a textured design that offers the best in traction. This is a big plus since it’s far too easy to get your tiles wet. Slipping and sliding around if you have to get up in a hurry is not ideal.
Imagine missing a flag on a tip-up because you slipped and fell on your floor.
Final Thoughts
You have many options when it comes to floor tiles for ice fishing shelters. When choosing, you should consider the size of your hut, the amount of space in your sled to transport your gear, and your overall budget. The great part is that rubber tiles are popular, so you’ll have lots of different choices.
