It can be noisy as animals walk on it if not well-supported. Deterioration can be a problem, so steel waterers, feeders, and fencing must be insulated from aluminum to prevent electrolytic corrosion. Concrete slotted flooring is the most durable of all the slotted flooring materials and is used for larger animals such as mature swine and cattle. Providing a smooth edge on the slats helps prevent foot injuries, and improves cleaning. Plastic slotted floors work very well for young animals and are often giberglass reinforced and fabricated with a textured surface.
Steel is used to make slotted floors for small animals such as young pigs, calves, and sheep.
Epoxy paint or a porcelain or plastic coating helps to resist corrosion. Galvanized steel is a type of steel that is treated with a zinc coating to protect against water and its corrosive forces. Stainless steel lasts longer than galvanized steel and is best suited for swine farrowing and nursery buildings. It is also used to make grates used to cover gutters behind dairy cow stalls. Slotted floors made of wood are limited to smaller animals such as veal calves, and sheep.