Comparing Different Types of Construction Mats
Construction mats play a crucial role in keeping job sites safe, stable, and efficient– especially when crews are working on uneven, muddy, or sensitive ground. Companies like Select Mat maintain a wide variety of matting options to match the unique demands of different projects. Here’s a closer look at the main types of construction mats and how each performs under different conditions.
Composite Mats
Composite mats are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which makes them both strong and lightweight. They’re a great option for temporary roadways and work platforms, especially in tough environments. These mats resist moisture, chemicals, and UV damage, and their interlocking edges create a stable, slip-resistant surface. Key benefits include:
Easy to move
Reduce transport costs
Holds up well against rot
Resistant to harsh weather
Timber Mats
Timber mats are built from solid hardwood and are built to take a beating. They’re commonly used in heavy-duty projects like pipeline construction and utility work where support for massive machinery is needed.
They shine when it comes to load-bearing capacity– perfect for cranes or when you need to build a quick bridge. But they’re heavy, which makes them costlier to transport. They also soak up water, which can add even more weight and lead to maintenance or contamination issues.
CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) Mats
CLT mats offer a middle ground between strength and ease of use. They’re made by bonding multiple wood layers together, creating a mat that’s lighter than solid timber but still strong enough for most jobs.
Their lighter weight means lower shipping and handling costs. They’re ideal for rubber-tired vehicles and make solid temporary roads. However, they’re not well-suited for tracked equipment and don’t hold up as well under extremely heavy loads compared to timber mats.
Laminated Mats
Laminated mats are made by fastening layers of wood together– usually with bolts or nails. They’re one of the more affordable options and are often used for quick, temporary ground protection.
They provide a flat, smooth surface for rubber-tired vehicles and come in different sizes to fit various needs. But they aren’t the most durable choice, and they don’t pair well with tracked machinery.
Crane Mats
As the name suggests, crane mats are built for big lifting jobs. Made from thick timbers, these mats are designed to hold up under extreme weight and pressure.
They’re essential when working with cranes or other massive equipment and can even be used to build temporary bridges. The trade-off is that they’re heavy and bulky, which means more effort and cost to move and maintain. But when heavy lifting is involved, nothing beats their stability.
The best construction mat for the job depends on your equipment, site conditions, timeline, and budget. Composite mats offer flexibility and are easy to reuse. Timber and crane mats provide serious strength for the most demanding tasks. CLT and laminated mats offer lightweight, lower-cost solutions for lighter or short-term use. Understanding what each mat offers helps project managers choose the right setup to keep operations running smoothly and safely.