The durability of timber mats plays a central part in the decision-making process for anyone looking to hire or buy timber mats.
If you are to make the best-possible decision for your project it’s important to know the durability of the timber in addition to its strength characteristics.
How you take care of your timber mats, alongside how they are used will impact their life span, of course. For example, timber mats used in heavy construction sites constantly would be expected to fall into disrepair at a faster pace than those used for lighter work.
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Timber mats class scale
Class 1
The most durable in the scale, class 1 timber mats would be expected to last a minimum of 25 years when used in contact with the ground. With careful use and proper storage this has the potential to significantly increase, with tougher variations such as Ekki bog mats able to last more than 50 years.
Class 2
Class 2 bog mats will typically last 15-25 years, depending on usage. Our class 2 timber mat range includes Dabema bog mats and Oak bog mats.
Class 3
The less durable class 3 bog mats would be expected to last 10-15 years on average.
Class 4
Lasting for 5-10 years on average, class 4 bog mats are some of the least durable.
Class 5
The least durable mats, class 5 timber mats are expected to last 0-5 years.
Timber mat timber species specification
| Species | Botanic name | Volume mass in kg/m3 | Elasticity module in N/mm2 | Flexibility strength in N/mm2 | Pressure strength in N/mm2 | Slide strength in N/mm2 | Durability class |
| Ekki (Azobe) | Lophira alata | 1,010 | 18,600 | 157 | 72 | 17.1 | 1 |
| Okan | Cylicodiscus gabunensis | 930 | 17,200 | 133 | 82 | 20 | 1 |
| Dabema | Piptadeniastrum Africanum | 688 | 12,000 | 104 | 56 | 15 | 1-2 |
| American White Oak | Quercus alba L. | 770 | 12,200 | 104 | 51 | 13.7 | 3 |
| European Oak | Quercus petraea | 700 | 9,900 | 96 | 48 | 9.9 | 2 |
| Beech | Fagus sylvatica | 700 | 12,300 | 113 | 54 | 10 | 5 |
Which bog mats should you get?
Although you may immediately think purchasing class 1 bog mats and not having to worry about this outlay again in the future may be the simplest solution, the different characteristics of hardwoods make them uniquely suited to specific jobs. For example, class 5 Beech bog mats have some of the highest strength characteristics, including resistance to crushing and abrasion and high elasticity, making them ideal for us on sites with high volumes of heavy traffic.
Ultimately, if you’re unsure about which bog mat is right for you, you should speak to the experts. Our team has decades of experience in helping people with their bog mats needs and will be able to advise you.
Call us today on 08000 12 1231 today to discuss your needs.