Timber Bog Mats

Types of bog mat

Timbermat work with certified timber merchants from all over the world to make sure that we use sustainable timber supplies that comply with all of the relevant responsible forestry legislation while giving you the durability and longevity that comes with ground protection mats made from European and tropical hardwood.

Our timber supplies include four main species of hardwood timber, two sourced from European timber merchants, and two tropical varieties:

• European Hardwood
  • European Beech
  • European Oak
  • European Oak Quercus Alba
• American Hardwood
  • American Oak Quercus Alba
• Tropical Hardwood
  • Dabema
  • Ekki

The timber merchants we work with are certified either to produce sustainable timber supplies within Europe or for the import of tropical hardwood timber, which means no matter which type of timber you choose, you get the peace of mind of knowing that it is responsibly sourced.

Why use hardwood timber mats?

Our hardwood timber species each have different characteristics but all offer good strength, durability and many years of usable lifespan under normal working conditions.

In particular hardwood timber mats offer good flexibility and elasticity, allowing them to absorb and dissipate the forces of heavy vehicles, machinery and materials, or even falling masonry during demolition work. They also offer many benefits in the summer months when subsoil conditions can be deceptive.

Our tropical hardwood species in particular offer excellent durability, with both Ekki and Dabema ranking in durability classes 1-2, while our European oak timber mats are also durability class 2.

Where can hardwood timber mats be used?

As a natural material, hardwood timber mats can be used in all kinds of locations with less risk of harming the environment, which is why our ground protection mats are often used for staging areas or to cover grass and wetlands.

Popular applications for bog mats include:

• Crane mats
• Temporary roadways
• Piling rig access mats
• Demolition protection mats
• Ground protection mats
• Temporary walkways

They are often used in sectors such as:

• Construction
• Energy
• Wind farms
• Festivals and events
• Pipelines
• Civil engineering

View our blog on bog mats for more information on the types of mats we offer and their uses

What size bog mats do I need? 

One of the key pieces of information you need when hiring or buying bog mats is what size you need. It is typically straightforward to decide, however, and our team is here to help you choose the perfect size for your project. 

Standard bog mats come in a range of different sizes and thicknesses, and in terms of area you can usually choose between 3m or 5m in length and 1m in width. 

But it is the thickness of bog mats that really affects how much load they can bear, and they range from 70mm thick up to the very thickest mats of 200 and 250mm thick. 

At this thickest end of the range there are larger area bog mats to choose from two, at 1m width and 6m length, and these can help to cover a larger site with a thick, solid and stable ground protection layer. 

How thick or thin does a bog mat need to be? 

Thinner mats are still relatively solid, and 70mm bog mats should bear the weight of lighter construction vehicles like dumpers without any problems, at loads of up to 35 tonnes in total. 

Go up to 100mm bog mats and you can expect your temporary roadway to withstand vehicle loads up to 45 tonnes, while 150mm bog mats can handle up to around 60 tonnes. 

The thickest bog mats can withstand even heavier loads, but are also often used on very unstable ground, such as on sand or during works in tidal conditions. 

Timber bog mat dimensions

Our timber bog mat sizes are again designed to suit the application, with long narrow pedestrian walkway mats that can be laid end to end, and larger, thicker roadway mats that can take the weight of heavy vehicles passing over them.

Most of our mats come with standard lifting points, making it easier to move them around your site as you need to, as well as joining points where you can connect adjacent mats to ensure a reliably snug fit.

Standard sizes include 1m x 3m and 1m x 5m, but any number of mats can be laid alongside one another to cover a larger area. In terms of thickness, we have mats ranging from 70 mm to 300 mm.

70mm bog mats

Ideal for creating a temporary roadway on pipeline, power and construction sites. Suitable for light construction equipment, such as excavators and dumpers, up to 35 tonnes. Download fact sheets below:

100mm bog mats

The most common size again used to create temporary roads onsite in the energy, pipeline, power and construction sectors, predominantly used on pipeline contracts up to 45 tonnes.

150mm bog mats

Ideal for middle to heavyweight cranes, plant and large trucks usually weighing greater than 35 tonnes. This mat is often used as a sub-soil for pontoons or concrete floors, and in civil projects up to 60 tonnes.

200/250mm bog mats

For heavy cranes, construction equipment and tracked machinery, or in very poor ground conditions for example peat, sand and tidal works, with weight in excess of 60 tonnes.

Timbermat ground guards

2.4m x 1.2m – Manufactured with an anti-slip tread and ideal for pedestrian access around sites, festivals and shows. Lightweight and easily installed by hand, this Ground Guard system can also accommodate rubber tracked and wheeled plant. Comes complete with heavy duty clips, to form a safe secure walkway or roadway.

Mats protect ground and underground services from damage, which limits the impact on the environment. Provides secure access for plant, machinery and vehicles over soft ground. Our Hardwood Timber is environmentally friendly, and from legal sustainable sources. Easy to stack, transport and off-load. Existing machinery on site can be utilised to manoeuvre the mats therefore reducing on site costs. No real market value outside of the work they are designed for, reducing the risk of theft.

Quick and easy to install, they have two lifting eyes, no need to fix mats together as due to their heavy weight they simply stay in place once laid. Our mats are very durable and can last many years.

Find out more about our timber mats

If you want to know more about any of our timber species, the certification we can provide for import, or the best sizes of mat for your particular project, please get in touch and ask, and we will be happy to help.

You can speak to our timber merchants by calling 08000 12 12 31 or fill in our online contact form and we will answer your enquiry as promptly as possible.

What are Timber Bog Mats?

Bog mats are a ground protection solution used to create long-term temporary access roads on construction sites located on or near fragile ground. They help to limit the project’s impact on the surrounding environment and provide access to hard-to-reach areas to heavy machinery. 

As well as this, bog mats also help people who work on-site. Even if protection for environmental reasons isn’t a concern, as the ground becomes churned up, muddy and slippery, it becomes more difficult to traverse and can lead to accidents. All of this combines to allow projects to run in a smoother, more efficient manner, helping deadlines be met and decreasing costs. 

Who are bog mats used by? 

Although it is most common to see bog mats being used to protect the ground in the construction sector, they have a wide range of potential uses and can be applied in a number of ways: 

• Providing temporary flooring for festivals and other outdoor events, ensuring minimal damage to the site 
• Staging areas which are used to hold and sort materials 
• Strengthen weak land, allowing access for cranes and other heavy vehicles 
• Demarcating safe routes through and around sites for vehicles and pedestrians 
• Reducing pressure points on land with buried utilities, basements, storage tanks and other cavities. 

This wide range of applications for bog mats means they are used by a wide variety of businesses, including: 

• Housebuilders
• Pipeline construction and maintenance companies
• Civil engineers
• Wind farm constructors
• Festival organisers

If you’re working on an outdoor project which is expected to have heavy vehicle or foot traffic, bog mats are the ideal solution to many common problems. 

The different types of bog mat 

Bog mats are made from a number of different types of wood, with each type suitable for different projects. Choosing the right wood for your project is vital if it is to be a success. 

Some of the most common options include: 

European hardwood 

European hardwood timber mats have an expected life span of anywhere from 5 to 25 years, depending on the specific type of wood, how they are used and stored, and the conditions they are exposed to. 

European oak timber mats are a relatively durable type of mat which you we would expect to last for 15-25 years if properly looked-after and are an ideal choice for light to medium traffic. Their low stiffness, high bending and crushing strength, and shock resistance make them suitable for a wide range of uses. 

Alternatively, European beech timber mats are a stronger option, making them ideal for heavier traffic and more rugged use. These typically have a lifespan of around five years. 

In addition to this flexibility, being much easier access makes European hardwood a popular choice throughout the UK. 

Tropical hardwood 

Tropical hardwood timber mats are highly sought-after thanks to their durability, being famous for being containing some of the most durable species of wood in the world. Tropical hardwoods are expected to have a lifespan of over 25 years if cared for correctly, making them a great investment for any business requiring bog mats for consistent use. 

In particular, Ekki timber mats are the most in-demand on the market at present. They are widely-renowned as the most durable mats on the market and have a lifespan of up to 50 years or more. 

Dabema bog mats are another popular choice, also being suitable for the heaviest use. These have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years which, again, can be improved with proper care. 

How keep bog mats in good condition 

Good quality timber mats will give you years and even decades of service life, with only some simple maintenance needed to keep them safe from avoidable damage. 

Following these four steps will ensure your bog mats will last as long as possible.  

Know your type of timber mat 

Different timber mat species have different service lifetimes, so make sure you know how long you can expect your timber mats to stay in peak condition. 

Tropical hardwoods with the highest durability ratings can last for decades, whereas some of our European hardwood mats are rated for closer to 5-10 years.  

How to keep timber mats clean 

Bog mats are designed for outdoor use, so it is generally not a problem if they occasionally get wet or muddy, but you should avoid prolonged exposure to wet and dirty conditions. 

Because of this, once you have finished using them on a job, you should clean any surface dirt and then allow the timber to dry out before storing them in a dry place – ideally somewhere indoors – until the next job. 

Avoid damaged edges 

The edges of timber ground mats are more exposed to damage, so try to keep vehicles in the middle of your temporary roadway or working platform whenever possible. 

You can protect the edges of timber mats even more by using access ramps at the entry and exit point and ensuring adjacent mats are laid fully flush to one another and joined together using the designated connecting points where these are provided. 

Replace damaged timber mats 

When damage occurs, replace damaged timber mats at the first opportunity. This takes the damaged mats out of circulation so that you are always using safe and stable temporary roadways and crane platforms. 

We have plenty of good quality timber mats for hire, so, if you find you are facing an unexpected need to replace damaged timber mats from your own stock, it could be a fast and economic option to hire some as a temporary solution.