What are hardwood bog mats?
Before we look into the different types of hardwood bog mats, it’s important to understand exactly what they are.
Hardwood bog mats are large, flat mats that are typically used in construction and logging operations. They can be made from a variety of different hardwoods, but the most common is oak. Bog mats are incredibly strong and durable, which makes them ideal for use in high-traffic areas.
Bog mats provide safe access to people, animals and vehicles in circumstances where they otherwise may not have been to cross.
Types of hardwood mats
Tropical Hardwood Mats
Tropical hardwood mats are known for their unbeatable durability and longevity. They are manufactured to ensure exceptional strength and durability, which makes them perfect for temporary roadway uses.
A common type of wood used for tropical hardwood mats is ekki, which is a tropical timber. Ekki wood is dense and durable, making it the perfect choice for hardwood mats.
Not only are ekki mats exceptionally strong, as a native tropical timber, it is also incredibly water-resistant. This makes ekkie bog mats especially suited to be used in wet and windy weather conditions. Due to the density of these tropical hardwood mats, they can submerge underwater and still remain in place.
European Hardwood Mats
European hardwood mats are usually made from oak or beech. They are made from high strength timber, which means they can withstand considerable weight, bending, tension and impacts.
Beechwood mats typically last for up to 5 years. Bog mats made of beech are typically environmentally friendly, as the wood is usually locally sourced. Oak is a more durable European hardwood, lasting typically for 15 to 25 years. Due to its high durability, oak hardwood mats are often used as temporary roadways.
When to use hardwood mats
As hardwood bog mats are made from natural material they can be used in a large variety of locations without harming the environment.
Popular uses for hardwood mats include:
- Temporary roadways
- Temporary walkways
- Ground protection mats
- Event flooring
- Bridging small streams or rivers
- Erosion and sediment control
- Access matting for vehicles in wet or muddy conditions
Hardwood bog mats are an incredibly versatile product that have a wide range of uses. If you’re looking for a durable, eco-friendly and long-lasting solution for your next project, consider using hardwood bog mats.
Who uses hardwood mats
Due to their very versatile nature, hardwood bog mats are used within a range of sectors.
Hardwood mats are often used by:
- Construction
- Energy
- Festivals and events
- Wind farms
- Mining
- Oil and gas
- Environmental
- Infrastructure
- Civil engineering
What is the environmental impact of hardwood mats?
In order for hardwood mats to be more sustainable, the wood needs to be sourced from sustainable sources. European hardwood mats tend to be more sustainable that Tropical hardwood mats. This is simply because the wood used to make them is sourced more locally.
When mats are made from tropical hardwoods, they have a much bigger environmental impact. The felling of the trees and the transportation of the wood creates a larger carbon footprint.
As well as using sustainable sources of wood, it is important that hardwood bog mats are disposed of correctly at the end of their lifespan. If not, they can have a negative impact on the environment.
Hardwood mats that are no longer fit for use should be recycled or reused where possible. If this is not possible, they should be disposed of in landfill sites.
When used correctly, hardwood bog mats can be a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for a variety of projects.
Where to get hardwood bog mats from
If you are looking for someone to supply hardwood bog mats for your next project, GJ Bogmats are able to supply mats for a range of situations.
GJ Bogmats are one of the premier providers of Tropical and European hardwood mats in UK, meaning they can provide a competitive price.
Shirley Mist has been involved in fashion and design for many years. She has also written extensively for many online publications. She currently writes for The Tribune World and is a valued member of our team.