by Rachel Haines | 6 Nov, 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building
The Ultimate Guide to Ekki Timber Mats, Crane Mats, and Bog Mats for Durable Site Access Solutions
If your projects require reliable and robust ground protection solutions, understanding the benefits and uses of Ekki timber mats, crane mats, and bog mats is essential. These mats provide stability, safety, and environmental preservation on challenging terrain, especially for construction, oil and gas, and heavy machinery transport. Here, we’ll explore the advantages of these mats, when to use each type, and how they can save time, money, and environmental impact on job sites.
What Are Ekki Timber Mats?
Ekki timber mats are made from Ekki wood, a durable and highly dense tropical hardwood sourced from sustainably managed forests. Known for its incredible strength and resistance to moisture, Ekki wood is ideal for creating heavy-duty access mats.
Key Benefits of Ekki Timber Mats
- Exceptional Durability: Ekki wood is one of the hardest, densest hardwoods globally, making it perfect for supporting extreme loads and high-impact machinery without splitting or breaking.
- Resistance to Moisture and Decay: Ekki timber mats resist decay and rot, even in wet conditions, making them ideal for use in boggy or wetland environments.
- Eco-Friendly Sourcing: Many suppliers, including Bog Mats, source Ekki wood from sustainably managed forests, offering a responsible choice for environmental-conscious projects.
Whether you require ground protection on soft soils, swampy areas, or temporary roads, Ekki timber mats provide the resilience and stability needed for safe and reliable site access.
Crane Mats: Heavy-Duty Solutions for Construction and Lifting Projects
Crane mats are purpose-built for supporting heavy machinery and equipment, especially in construction and oil and gas industries. These mats are essential for creating stable platforms for cranes, ensuring safety, and minimizing ground disturbance.
Advantages of Using Crane Mats
- Load-Bearing Strength: Designed to support heavy machinery, crane mats can bear the weight of cranes and other large equipment, reducing the risk of equipment sinking or toppling on soft ground.
- Stability on Uneven Terrain: Crane mats distribute the load evenly, creating a level surface on uneven or unstable ground. This not only ensures safety but also increases operational efficiency.
- Increased Equipment Lifespan: Crane mats provide a stable base, preventing equipment from exposure to mud, water, and unstable ground, which can otherwise cause mechanical issues.
Crane mats are also reusable and cost-effective for projects that involve heavy lifting and crane use, as they can be easily transported and redeployed on multiple sites.
Bog Mats: Versatile Ground Protection for Any Terrain
In the industry, bog mats serve as a universal term, but our mats specifically are made from sustainable Ekki timber, renowned for its strength and durability. These Ekki timber mats provide versatile ground protection for a wide range of applications, including temporary roadways, pipeline projects, and environmental management, delivering reliable and resilient support across diverse terrains.
Key Benefits of Ekki Bog Mats
- Minimize Environmental Impact: By creating temporary roadways and working platforms, bog mats protect underlying vegetation and soil structure, reducing environmental impact and complying with ecological regulations.
- Easy Installation and Transport: Ekki bog mats are easy to install and move, offering flexibility for short-term and long-term projects.
- Cost-Effective Ground Protection: Rather than permanently altering the landscape, bog mats provide a reusable, temporary solution that saves both time and resources.
Ideal for protecting delicate environments, Ekki bog mats offer dependable performance across wetlands, marshes, and other sensitive terrains.
Choosing the Right Mat for Your Project
When it comes to selecting between Ekki timber mats and crane mats, understanding the needs of your project is crucial. Each type of mat has unique features suited to specific applications:
- Ekki Timber Mats: Best for environmentally challenging sites needing a robust, durable solution with maximum moisture resistance.
- Crane Mats: Ideal for heavy equipment operations that require stable platforms for safety and load-bearing capacity.
Working with a trusted provider like GJ Mats ensures you get access to high-quality, sustainably sourced mats tailored to your project requirements.
Why Choose GJ Mats for Ekki Timber Mats and Crane Mats?
At GJ Mats, we understand the critical role that durable, high-quality mats play in the success of any construction, infrastructure, or environmental project. Here’s why you should consider us for your access mat needs:
- Sustainable Sourcing: Our Ekki timber mats are sourced from sustainable forests, ensuring your project is both effective and eco-friendly.
- Unmatched Expertise: With years of experience providing access solutions across industries, our team can recommend the best matting options tailored to your specific site challenges.
- Flexible Solutions: We offer a range of mat sizes and materials, so whether you need heavy-duty crane mats or versatile bog mats, you’ll find the right option to meet your needs.
Choosing the right ground protection mats—whether Ekki timber mats, crane mats, or bog mats—is essential for the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of your project. Durable and reliable, these mats support a range of applications, from temporary access roads to heavy crane lifting.
If you’re looking for high-quality, sustainable matting solutions, explore our extensive range to find the perfect fit for your needs. Contact us today to discuss how our matting solutions can enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of your project.
by Rachel Haines | 6 Aug, 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Information, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building, Transport & logistics
Choosing the Right Bog Mats for Your Project: Ekki Mats, Crane Ramps, and Bog Mats Explained
Whether you’re managing a construction site, or dealing with challenging terrains, selecting the right type of matting is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique benefits and applications of Ekki Mats, Crane Ramps, and Bog Mats, helping you make an informed decision for your next project.
Understanding Ekki Mats
Ekki mats, also known as Azobe mats, are renowned for their exceptional durability and strength. Sourced from the tropical hardwood of the Lophira alata tree, Ekki mats are ideal for heavy-duty applications. These mats can withstand extreme loads, making them perfect for projects involving heavy machinery or harsh environmental conditions.
Key Benefits of Ekki Mats:
- Unmatched Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, Ekki mats are perfect for long-term projects.
- High Load-Bearing Capacity: Ideal for supporting heavy cranes and other machinery.
- Natural Resistance: Ekki wood is naturally resistant to water, decay, and insect damage, ensuring longevity.
The Versatility of Crane Ramps
Crane ramps are specifically designed to provide a stable platform for cranes and other heavy equipment to move over obstacles and uneven ground. These ramps are constructed from high-quality hardwood or composite materials, ensuring they can handle significant weight and pressure.
Key Benefits of Crane Ramps:
- Stability and Safety: Ensure a stable base for cranes, preventing tipping and accidents when transitioning over obstacles.
- Enhanced Load Distribution: Spread the weight of heavy machinery, protecting the ground underneath and facilitating safe movement.
- Custom Sizes Available: Can be tailored to fit specific project requirements and accommodate various equipment sizes.
Navigating Difficult Terrains with Bog Mats
Bog mats are essential for projects taking place on soft or unstable ground, such as wetlands, marshes, or peat bogs. These mats distribute weight evenly, preventing machinery from sinking and creating a safe working environment.
Key Benefits of Bog Mats:
- Ground Protection: Minimize environmental impact by preventing soil compaction and damage.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, events, and oil & gas projects.
- Ease of Installation: Lightweight and easy to transport, bog mats can be quickly deployed and removed.
- Choosing the Right Mat for Your Project
When selecting the appropriate mat for your project, consider the following factors:
- Load Requirements: Determine the weight and type of machinery or equipment that will be used.
- Ground Conditions: Assess the terrain and soil stability of your project site.
- Project Duration: For long-term projects, opt for durable mats like Ekki mats that can withstand prolonged use.
- Environmental Impact: Choose mats that offer protection to the ground and surrounding environment.
Why Choose Bogmats.com?
At GJ Mats, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of matting solutions to meet diverse project needs. Our products are crafted from the highest quality materials, ensuring reliability and performance. Whether you need Ekki mats, crane ramps, or bog mats, we have the expertise and inventory to support your project from start to finish.
Contact Us
Ready to find the perfect mat for your project? Contact us today at info@bogmats.com to speak with our experts. Let us help you ensure the success and safety of your next venture with our top-of-the-line matting solutions.
Choosing the right matting can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your project. With Ekki mats, crane ramps, and bog mats from GJ Mats, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best in the industry. Explore our website to learn more and make an informed decision for your next project!
by gjmats | 1 Mar, 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, News
Unsung Heroes of Infrastructure .. Protecting the M25
GJ Mats’ Bogmats Role in the M25 Jct 10 Scheme
Bogmats were crucial for the M25 Bridge Demolition. This past weekend marked a significant milestone in the M25 Jct 10 improvement scheme, but it wasn’t just about construction. It was about making way for progress with precision, safety, and efficiency. We’re proud to spotlight GJ Mats’ critical role in this endeavour as we supplied the essential Ekki bog mats for the operation.
The Demolition Operation
As the A3 south of the M25 was closed, a crucial operation took place – the demolition of the reinforced concrete Wisley footbridge and the post-tensioned Cockcrow footbridge. Thanks to the meticulous planning and execution by Clarke Demolition and the protective foundation provided by GJ Mats’ ekki bog mats, the project was carried out flawlessly throughout the night. This preparation ensured the road surface was shielded, allowing for the safe and effective demolition of the bridges.
Client Collaboration
The operation was not just a demonstration of demolition expertise but also a testament to the seamless collaboration between GJ Mats and our partners, including Balfour Beatty Atkins, Chevron, Saferoad, Highway Care, and Clarke Demolition. Our ekki bog mats were at the forefront, ensuring the preservation of the road surface during this intricate process, and showcasing our commitment to providing durable and reliable solutions for critical infrastructure projects.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for an unprecedented mid-March weekend closure of the M25 between junctions 10 and 11. This isn’t just another demolition; we’re also preparing to erect the heaviest gantry yet across the M25 – a monumental structure weighing 128 tonnes and spanning 60 meters. GJ Mats is ready to support this next phase with our high-quality ekki bog mats, ensuring the safety and efficiency of this massive undertaking.
We extend our gratitude to our delivery partner, caterers, and everyone involved in making the weekend’s work a resounding success. As we move forward with the M25 Jct 10 scheme, GJ Mats remains committed to excellence, safety, and innovation in supporting the UK’s infrastructure projects.
#GJMats #InfrastructureExcellence #M25Jct10 #EkkiBogMats #BridgeDemolition #CivilEngineering #SustainableSolutions #UKInfrastructure
Our Managing Director Gareth Jones posted about it on Linked In here

by Rachel Haines | 6 November 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building | 0 Comments
If your projects require reliable and robust ground protection solutions, understanding the benefits and uses of Ekki timber mats, crane mats, and bog mats is essential. These mats provide stability, safety, and environmental preservation on challenging terrain,...
by Rachel Haines | 6 August 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Information, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building, Transport & logistics | 0 Comments
Whether you're managing a construction site, or dealing with challenging terrains, selecting the right type of matting is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique benefits and applications of Ekki Mats, Crane Ramps, and Bog Mats, helping you make an informed...
by gjmats | 1 March 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, News | 0 Comments
Unsung Heroes of Infrastructure .. Protecting the M25 GJ Mats' Bogmats Role in the M25 Jct 10 Scheme Bogmats were crucial for the M25 Bridge Demolition. This past weekend marked a significant milestone in the M25 Jct 10 improvement scheme, but it wasn't just about...
by gjmats | 10 July 2023 | Civil engineering | 0 Comments
Protecting Coastal Assets: GJ Mats' Role in Effective Defence Solutions Coastal erosion occurs in various devastating forms, necessitating effective defence strategies to mitigate its impact.. including the use of our bogmats from GJ Mats. Understanding Coastal...
by gjmats | 25 January 2019 | Civil engineering, Information | 0 Comments
Protect your pipeline with quality cover slabs Using the right pipeline protection is crucial for safeguarding underground services. The pipelines under our feet keep the country going. Water, electricity and gas supplies rely on this network – any damage from rogue...
by gjmats | 5 July 2017 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Information | 0 Comments
Using crane mats or crane pads will help ensure a safe system of work on your construction project where lifting equipment is involved. A construction site can be a dangerous place – vehicles, equipment, unstable ground, uneven surfaces all conspire to make accidents...
by gjmats | 5 February 2017 | Civil engineering, News, Sustainable Building | 0 Comments
Temporary Access Mats facilitate Wind Farm Access - in Turkey After a successful project supplying temporary access roadways to a wind farm in Cumbria, GJ Bogmats is delighted to announce that we have been asked to provide our mats to a similar wind farm project -in...
by gjmats | 10 Feb, 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Information, Oil, gas & energy services, Transport & logistics
Why Bog Mats Matter
Bog mats play a crucial role in ensuring that your construction site remains accessible and undamaged, especially in adverse weather conditions. These durable timber mats provide temporary access and roadways, facilitating the movement of heavy vehicles, workers, and machinery across various terrains.
Determining Your Bog Mat Needs
When selecting bog mats for your construction site, it’s essential to consider factors such as the type of equipment and vehicles accessing the site, as well as the ground conditions. At GJ Mats, we offer a diverse range of timber mats tailored to meet your specific requirements, including:
- European & Tropical Hardwood Mats: Renowned for their exceptional strength and durability, our European oak, beech, and tropical hardwood mats are ideal for withstanding heavy loads and adverse weather conditions.
- Ekki Mats: Made from ultra-durable tropical timber, Ekki mats excel in environments where extreme pressure and soft, wet ground pose challenges. These mats offer unparalleled stability and resistance to acids, electricity, and weather elements.
Expert Guidance and Support
Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect bog mats for your construction project. Whether you need assistance in selecting the right materials or guidance on load management and timescales, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Flexible Solutions
At GJ Mats, we understand that every construction project is unique. That’s why we offer flexible solutions, including both sale and hire options for our timber mats. Whether you require bog mats for a short-term project or a long-term investment, we have you covered.
Get in Touch .. we are happy to help
Don’t let your construction project get bogged down by challenging terrain. Contact the GJ Mats team today at 07896 265 981 to learn more about our comprehensive range of timber mats and how we can support your project’s success.
by gjmats | 10 Jul, 2023 | Civil engineering
Protecting Coastal Assets: GJ Mats’ Role in Effective Defence Solutions
by Rachel Haines | 6 November 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building | 0 Comments
If your projects require reliable and robust ground protection solutions, understanding the benefits and uses of Ekki timber mats, crane mats, and bog mats is essential. These mats provide stability, safety, and environmental preservation on challenging terrain,...
by Rachel Haines | 4 September 2024 | Construction industry | 0 Comments
When it comes to large-scale construction projects, infrastructure developments, or utility installations, one of the most critical factors for success is ensuring reliable and safe access to and from the site. Whether you're dealing with swampy ground, wetlands, or...
by Rachel Haines | 6 August 2024 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Demolition, Information, Oil, gas & energy services, Sustainable Building, Transport & logistics | 0 Comments
Whether you're managing a construction site, or dealing with challenging terrains, selecting the right type of matting is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique benefits and applications of Ekki Mats, Crane Ramps, and Bog Mats, helping you make an informed...
by Rachel Haines | 24 July 2024 | News | 0 Comments
The key to successfully starting any new business lies in finding a product or service niche that isn’t currently served by an existing company. GJ Mats, founded in 2013 by Gareth Jones, is no exception. After working in the construction, timber, and civil engineering...
by gjmats | 25 Jan, 2019 | Civil engineering, Information
Protect your pipeline with quality cover slabs
Using the right pipeline protection is crucial for safeguarding underground services. The pipelines under our feet keep the country going. Water, electricity and gas supplies rely on this network – any damage from rogue excavations or heavy use of the ground above can compromise their integrity.
Although pipelines should be demarcated, there’s always the potential for someone to make a mistake and dig in the wrong place. Third party damage to underground pipelines puts workers at risk, disrupts services, affects the environment and can cost inordinate amounts of money to repair. Covering a pipeline with high-quality protection slabs means any threat from above is minimised and that rogue excavator hits the concrete, not the pipe.
Why choose concrete pipeline protection?
Pipeline installation is governed by the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996 (PSR 1996) which requires operators to reduce the potential for damage to occur. That’s where GJ Bog Mats’ concrete pipeline cover slabs come into their own.
Individual jobs all have their unique requirements and we pride ourselves in being able to provide pipeline protection slabs in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit a range of applications. Whether you want to prevent an errant digger from tearing through your water mains or reduce the risk of heavy vehicles above disturbing the earth enough to cause stress and damage to the pipeline, our slabs will provide the right protection. Our flexible service means we can even tailor the slabs to meet your requirements where the job demands it.
Robust and reliable, our pipeline protection cover slabs are made from high-quality concrete. As this means weight and manoeuvrability are factors to consider, they can be made easier to install and remove with the incorporation of lifting sockets and lifting loops where needed. Of course, when installing pipelines and protection slabs, you’ll also need reliable bog mats for your crew to work on and to keep things accessible. We have an extensive range of timber mats for sale or hire and can advise you on the best ones for both your project and your budget.
Contact GJ Bog Mats for expert advice on pipeline protection
If you’d like to know more about how GJ Bog Mats can help you with pipeline protection, you can get in touch with our experienced team via our online contact form, send us an email or give us a call on 07896 265 981 or 0800 7747751. We’re always happy to advise our customers and work hard to give you the most suitable, high-quality cover slabs for the best price.
by gjmats | 5 Jul, 2017 | Civil engineering, Construction industry, Information
Using crane mats or crane pads will help ensure a safe system of work on your construction project where lifting equipment is involved.
A construction site can be a dangerous place – vehicles, equipment, unstable ground, uneven surfaces all conspire to make accidents a very real possibility. As any responsible contractor knows, health & safety of both workforce and public is of paramount concern. In our latest blog, we look at how crane mats and crane pads can make a difference to your lifting operations.
When lifting equipment is involved, the stability of the crane is fundamental: crane mats or crane pads to support outriggers will be indispensable. Unstable or uneven ground means that lifting equipment will not have a sufficiently strong foundation for lifting operations to commence. And yet, it seems that many contractors do take the decision to proceed without crane mats or crane pads, leaving outriggers unsecured and cranes or other heavy lifting equipment prone to accidents.
You only need to look at websites such as craneaccidents.com to see the damage that can happen if a crane is set up on soft ground with insufficient support. Crane mats can also help where outriggers are to be positioned on surfaces of different levels. Closer to home than some of the accidents reported on craneaccidents.com, Vertikal.net has reported on ‘death wish’ scenarios at the Trafford Centre in Manchester where a self-drive truck mounted lift was spotted on at least 2 occasions not so long ago being used without crane pads to support unevenly placed outriggers (on one side, the outriggers were on the pavement, the other the road).
The Health & Safety Executive has issued some helpful guidance covering the use of cranes and how to assess and ensure safety of lifting operations. Careful planning will reduce the chance of accidents – and should the worst happen, you will be able to show that you did all that you could have done to prevent accidents by creating a safe system of work. Construction site preparation is a vital element of this – and the proper use of crane mats and crane pads is key.
Crane mats can provide the stability your equipment needs to ensure this part of your operation is safe. Premium crane mats manufactured from top grade timber will enable large scale lifting for heavy loads while providing the support your lifting equipment needs. It is vital to assess ground conditions and the loads to be lifted as well as taking into account the type of crane – or cranes – involved with the project you are working on before sourcing your crane mats. Once these factors have been taken into account, you can work with your crane mat supplier to identify the appropriate crane mats for the job.
We supply a wide range of crane mats to accommodate most scenarios. Available on a hire basis for the life of your project, or to buy, we can also ‘buy back’ crane mats at the end of the project if this is a more cost effective solution for you. Get in touch to see how we can fulfill your crane mat requirements!
by gjmats | 5 Feb, 2017 | Civil engineering, News, Sustainable Building
Temporary Access Mats facilitate Wind Farm Access – in Turkey
After a successful project supplying temporary access roadways to a wind farm in Cumbria, GJ Bogmats is delighted to announce that we have been asked to provide our mats to a similar wind farm project -in Turkey!
Controversial they may be, but love them or loathe them, wind farms are an increasing feature of our landscape – and in the search for more sustainable energy, solutions to the global energy crisis that we’re facing, it looks like they are here to stay. One of the key features of wind farms is their location: usually found in remote, hard to access areas. These areas where wind farms are located are often also stunningly beautiful landscapes that need to be protected: exposed moorlands, hill tops and similar.
Remote locations mean creative solutions
The very remoteness of their location means that getting to windfarms can be problematic. Unlikely to be next to an established road network, access solutions are an important consideration for the lifetime of a windfarm – not only for the initial construction phase but for ongoing maintenance.
Bogmats provide a comprehensive and creative solution to the question of temporary access for windfarms, and we recently supplied our mats to a windfarm in Cumbria, facilitating access in a remote area to protect the underlying terrain while providing a safe, secure surface for vehicles to us. Indeed, the project was so successful, and the client so impressed with the quality of our bogmats and the service we provided, that we have been asked to repeat the service at a new windfarm site in Turkey.
International bogmat import & export available
We’re well placed to supply bogmats overseas, with relationships with some of the largest logistics lines allowing us to offer an efficient, reliable export service internationally – we’ve worked as far afield as Oman and the Falkland Islands in recent months delivering pipeline protection mats to support projects in varied terrains.
Our high quality bog mats are the perfect solution to create temporary access over remote, environmentally sensitive terrain, avoiding the need for digging out track ways yet at the same time providing a strong, stable platform for lorries and heavy equipment. Talk to us about how we can help your project.