At GJ Mats we have a range of quality bog mats for sale. With decades of experience as timber ground protection suppliers, we know that buying your own bog mats is a long-term investment that needs careful thought. You need to be sure you are getting suitable materials that will stand the test of time and be durable and flexible enough to cope with whatever projects you have in the pipeline.  

So, before you take the plunge, here are our expert tips on how to choose the right ground protection mats and get the best value for money.  

You may only need bog mats for one or two specific project types in predictable conditions. Or you might require ground protection that can adapt to a wider range of applications and settings. It all depends on your business.

Factors like weather conditions, soil type, load-bearing needs, and environmental regulations all have a bearing on which bog mats you buy.  

For example, if you’re working in a tidal or wetland area, you may need mats with superior water resistance. If you need more robust ground protection for intensive construction or demolition jobs with frequent, heavy-duty traffic, thicker timber mats would be more suitable. Assessing these factors in advance ensures you invest in the right mats for optimal performance and longevity. 

A good bog mats supplier will assess your needs in detail and give you expert advice on the best fit for your business.  

Not all ground protection is created equal. Our Ekki timber mats are among the strongest on the market. The wood is chosen for its impressive durability and exceptional load-bearing capacity. Investing in the highest quality, most durable materials means you are investing in bog mats that offer optimal longevity as well as performance. 

Buying high-quality timber bog mats pays off in the long run. Choosing cheaper alternatives can often lead to higher replacement costs and site inefficiencies. 

Quality and service can vary between suppliers, so look for an established, trusted company who offer: 

• Timber mats from sustainable sources (you can read about why we choose FSC certified hardwood here)   
• High levels of bog mats in stock, ready to dispatch at a moment’s notice 
• Reliable, next day UK delivery and worldwide shipping

It’s always worth contacting the company to get a clearer idea of the level of customer service and bespoke solutions you can expect.  

Another element to consider is your capacity to transport and install bog mats. If you’re buying heavy duty mats, specialised lifting equipment will be needed. Or, if you need to be able to frequently and quickly reposition your timber mats, you need to choose options that are easier to move and reconfigure. 

It can be a delicate balance to get the equipment and coordination right. If you don’t, you could face increased time and labour costs as well as project delays. However, if you buy bog mats from an experienced supplier, they will make sure everything has been considered. 

Before you buy bog mats, you need the right space to store them. You also need to know how to maintain them to ensure longevity. Though exceptionally durable, timber mats do need to be stored in optimal conditions to avoid deterioration, especially if they are often used in moist conditions. Factoring in storage space and maintenance needs upfront will help you choose bog mats that fit your operational setup and maximise your investment.

Making the right choice when buying bog mats can save you time, money, and potential site delays. At GJ mats, we know our stuff. Our experts have years of experience under their belts and work with some of the biggest names in construction and infrastructure. For us, there’s no one size fits all solution. We assess your exact needs, so you get the best results for your business. Add our agility and commitment to top-notch customer service to the mix and you can be assured we have everything covered. 

Take a look at our bog mats for sale here. Or if you need a temporary solution, we have bog mats for hire. If you’re not sure whether to buy or hire timber mats, we are always on hand to advise you based on your unique requirements.  

Contact us today for a free quote and expert guidance. 

We’re obviously used to answering questions about bog mats here at GJ Mats HQ. So, we thought we’d put together a top ten of our most asked, and the internet’s most searched, queries. 

Bog mats provide stability and protection on ground that is unstable, uneven, or environmentally delicate. They are used to create temporary access roads, support heavy machinery, provide a safe, stable work platform, prevent soil erosion and impaction, and safeguard sensitive habitats.  

Bog mats are usually made from European or tropical hardwoods. At GJ Mats we supply Ekki bog mats which are made from the tropical variety. These are the strongest, most durable, and long-lasting timber mats, offering outstanding performance in the harshest conditions. The wood for our mats is all sourced from Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests, so we know it has been responsibly grown and harvested and is of the highest quality available. 

Timber mats have a variety of applications, so they come in a range of sizes and thicknesses. At GJ Mats, we stock:  

1 metre width bog mats in lengths of 2 – 7 meters with thicknesses ranging from 70mm (for loads up to 35 tonnes) to 200mm (for more heavy-duty use and extreme conditions). (View specifications.) 

The size and thickness you need for your project will depend upon the type of wood, the terrain, load bearing capacity and the use. Your bog mat supplier will be able to talk you through the best options for your specific project. 

Bog mats distribute weight more evenly across the ground’s surface, providing a safer, more stable surface to work on whilst protecting the underlying terrain from damage by people and heavy vehicles.  

Bog mats are critical for site safety and operational viability. They keep things running smoothly. Without solid timber mats in place, there is increased risk of trips and falls, vehicles becoming stuck or unstable and site access becoming compromised.  

Top quality bog mats are also durable and reusable, weather resistant, sustainable, and easy to install. 

Yes, they can. Hardwoods are incredibly strong and resilient. Our Ekki bog mats can withstand extremes of temperature, harsh weather conditions and consistently perform well in even the wettest climates. Our recent work for Bohlen & Doyen’s Tidal Project is a prime example of just how robust Ekki mats can be.  

The bog mats you choose depends upon several factors, including:  

• The ground conditions on site: for example, if the surface you’re working on is particularly soft or boggy, you will need thicker mats. 
• The load capacity: the weight and size of any vehicles and equipment must be assessed. 
• The length of the project: If your ground protection needs to be in place for the longer term, it’s worth choosing thicker, more durable timber mats. 

Installation requires careful evaluation of the site conditions before laying and securing the interlocking mats. Proper maintenance includes regular inspection of the wood to spot any early signs of wear and tear, cleaning to remove mud etc. and storing the mats properly to reduce the risk of rot or warping. 

If you hire bog mats, your suppliers will obviously take care of that for you. 

Bog mats can last for a few years to decades. It all depends on the type of wood they are made from and how they are cared for. As they’re made from the highest quality tropical hardwood, GJ Ekki bog mats can last up to 50 years.  

You will find bog mats in use wherever there is a requirement for stable access, secure working platforms or habitat protection. This can include construction sites, oil and gas installations, music festivals, sporting events, disaster zones, railways, and infrastructure projects.  

If you have any more questions about buying or hiring bog mats for a specific project, why not get in touch? 

Contact our bog mat sales team for advice and a free quote today.  

With summer just around the corner, it’s almost a year since Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies OBE joined GJ Bog Mats as our Brand Ambassador. From the beginning, we anticipated a dynamic partnership, but it has exceeded even our highest expectations. 

Jonathan has proven to be a perfect fit—not only in the way he’s helped champion the business across the UK and beyond, but also in how naturally he’s become part of the GJ Mats team.  

It was important for us to team up with a partner who shares our core values, proud Welsh heritage and, of course, our love of rugby. We also wanted someone with the drive and profile to promote Welsh businesses in the UK and beyond. For us, Jonathan delivers on every level.  

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of GJ Mats, comments: 

“Working with Jonathan Davies OBE as our Brand Ambassador has been an incredible experience right from the start. His influence and connections have been instrumental in expanding our presence in key markets, and his values and motivational presence perfectly align with our team’s mindset. Our first year together has been a massive success, and we’re truly excited about what’s to come. We can’t wait to build on this momentum and take GJ Mats to even greater heights.” 

Reflecting on the past year’s collaboration, Jonathan echoes Gareth’s sentiments: 

“Joining GJ Mats came at a great time for me. I’ve always been passionate about backing Welsh businesses, and with my network, I knew I could help the company raise their profile even further. Working with the team over the past year, I’ve seen firsthand the quality and reliability of their products, their vast expertise and the impressive speed at which they deliver to customers. The team continues to have an impact on major construction and infrastructure projects across the UK and globally – with lots more in the pipeline. So, I’m excited to keep spreading the word, collaborating with GJ Mats and seeing where the partnership takes us next.” 

You can stay up to date with Jonathan’s latest GJ Mats exploits on our LinkedIn page or follow the man himself on LinkedIn, X and Instagram. 

At GJ Mats we’ve supplied timber bog mats for a wide range of projects spanning multiple industries. Hardwood ground protection mats play a key role in safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection in sectors from construction and demolition to outdoor events and disaster response. In this blog, we explore the diverse applications of timber mats and the key industries that rely on them. 

We’ll start with the most obvious sector. The construction industry relies on bog mats to create stable roadways and robust platforms that can handle the weight of heavy machinery like cranes and excavators. They also protect underground utilities from pressure damage by distributing weight evenly and provide a solid base for porta cabins and other site buildings. 

Utility companies need timber mats for both the installation and maintenance of power lines, water, and sewage pipelines. Utility construction and repair covers both urban and remote locations with bog mats being instrumental in facilitating safe access, particularly in more challenging rural environments. 

Timber bog mats are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to provide access routes and safe working platforms. They are pivotal to on and offshore drilling projects as well as pipeline installation and maintenance. With operations often taking place in rural, coastal, and ecologically important settings, hardwood bog mats also prevent damage to delicate or protected terrain. 

From wind turbine installation to hydroelectric dam construction, timber bog mats are in demand from the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. Green energy installations often require the use of heavy lifting equipment and sites can be in challenging terrain. Hardwood bog mats provide safe and efficient access whilst also ensuring that any protected habitats are suitably protected from harm. 

If you’ve ever been to a music festival or sporting event, you will almost certainly have walked or driven on ground protection mats. Without bog mats in all the right places, the mud situation can quickly get out of control. Used for vehicle access, guest walkways and support for stage construction and seating areas, they are a necessity for any large outdoor event (especially in a wet climate like the UK).  

Although not one of the core markets, there are agricultural applications for timber mats. Waterlogged ground can cause significant problems on farmland, especially on routes frequently used by heavy agricultural machinery or livestock. When muddy conditions affect both operational efficiency and safety, bog mats can be a lifesaver. Placed in high traffic areas, they prevent heavy equipment getting stuck and provide safer conditions for animals and workers to move around the land. They are also useful in offering ground protection on delicate soil and reducing erosion. 

Bog mats are commonly used in the forestry and logging industry to prevent heavy loads sinking into soft ground. Ease of access is a frequent problem in difficult woodland habitats, but timber mats are incredibly effective in keeping operations running smoothly. They also offer robust protection for surrounding tree routes and vegetation.  

For organisations operating in the most challenging environments on earth, ground protection mats are indispensable. From rapid military deployment scenarios to emergency relief operations, the ability to create temporary roads and stable foundations on which to set up field hospitals or store lifesaving machinery and equipment is vital. 

Whatever industry you are in, you can hire or buy hardwood bog mats from GJ Mats’ ground protection specialists. Our team will help you select the best ground protection mats for your unique needs. 

Construction sites are inherently more hazardous than most workplaces. Although there are stringent safety regulations covering construction sites, accidents do happen. The latest Health & Safety Executive Construction Statistics for 2021-2024 show that there were 47,000 non-fatal injuries reported in that time period and figures for fatal injuries in 2023/24 show a marked increase.  While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, there are fundamental tools that can make the on-site environment considerably safer. In this blog, we’ll explore why bog mats are essential for construction site safety. 

Uneven or soft ground is hazardous for workers on foot and vehicle operation. Slips, trips, and falls account for most non-fatal injuries on construction sites and 11% of fatal accidents were caused by unstable equipment collapsing or overturning. Installing solid bog mats underfoot provides a flat, stable (and therefore safer) surface for working and gives machinery enhanced stability, reducing the possibility of vehicles becoming stuck or tipping over.  

As well as improving stability, timber mats offer superior grip. For on-site workers, this means they have far less chance of injury from slipping and falling. It also facilitates the safe movement of machinery and equipment, reducing the risk of wheelspin and skidding. When it comes to grip, bog mats are crucial in any setting, but they become absolutely vital in harsh conditions such as heavy rain or ice. 

Construction sites are busy places. There can be a lot of movement of people and vehicles which elevates the risk of collisions. Bog mats help establish clear pathways, enhancing visibility for both workers and vehicles. This increased clarity minimises the risk of incidents due to poor visibility. 

Collectively, the GJ Mats team have spent decades working with construction companies in the UK and overseas. We know that our bog mats play a key role in making building sites a safer place to be. That’s why we only stock the finest hardwood mats that get the job done, whatever the conditions.  

If you’d like to know more about how our bog mats could help you improve safety on your construction site, call our team for tailored advice. We can deliver temporary solutions if you only need to hire bog mats on a project-by-project basis. Or if you’re looking to buy bog mats, we have a range of options to suit any job. 

Call our freephone number 0800 7747751, drop us a line at info@bogmats.co.uk or fill out our online contact form. 

Every demolition project needs to have the right ground protection in place. At GJ Mats, our Ekki bog mats are the first choice for some of the biggest names in the demolition sector. Super durable and efficient, these heavy-duty hardwood bog mats enhance operational activity, providing a safe, stable platform for machinery and optimal protection of underlying surfaces. Here are just a few reasons why our timber mats are the perfect choice for your next demolition project. 

Meeting Health & Safety standards is a fundamental requirement on every job site. Uneven, muddy, or waterlogged terrain poses significant risks to the safety of workers on foot or those operating heavy machinery. With Ekki bog mats in place, you have a solid, stable surface on which to work. This minimises the risk of vehicles becoming stuck or unstable, helps prevent trips and falls and enhances on-site safety.  

Sometimes known as ground protection mats, Ekki bog mats do exactly that. This is particularly important on demolition projects which, by their nature, have the potential to cause considerable damage. Most demolition sites require heavy machinery like excavators and cranes. Without sufficient ground protection in place, you risk substantial surface damage, like soil compaction, deep ruts or cracked concrete. Worse, the impact can extend deeper underground, harming critical utility infrastructure. With Ekki mats in place, the ground is shielded from surface-level disruption and the weight of any machinery is evenly distributed, avoiding liability for harming underground structures. 

It’s not just the operational side of ground protection that is important. There are always environmental factors to consider, especially when working in protected or sensitive habitats like wetlands. Minimising ground disturbance and erosion is essential. Bog mats play a vital role protecting the natural habitat in and around the demolition site, so you can be sure you are working responsibly and adhering to conservation regulations. 

Whether you decide to buy Ekki bog mats or hire them, any initial outlay for the mats and installation is far outweighed by the benefits of using them. Operationally, they make accessing and working on the site faster and easier, reducing the risk of costly project delays. As discussed, they also make the work location far safer as well as minimising the environmental impact of operations. That means you significantly reduce the possibility of paying for repairs, fines, or other regulatory sanctions. 

We take considerable pride in the exceptional standard of our Ekki mats and the level of customer service we offer. With GJ bog mats you’re assured of: 

• Premium quality, sustainably sourced FSC Certified Ekki mats   
• A wide range of bog mat specifications to meet all your ground protection needs 
• Next day UK delivery and worldwide shipping 
• Friendly, expert advice and support from our highly experienced team 

Talk to us about buying or hiring Ekki bog mats for your demolition project 

Over the past 20 years, we’ve supplied Ekki bog mats for a variety of demolition projects including the milestone M25 Junction 10 scheme.  

Wherever your project, whatever the remit, contact us for no-nonsense advice and tailored ground protection solutions.  

Bog mats play a critical role in ground protection by evenly distributing the weight of people and machinery on engineering and construction projects. Without adequate load distribution, the ground along access routes and on project sites can become churned up, compacted, and deformed. This not only has safety implications, but it can also cause costly and sometimes irreversible environmental damage.  

Our Ekki mats are used in some of the most challenging and vulnerable habitats in the world, in part due to their excellent load distribution capacity. As we often get questions on the topic, we thought we would answer some of the more general queries about bog mats and weight distribution. 

These types of sites often involve a lot of people and heavy machinery working on ground that might be unstable, uneven, or ecologically vulnerable. Effective load distribution ensures that the weight of workers and equipment is evenly spread out across a wider area, making the working platform safer and more stable. From a ground protection perspective, lowering the pressure per square inch creates a uniform defensive shield over the terrain beneath. With bog mats in place, the weight cannot converge in one spot and exert damaging levels of pressure on the ground.  

Without bog mats in place, there is potential for ground damage to happen in any environment. However, delicate ecosystems like wetlands, coastal areas and forests are particularly vulnerable. Common consequences of failing to install adequate ground protection mats include soil compaction, ground deformation, erosion, water contamination and the destruction of vegetation.  

As well as the ethical implications of not protecting the environment, there can be weighty legal and financial consequences. However, installing the right bog mats will help you get the job done with minimal impact on the natural surroundings. 

The type and thickness needed may vary according to the specific requirements of the project and the local conditions but products like our versatile Ekki mats can function across all terrains and climates. They are designed to distribute weight evenly and perform to spec whether they’re situated in a constructed urban space or remote ad challenging natural habitats. 

Load capacity: choose your bog mats based on the heaviest potential load. 

Terrain: The bog mats’ specifications will depend on the terrain; stable, less sensitive areas will require different mats than soft, ecologically important, or waterlogged areas. 

Level of ground protection required: while any level of ground damage is to be avoided, certain habitats may need superior protection which will inform your choice of bog mat. Your bog mat supplier will be able to talk through the most suitable options for your project. 

If you have questions about load distribution or any other aspect of ground protection, our bog mat specialists are happy to help. We can advise you on the best solutions and give you a quote. Our FSC certified Ekki bog mats are available for sale or hire and we offer next day UK delivery as well as worldwide shipping. 

Contact our bog mat sales team today 

It’s no secret that some traditional logging practices have had a negative impact on the world’s forests. That’s why at GJ Mats, we choose FSC certified timber for our hardwood bog mats. Ensuring that our materials are sustainably sourced is central to our business ethos and our wider commitment to reduce our impact on the planet, meet environmental targets and offset our carbon footprint. In purchasing FSC certified timber, we ensure that we are using wood that is not only of the highest quality but also comes from sustainably managed forests.  

Setting the standard for sustainable and ethical timber, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes the responsible management of 160 million hectares of forest habitat globally. FSC-certified timber is required to meet a range of strict environmental, economic, and social conditions across key areas, including:

• Reforestation and conservation: the initiative encourages the preservation of natural forests, supports the prevention of deforestation, and promotes the benefits of replanting.
• Responsible harvesting practices: this guarantees that timber is legally sourced, promotes selective logging practices and ensures that harvesting techniques have a reduced impact on the environment.
• Limiting pesticide use: limiting chemical pesticides and promoting more natural pest control alternatives benefits the trees, the overall forest ecosystem, and the local population.
• Supporting biodiverse ecosystems: ensuring the responsible maintenance of natural habitats, helps to protect endangered species and minimise disruption to delicate and complex forest environments.
• The protection of workers’ rights: this gives people access to safer working conditions, fair wages and promotes respect and support for Indigenous and local communities. 

As well as the ethical and environmental benefits of using sustainably sourced FSC-certified wood for our bog mats, there are also quality considerations. And at GJ Mats, we’re fastidious about using the absolute best timber for the job. We choose FSC certified hardwood because:

1. Well managed forests produce healthier trees – trees that have been given time to grow and mature naturally in optimal conditions are far more resistant to rot and pests, producing a dense, durable wood that can hold its own in extreme conditions. 
2. Strict standards keep the quality consistent – the stringent FSC requirements governing the harvesting and processing stages result in more consistent quality.
3. The materials are traceable – FSC certification means we know exactly where the timber comes from and how that forest is managed.
4. It reduces long term costs – Using the best quality timber for our bog mats ensures that they last longer, reducing the risk and additional cost of frequent replacements.

Sustainability is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. By choosing FSC-certified timber bog mats, you’re investing in a high-quality, eco-friendly solution that protects the environment while ensuring exceptional performance for your projects. 

As the UK’s leading supplier of bog mats, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable materials for the civil engineering, construction, demolition, and events sectors. With our large stock of FSC-certified timber mats for sale or hire, our expert team can help you select the best solution for your project and ensure quick delivery throughout the UK and worldwide. 

If you’d like to discuss your project needs with one of our timber mat specialists, get in touch today. You can also explore the detailed specifications of our Ekki bog mats here.