If you’re new to sourcing ground protection, you’ll come across a variety of terms – some describe specific products, while others can be used interchangeably (to add to the confusion). To make navigating the world of bog mats easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common terms used in the industry.
Access mats create safe and efficient access routes to and around job sites. Commonly made of timber but also available in plastic or composite materials for less heavy-duty use.
In the UK, the term “bog mats” typically refers to timber ground protection mats, although plastic, steel, and composite versions also exist. Timber bog mats remain the preferred choice in construction, civil engineering, utilities, and renewable energy projects due to their strength, durability, and sustainability.
A broader term than crane mats, crane pads can refer to full-size timber crane mats or smaller outrigger pads made from plastic, composite, or timber. Both are used to stabilise cranes and ensure safe lifting.
Eco mats are ground protection mats designed with sustainability in mind. Some suppliers also use the term for recycled plastic or composite mats, but timber eco mats remain the most common choice on construction and infrastructure projects. At GJ Mats, we use responsibly grown FSC-certified hardwood, valued for its strength, longevity and biodegradability.
Made from extremely dense, rot-resistant Ekki hardwood, these mats are generally regarded as the gold standard in ground protection. Their strength and durability make them suitable for safe access across challenging terrain, supporting heavy loads and creating reliable temporary access trackways in remote or sensitive areas.
An umbrella term for mats designed to protect the ground and spread the weight of loads. This includes bog mats, access mats, crane mats, haul road mats, and trackway – essentially every type of mat listed in this glossary.
Haul road mats are used to build temporary roads for lorries and tracked machinery. They are also referred to as temporary road mats or access road mats.
Hardwood mats are made from tropical and European hardwood species such as Ekki or oak. They offer high level strength and durability, making them ideal for demanding construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects.
A descriptive term for mats that prevent ground collapse and distribute weight evenly across soft or unstable ground. Not as common as some other terms, but can sometimes be used instead of bog mats, crane mats, etc.
A matting system is an integrated ground protection setup that works across all areas of a site. It combines elements such as temporary access roads, working platforms, and crane pads into a single, integrated solution.
A more informal name for mats that provide access across muddy or boggy areas. At GJ Mats, we supply timber mud mats that offer reliable support on soft ground.
These are compact pads that can be positioned under crane outriggers to distribute weight and prevent sinking, which is essential for stabilising cranes during lifts on softer or unstable surfaces.
Any mats designed for repeated use across various projects. At the premium end, Ekki hardwood mats can last for decades – often up to 50 years – making them both economical and sustainable.
An informal term often used in the UK to describe outrigger pads or other load-spreading mats.
Short-term access solutions that enable safe and efficient site movement without the need for building permanent roadways. Often used for events, emergency works, or rapid-build construction projects.
An umbrella term for timber-based solutions that distribute weight and ensure the integrity of the underlying surface. Includes hardwood bog mats, timber trackway, and working platforms.
Timber mats used to create temporary roads, access routes, or site haul routes.
Temporary surfaces made from mats or panels that provide a level, stable base for lifting operations, piling, heavy plant operations and people.
Whether you’re working in construction, civil engineering, utilities or energy, GJ Mats has the products and experience to help you get the job done. With one of the UK’s most extensive stocks of hardwood timber mats, we deliver high-quality ground protection exactly when and where you need it.
We offer flexible hire and sale options, fast quotes, next-day delivery across the UK and worldwide shipping.
Contact our team today for clear, honest advice and reliable ground protection that works.