If you think the three terms above refer to the same product, you’re not alone. Even the most experienced professionals often have trouble when it comes to defining what the difference between these mats are, often resulting in wrong product orders, frustration, and costly delays. If you’re considering a large scale order and aren’t sure exactly what you need to accomplish your objectives, GFI is here to help. Below is a brief overview of the difference between swamp, rig, and access mats to help avoid confusion.

Wheres Does The Confusion Come From?

A large part of the confusion that stems from the various matting names comes down the to the fact that the matting industry tends to lack specific regulation where specific terminology is concerned. Over time, rig/access/swamp mats have been referred to interchangeably, typically when referring to the category of “access mats” as a whole. While swamp, rig, and access mats all do play a role in the main function of ensuring job sites and activities are accessible to operators, the ability to clearly distinguish between products is key to success and safety.

Access Mats (Often referred to as Swamp Mats): refers to matting solutions that can be used as makeshift roads in and out of a job site. Versatile in nature, this mats can handle a wide range of weights and typically come in either the traditional bolted format, or the increasingly popular CLT design. Access mats are frequently called “swamp mats”, which is a regional derivative of the main term.

Rig Mats: can also be considered a form of access mat, but are predominately relied upon for extremely heavy loads or applications such as cranes, equipment, etc. Rig mats typically have steel frames that allow them to handle such loads safely, and usually cost significantly more than their access mat counterparts.

Which One Do I Need?

If you’re unsure of which product is best suited for your specific applications, GFI is happy to assist you when it comes to selecting the perfect fit. We are available for 24/7 support all throughout Canada including Western Canada hotspots like Grande Prairie. With a leading inventory featuring superior products such as Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, our team will help you find the ideal solution for your job site. Contact us now to learn more!