Are you in the process of sourcing site access materials that makes it easy to reach and navigate your remote job site? Access mats are the ideal solution for sites that face challenges from uneven terrain, the Canadian climate, and many other topographical issues. Designed to serve as a reliable temporary road, as well as a stable platform for heavy equipment, access mats make it easy to operate with confidence, protect the environment, and avoid costly delays.

GFI is proud to be one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site-safe CLT access and swap mats and features a diverse inventory of mats, bridges, alongside multiple services; including delivery, installation, inventory management and more. One of the most common questions and points of confusion our team answers deals with the difference between standard access mats and swamp mats. Below, we’ll take a closer look at these terms to help you find the best CLT mats for your needs. Read on to learn more!

Terminology: What You Need to Know

Did you know that there’s technically no such thing as a swamp mat? Do you know the difference between an access mat and a rig mat? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. The matting industry tends to use all three terms interchangeably, which can lead to orderers mixing up what they actually need. To make sure you’re getting exactly what’s needed for your project, you’ll want to pay close attention to the official designations below:

Access Mats

Access mats are the most prevalent and widely used site access mat, and the term generally refers to any standard matting designed for multi-use purposes. Depending on where you are in the world, access mats may also be called a “swamp mat”, though, as we mentioned above, there is technically no such dedicated map for swamps. Swamp mats are simply a regional term used by those in the south where warm, swampy terrain, requires matting to cross.

Rig/Crane Mats

Rig and crane mats are the heavy-duty counterparts to access mats and can be used both to assist with transport needs, as well as serving as a stable platform for heavy machinery such as cranes and rigs. To handle the increased loads they usually experience, these kinds of mats typically have a steel frame that reinforces the mat in order to prevent sudden breakages. As a result of these steel frames, rig mats tend to cost more, which is why it’s important for those placing orders to know whether they need standard mats, or specifically rig mats to meet the demands of their job site.

CLT Mats: The New Way Forward

Looking for a more cost-effective, durable alternative to bolted matting? Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are designed to offer superior performance, as well as:

• High impact resistance and durability.
• 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
• Solid matting tops that reduce tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles.
• Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (25% more CLT mats can be shipped compared to bolted products per load), and more.

GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s source for CLT safe site access solutions, including a vast inventory of access mats, rig mats, access bridges and more. With superior performance and ROI just a phone call away, there’s never been a better time to invest in site access solutions.

Looking For Access Mats? GFI Solutions Is Here To Help

GFI’s team of experts is available for 24/7 support including sales and rentals all throughout Canada. Contact us now to learn more!