We’ve all been there, you order new site access solutions to help your project stay on track, only to find that the quality is lacking and you’re now facing sudden breakages that stand to put you further behind. Subpar matting solutions can put a massive strain on productivity, as well as your bottom line.

As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of access mats and site access solutions, GFI Solutions knows just how important it is to have products that you can trust to perform under pressure. We’re proud to carry industry CLT site access mats that make it easy to get the job done safely and with minimal delays thanks to 24/7 365 shipping. Our team is passionate about providing top-tier service as well as inventory, so you can always trust that our mats are ready to stand up to the test of time. If you’re in the market for new access mats, below, we’ll discuss 3 key aspects to look for when assessing quality, as well as the benefits of working with CLT mats. Read on to learn more!

1. Wood Characteristics

Both CLT and bolted mats are made from specific kinds of wood (typically Southern Yellow Pine for CLT and a blend of Oak and Douglas fir for bolted), and despite the differences in their composition, it’s important to take a close look at the overall characteristics of the wood used for your mats. Avoid any matting that uses dried wood and opt for mats made from fresher cuts instead, as the kinds of planks are far more likely to maintain their shape, strength, and integrity when exposed to the elements.

2. Board Quality

Similar to above, you’ll also want to inquire about board quality and keep an eye out for any visible defects such as splits, overly large knots, etc. Certain defects will indicate a greater likelihood of premature failures, while others, like knots or obvious uneven portions, can present tripping hazards or damage your equipment on site.

3. Placement and Design

Finally, take a step back and look at the mat as a whole. Does the placement seem solid and reliable? Your mat is meant to serve as a safe road on perilous terrain, and so placement and design is integral for success. Look at elements such as board spacing (are there any large gaps?), Overhang (is everything flush and even?), as well as finger length and positioning (is everything uniform?). If you find issues with any of the above, the mat may not be of the highest quality and likely isn’t worth your investment.

Why Choose CLT Access Mats?

Cross Laminated Timber differs from its bolted counterparts thanks to its unique method of construction. Instead of relying on bolts that lack the ability to flex under pressure, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special safe adhesive.

By bonding planks together, the mat maintains far greater flexibility in comparison to competitors as well as superior durability and strength. GFI Solutions is proud to offer industry-leading CLT access mats made with high-grade lumber that can be up to 30% harder than Douglas fir while also offering a lighter profile. This means that you can count on our access mats to stand up to even the most demanding of challenges posed by heavy machinery and tough work sites. 

If you need site access mats that you can trust to perform, no matter the application, it’s time to partner with GFI Solutions. Contact us today to learn more!