Protecting the ground on construction sites is non-negotiable, yet the choice of what to lay down often falls to what’s quickest or most familiar. Many people still opt for timber bogmats or plywood boards, thinking they offer good value for money or a simple solution. These materials are, after all, easy to get hold of and seem like the obvious fix for many jobs, whether that’s creating temporary walkways, access routes, or platforms for machinery. But behind the initial price tag, there is a story most sites miss. The real costs, which creep in slowly, are financial, environmental, and sometimes even reputational.
Why Do Timber and Plywood Remain Popular for Ground Protection?
There is a reason plywood boards are stacked by site entrances across the country. For small jobs, they are the go-to. Timber bogmats, on the other hand, get brought in for the heavy lifting, like crane access or work on softer ground. Both options have been used for decades and, for many, they are simply what has always been done.
But if you look at today’s construction standards and client expectations, sticking with timber and plywood can mean you are a step behind. Site managers are under more pressure than ever to manage costs, demonstrate sustainability, and avoid unnecessary risks.
The Financial Reality of Timber and Plywood vs Composite Mats
Plywood boards seem cheap when you first see the price, but they rarely survive more than a couple of weeks on a live site. Rain, mud, and machinery quickly reduce them to splinters or warped panels. Before you know it, you are paying for replacements, extra clean-up, and disposal. If boards break during use, you might also be facing downtime while staff clear up the mess.
Timber bogmats are heavy and expensive to transport. It can take extra vehicles, more fuel, and specialist lifting equipment just to get them in place. Once on site, bogmats can crack or split under repeated use, especially if the ground is soft or uneven. Then there is the issue of contamination. Timber is absorbent. Oil spills, fuel leaks, and even mud get soaked up, which makes bogmats awkward and costly to dispose of when the job is done. There is no easy fix for a contaminated bogmat. You cannot just leave them at the tip.
By contrast, composite ground protection mats offer a different experience. They are built to be tough and reusable, so you can use them again and again without worrying about them breaking down. Installation is faster and does not require heavy machinery. Over the life of a project, or across several projects, composite mats quickly prove to be a smarter investment.
Environmental Impact: The Cost to the Planet
Every bit of timber or plywood that ends up on a site eventually has to go somewhere. Plywood boards often end up in landfill, especially if they are covered in chemicals or fuel. Bogmats present an even bigger risk. Once they have absorbed oil or other contaminants, they become hazardous waste. Moving them around from one job to the next also increases the risk of spreading invasive species or diseases between sites.
Composite mats do not absorb contaminants, and they can be cleaned between uses. When they finally reach the end of their working life, many composite mats can be recycled, turning what would have been waste into something useful again. This means fewer problems with compliance and a lower carbon footprint for your project.
Compliance and Reputation: More at Stake Than You Think
Sites that rely on old materials risk more than just extra costs. If plywood boards snap, someone could get hurt. If contaminated bogmats leak into the soil, you could be facing a fine or a difficult conversation with a landowner. Local authorities and clients are looking for partners who care about doing things properly. Word gets around. A clean, tidy site with modern ground protection creates a better impression and can even help you win more work in the long run.
Downtime, Delays, and Safety Concerns
When a board fails or a mat shifts, work slows down. People end up dealing with accidents, trip hazards, or muddy walkways instead of getting on with the job. Delays cost money and knock your reputation. In contrast, composite ground protection mats are designed to provide a stable, slip-resistant surface in all conditions. They are easy to lay and remove, meaning fewer stoppages and a safer environment for everyone on site.
The Smarter Choice: Modern Composite Ground Protection Mats
The case for moving away from timber and plywood is clear. Composite mats are lighter, easier to use, and designed to last. They help you cut costs over time, support your sustainability targets, and show your clients that you are committed to safe, efficient site management. For any project where ground protection matters, it makes sense to move with the times.
If you want advice on the best matting for your next job, or you would like to see how composite mats compare on price and performance, get in touch with our team. We are here to help you work smarter, safer, and more sustainably.
