Matting 101 - TerraLam vs. Bolted Mats

REPLACE WAFFLE MATS WITH TERRALAM 300

Bolted access, aka waffle mats, have long been the readily available matting option for site access. However, as efficiency and durability become paramount, TerraLam has become the go-to for reliable, durable, and sustainable matting. TerraLam 308 CLT mats are engineered for superior strength while being nearly half the weight of a bolted mat, all with a gap-free surface to resist dirt and debris.

TERRALAM VS BOLTED

Lower Freight Costs

With up to twice the lineal footage per truckload, shipping expenses and transport time are dramatically reduced, TerraLam mats are lighter in weight compared to bolted access mats. Using TerraLams in areas like your Right of Way can increase efficiency over time compared to using waffle mats.

Faster to Install

TerraLam mats are quick to install due to their lightweight design. This means more lineal feet per load, cutting down the number of trips down the Right of Way compared to waffle (bolted access) mats. Setup time is reduced while site safety improves. Mat removal is also just as efficient.

Easier to Clean

All TerraLam CLT mats feature a smooth, nearly gap-free surface that simplifies cleaning and maintenance. Dirt and debris can be quickly brushed off the surface and a lack of gaps means minimal buildup within the mat, reducing the weight gain from the jobsite dirt and the chance of invasives tagging along.

Stronger, Much Stronger

As an engineered product, TerraLam has a known load limit, which also resists up to 5x more point loaded weight than a bolted mat while better distributing it across the ground. This means superior ground protection and a more durable mat, despite being lighter in weight.

Simpler to Dispose

Despite having superior strength compared to bolted access mats, TerraLams are crafted using no metal hardware. This allows them to be mulched on site and returned to the environment without the worry of metal being left behind and damaging equipment or the ecosystem.

Readily Available

TerraLam mats are made in Illinois and Texas using domestically harvested Southern Pine. These centrally located factories can each produce 1000 mats per day for even the largest projects. And because they are lightweight, transport costs are substantially lower than with other types of mats, such as timbers.

continue reading: IMPROVING COMPOSITE SITES

Already using composite mats? There’s still room to improve. Learn how integrating CLT mats into your composite mat sites can increase efficiency, expand surface coverage, and reduce labor costs—without sacrificing durability. Discover smarter hybrid strategies that make the most of every mat on your project.