If you have a construction project coming up in the Midwest and need support for heavy machinery, you’ve probably already looked at using crane mats.

But did you know that crane mats come in various different materials?

Depending on what you’re using the crane mat for, you may want to ask for some clarification around what kind of mat you’re getting.

Wood crane mats are the most common option and are the ones typically used on construction sites. Wood crane mats are often made out of hardier materials, like douglas fir, oak and mixed hardwoods. If you’re not a fan of wood crane mats, they also come in fiberglass, rubber and plastic. It’s important to ask the following questions to ensure you get the best kind of mat for your project.

What kind of wood are your crane mats made of?

If you have a project with lighter equipment or just need a storage space off the ground, you can get away with less hardy wood, like pine or mixed woods. However, if you have a heavy-duty load or large equipment to support, you’ll want to make sure you have the best and sturdiest wood available. Oak is a great option, as are several other hardwoods.

Where is your wood sourced?

While this may seem like a silly question, it’s an important one. Crane mats should be able to handle a lot of weight, and if they are made out of second-hand wood, that could very well compromise their stability. Also, some companies sell used crane mats from other companies instead of building their own crane mats from start to finish. While this option may come with a lower price point, you’ll miss out on the quality you need for a heavy-duty project.

Are there non-wood crane mats available?

As mentioned before, there are several other materials used for crane mats, such as rubber, fiberglass and plastic. These have different benefits, depending on the load they carry. Rubber is great for protecting equipment from the dirty ground and is especially helpful in damp work areas. Fiberglass crane mats are ideal for extra heavy loads, as they are as strong as many durable metals but weigh much less. Plastic crane mats are good for light to medium loads, and they help keep equipment and work areas off the ground.

Which crane mat is right for my project?

This question is best answered by a professional. You’ll want to contact a crane mat company and let them know more about your project, expected workload and the environment you’ll work in. This will help them decipher how many crane mats you need and which ones will be best for your project.

Here at Phoneix Mat we have years of experience helping people effectively prepare for and complete construction projects of all kinds. Our friendly team can answer any questions you may have about our crane mats and would love to learn more about your project. Contact us today to hear about our services!