Ground Protection Mats vs Plywood Sheets

Need to cover grass, soil, or paved surfaces during construction work or public events? You might be tempted to use simple sheets of plywood to protect the ground - after all, it’s cheap and easy to deploy.

But this method can end up costing you more over time, and it also comes with a few safety risks. In this post, we’ll explain the pitfalls of plywood and why you’re better off with a ground protection mat.

What’s the problem with plywood sheets?

Plywood is porous, so it absorbs water easily. In wet weather, it will become soggy and start to rot, warp, or delaminate. This is a common problem when you use it under a skip to protect the driveway or road. 

The wood can also absorb substances like oil and chemicals, so there’s a risk of cross-contamination if you were to use the same sheets on multiple jobs (provided they’ve survived after the first use!)

Plywood sheets are not designed to spread the weight of heavy vehicles or machinery. They can’t protect the ground properly, nor provide a stable surface. If the sheeting shifts or breaks, your equipment could tip over and cause damage or injury. 

Water and mud make the plywood slippery, and the sheets may also slide on muddy ground. If the wood starts to split, it can cause trip hazards or splinter injuries. Plywood may also get infested with insects or mould. 

Yes, plywood sheets are relatively cheap to buy. But they’re likely to fail after one or two uses, especially in wet conditions or under heavy loads. You’ll have to replace them before moving on to the next job, which is not only a hassle but also represents a higher long-term cost. 

Why are ground protection mats better?

Here’s why ground protection mats are a much more sensible investment.

Durable

Often made from weather-resistant HDPE or composite plastic, ground protection mats are specifically designed for the purpose of protecting surfaces and supporting loads by spreading the weight. Provided you install them correctly, they’re far more durable than plywood as they won’t go soggy. 

Cost-effective

This durability means you can use your ground mats again and again - so you won’t have to spend money on new plywood sheets for every job. And because mats are better at preventing ground damage, you won’t incur the cost of restoring the surface when you’re done. They’re easy to keep clean, too.

Ground protection matting has a higher upfront cost, but will save money over time. Be aware that there is a difference between cheap and expensive mats.  

Safe 

Protective mats provide a non-slip surface, often with tread patterns for extra grip. If you want to use several mats together to increase coverage, it’s easy to connect them with secure interlocking systems for stability. They’re also more hygienic as there’s less risk of mould or infestation, especially in dank conditions under a skip.

Easy to handle 

Plywood sheets may be lightweight to start with, but they quickly become heavy when they're waterlogged. Ground protection mats don't have this problem, and they typically come with built-in handholds or handles to help you manoeuvre them into position. There are no sharp edges or splinters on quality mats.

Consistent

Ground protection mats are manufactured to specific standards, ratings, and dimensions. As long as you choose the right mat for the right conditions (such as event matting for pedestrians or heavy-duty mats for machinery) you’ll get consistent performance. This isn’t the case with plywood sheets.

Eco-friendly 

Because they’re reusable and long-lasting, ground mats help to minimise your impact on the environment. They’re often made from recycled materials, and are recyclable when they do eventually reach the end of their lives.

Final thoughts

Plywood may seem like the cheaper option, especially for short projects. But it often creates more problems than it solves. Ground protection mats will do a much better job of protecting surfaces, increasing load capacity, and ensuring safety on site.

Stop wasting plywood - browse our range of ground protection products or give our friendly sales team a call!