Deciding on the thickness of your rubber grass mats can be a weightier decision than you think. While both serve the similar purpose of protecting your grounds from grass erosion and improving safety, they are better suited to varying levels of use and impact. Before you make this choice, it is important to consider not only the state of your turf, but the purpose of your grass matting.
16mm Grass Protection Mats
The 16mm mat is a standard size, with moderate cushioning and excellent drainage. Its non-slip surface can be seamlessly integrated into varying landscapes, and like all our rubber grass matting, it offers cutting-edge performance and reliability. It is best used for the following purposes and events:
Domestic Lawns and Garden Pathways
This size grass rubber flooring is ideal for providing an anti-slip surface for where people walk frequently. They help to prevent muddy or bald patches from heavy footfall, and installation results in a stable grass surface that retains its natural look. Ideal areas to place these mats include garden paths, shed entrances, clotheslines or bins.
Light Pedestrian and Public Access Areas
This type of space can be found at fairgrounds and other event spaces or areas that require temporary access and walkways. Our grass mats provide excellent traction on both clear and rainy days, minimising the risk of trips and falls. In addition to this, they limit the potential soil compaction that can occur during public events which can cause soil and grass erosion if left unchecked.
They also enhance water drainage thanks to their drainage holes, serving as a protective and permeable layer that stabilises the ground while enabling rainwater, air, and nutrients to pass through to the topsoil beneath.
Landscaping and Amenity Areas
Around equipment in garden play areas, garden furniture, under picnic tables and benches, grass growth tends to die off due to consistent wear. Grass protection mats help to offset this and distribute the weight from footfall evenly, retaining healthy grass cover and reducing the chances of soil compaction. Once they have integrated with the grass, they also offer a natural appearance which blends in with the surrounding area.
Pet and Animal Areas
In pet and animal areas such as runs, gardens, kennels and small animal enclosures, the constant movement, scratching, digging and urine from dogs and other pets can ruin a grass turf. Over time, it transforms into slippery mud or bare soil. Not only do the non-slip properties of 16mm grass protection mats provide excellent traction for pets, but the holes allow for drainage, airflow and grass growth, preventing puddles and odours from building up.
22mm Grass Protection Mats
In comparison to the 16mm mat, the 22mm model consists of a heavier-duty surface, with higher impact absorption and weight distribution as well as surface resilience. These advantages are present alongside the products’ ability to promote grass growth and drainage through its holes.
Playgrounds and Play Areas
One of the most widely used spaces for these grass mats is play areas. The 22mm thickness meets Critical Fall Height (CFH) standards with a fall height in excess of 3 metres which is ideal for playgrounds. This, alongside the mat’s impressive shock absorption, helps to cushion falls, prevent injuries and make play areas safe spaces for children. On an aesthetic level, when the natural grass grows through the rubber mats, it provides natural-looking play areas, as opposed to a dull grey tarmac.
Sports and Recreational Areas
These mats work perfectly for around the perimeter of sports pitches, training zones and multi-use outdoor areas. Able to withstand intensive footfall, the grass is protected from heavy footfall while retaining a firm, level surface for traction and movement. The thickness of the product means it can also easily withstand rolling equipment and temporary seating without the turf underneath suffering any damage.
Equestrian and Agricultural Use
Paddocks, equestrian centres and stables are just some of the places where 22mm grass mats would be of great advantage. This is because they tend to be areas where hooves and machinery can churn up the road and disrupt the integrity of the grass and grass root structure. The strong rubber provides a surface that serves as comfortable footing for horses and their handlers, with a lowered strain on the joints.
Fitness Facilities
Made from a combination of natural and recycled rubber, our heavy-duty grass mats can handle both footfall and gym equipment use at training areas and gyms. As part of gym rubber flooring they can provide a stable and cushioned surface which protects the subfloor and absorbs impact from continued movement and dropped equipment. This in turn reduces shock and noise, which is ideal in indoor and shared facilities.
Fairs and Events
Festivals, weddings and outdoor venues place considerable short-term pressure on lawns and open fields. Vehicles, stalls and foot traffic are regularly the cause of churned up grass, soil compaction and muddy, uneven surfaces – especially in damp conditions. as well as creating clean, safe paths across the grass, rubber matting is re-useable and easy to install or remove with the help of metal fixing pegs.
The 16mm and 22mm rubber grass mats work well in different environments. The 16mm model does an excellent job protecting underlying grass and preventing slips on lawns, public areas and pet facilities. Using either mat is also a good way to control soil erosion and encourage healthy grass growth.
Meanwhile, the 22mm variety is perfect for outdoor events, as well as other outdoor environments like sports areas and outdoor play facilities for children. Whichever you choose, you can strengthen your space with high-performing mats that can boost any existing grass growth.
Foradvice on which of our grass mats to choose from and information about our wide range of ground protection products, feel free to contact us.
