PrimaMat vs. Steel: Which Is Better?

PrimaMat Ground Protection Mats

PrimaMat ground protection mats are made of 100% recycled high-density polyethylene. They provide a stable platform for workers and equipment while resisting:

• Rot
• Weathering
• Insects

Cost-Effectiveness

PrimaMat is a budget-friendly option for ground protection, especially compared to pricier steel mats. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan, reducing waste disposal costs. Plus, because of their light weight, our ground protection mats cost less to transport. These factors make our mats a smart choice for keeping costs down without sacrificing quality on various projects.

Applications

PrimaMat mats are particularly well-suited for both residential and commercial construction sites, as well as for landscaping tasks. It's also a favorite at events, cemeteries, and infrastructure sites, among other applications. It provides solid ground cover, helping to ensure that operations run smoothly and surfaces remain unharmed.

Performance

Our ground protection mats support up to 70 tons of equipment, so they're incredibly useful for a wide range of heavy-duty tasks where ground pressure must be distributed evenly. They connect together easily, creating a cohesive work platform. Because they're impervious to moisture, PrimaMat mats don't leave rust marks on concrete, asphalt or cobblestones. They also have smooth edges that don't mar the underlying surface.

Maneuverability

Weighing less than 100 pounds each, PrimaMat ground protection mats are easy for one person to handle and don't require any specialized equipment for placement. This ease of handling speeds up the setup process and reduces labor costs, making our mats an all-around practical choice for efficient ground protection.

Steel Mats

Steel mats are known for their durability, and their strength and resilience make them indispensable in certain situations.

Cost-Effectiveness

Because of their higher price tag, steel mats can significantly impact a project's budget. This makes them less favorable for projects where cost is a significant concern. The long-term cost of ownership is also higher because they require specialized equipment for placement.

Applications

The ideal scenario for using steel mats is heavy-duty road construction sites with incredibly high ground protection demands. In these settings, the ability to withstand intense pressures and provide a stable surface for heavy machinery is crucial.

Performance

One of the standout features of steel mats is their ability to cover trenches. This makes steel mats especially valuable in environments where trench work is common, and there's a need to create temporary but sturdy bridges for heavy vehicles and equipment. Steel mats can support weights of more than 80 tons, which is essential for the heaviest construction equipment. However, they are susceptible to rust and can leave ugly stains on asphalt, concrete, and cobblestones. Their sharp edges can gouge the underlying surface, leaving permanent marks. There's also usually no way to connect steel mats, increasing tripping hazards.

Maneuverability

It's important to note that steel mats are heavy, each weighing up to five tons. This weight necessitates special lifting equipment for moving and positioning the mats, which increases overall operation costs.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Several key factors must be considered when comparing PrimaMat and steel mats, including cost efficiency, usability, adaptability, and durability.

Cost Efficiency

PrimaMat stands out for being much more cost-effective than steel mats. Although steel mats provide exceptional strength, their high cost can significantly impact project budgets, making PrimaMat the more budget-friendly choice for many projects.

Usability

Our ground protection mats are much easier to handle and install. Each mat weighs less than 100 pounds and can be moved and positioned manually, simplifying logistics and reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment. In contrast, steel mats can weigh up to five tons each and require specialized machinery to move, making them less user-friendly.

Adaptability

PrimaMat mats are highly adaptable and can be used effectively in a variety of environments, from construction sites to cemeteries. Steel mats, while less versatile due to their weight and handling requirements, are better suited for heavy-duty applications like road construction, where their ability to cover trenches is a significant advantage.

Durability and Load Capacity

Both materials are highly durable. PrimaMat mats can support up to 70 tons of equipment, sufficient for most construction and landscaping needs. Steel mats can handle more than 80 tons, which is useful in situations requiring ultra-heavy load capacities.

Considering all these factors, PrimaMat is often the better choice for scenarios where cost efficiency, ease of handling, and a suitable load capacity are crucial. Our ground protection mats offer substantial strength and versatility at a more affordable price point, making them an excellent option for a broad array of projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a proven leader in the $425.7 million ground protection mat market, PrimaMat is well-positioned to answer your questions.

Do PrimaMat Ground Protection Mats Work on Uneven Terrain?

Because they conform to the ground's contours, PrimaMat mats are an excellent choice for uneven terrain. Our mats also work well on slopes.

Are PrimaMat Mats Recyclable?

Our mats are made of 100% high-density polyethylene, so they're recyclable. Recycling our mats diverts unnecessary material from the waste stream and reduces your overall cost of ownership.

Where Can PrimaMat Ground Protection Mats Be Used?

PrimaMat ground protection mats are ideally suited for various applications, such as graveside services, ground maintenance, indoor events, and temporary parking.