Every heavy lift starts on the ground. A crane, piling rig or drilling unit can be perfectly engineered and still fail if its tracks or outriggers sink into soft soil. Hardwood crane mats spread those huge loads over a wider area, creating a stable, level working platform on mud, sand or uneven ground. They are simple, rugged and reusable, and when built from the right timber, they last for years of hard use.
In this guide we explain which hardwoods make the best crane mats, common sizes and construction methods, how mats spread loads, how long they last and how to buy them or the timber to build them. We supply mat timber and finished mat components from Central Africa at Global Timber Trade Hub.
In short
- Crane mats spread heavy loads to protect the ground and keep equipment level.
- Azobe is the classic crane mat species; Okan, Tali and Mukulungu are strong alternatives.
- Mats are usually built from large beams bolted together with steel rods.
- Common thicknesses range from about 150 to 300 mm.
- Dense, durable species resist crushing, wear and decay in wet ground.
- Inspect mats regularly and replace damaged beams to keep them safe.
What crane mats do
A crawler crane or outrigger can put enormous pressure on a small area of ground. Crane mats increase the bearing area, reducing ground pressure to a level the soil can carry. They also:
- create a level surface on uneven ground;
- protect sensitive surfaces such as lawns, paving and wetlands;
- provide temporary access roads for heavy vehicles;
- reduce the risk of tipping caused by ground failure.
Mat design and ground assessment are engineering tasks. Always follow the lift plan and the advice of a qualified engineer.
Why hardwood?
- High compression strength: dense hardwoods resist crushing under concentrated loads.
- Toughness: they absorb impacts from tracks and dropped loads.
- Durability: very durable species resist decay in wet soil.
- Grip: timber surfaces are less slippery than steel when wet.
- Repairability: damaged beams can be replaced individually.
- Cost: timber mats are usually cheaper than steel or composite mats of similar capacity.
The best species for crane mats
| Species | Density (kg/m³) | Hardness | Durability | From (USD/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azobe | 1,000–1,100 | Extremely hard | Durable to very durable | $650 |
| Okan | 880–950 | Very hard | Class 1 | $650 |
| Tali | 880–930 | Very hard | Very durable | $650 |
| Mukulungu | 900–1,000 | Very hard | Class 1 | $700 |
Azobe: the classic mat timber
Azobe has long been the reference crane mat timber in Europe. Its density, compression strength and abrasion resistance make it ideal for the heaviest mats. See Azobe vs Greenheart.
Okan: strong alternative
Okan offers similar performance with slightly lower weight, which makes mats easier to move. See okan vs azobe.
Tali: value and durability
Tali is dense, very durable and economical, a good choice for access mats and medium-duty crane mats. See our tali wood guide.
Mukulungu: heavy-duty
Mukulungu is very heavy and durable, suitable for demanding mats.
Common crane mat sizes
Sizes vary by region, equipment and supplier. Typical examples:
- European crane mats: around 1 m wide, 5–6 m long, 200–300 mm thick;
- North American mats: often 4 ft wide, 16–40 ft long, 8–12 in thick;
- Outrigger pads: smaller square or rectangular mats under each outrigger;
- Access or road mats: thinner mats, often 2 or 3 layers, for temporary roads.
We can supply beams cut to your mat design or complete mat components ready for bolting.
How crane mats are built
Most hardwood crane mats are made from large beams laid side by side and joined with steel rods or bolts passing through pre-drilled holes across the width. Some designs use two or three layers at right angles for extra stiffness. Key points:
- beams of consistent cross-section, often 200 × 200 mm to 300 × 300 mm;
- through-holes drilled accurately at regular intervals;
- high-strength rods or bolts with large washers and locking nuts;
- lifting points or chains for safe handling;
- chamfered edges to reduce splitting.
Load spreading basics
A mat spreads load because it is stiff and wide. The stiffer and thicker the mat, the more evenly the load reaches the ground. Dense hardwoods are stiff and strong in compression, so they spread load better and resist crushing under tracks and outrigger feet. The required size and thickness depend on the load, the contact area and the ground bearing capacity, which must be assessed for each lift.
Lifespan
Well-made mats in dense, durable hardwood can last many years of regular use. Life depends on the loads, the ground conditions, how often mats are moved and how carefully they are handled. Wear usually shows first at edges, bolt holes and the top surface under tracks. Replacing individual beams extends the life of the mat.
Inspection and maintenance
- inspect mats before each use for cracks, crushing, rot and loose bolts;
- tighten or replace bolts as needed;
- replace damaged beams rather than using compromised mats;
- store mats on bearers, off the ground, when not in use;
- keep a record of each mat’s inspections and repairs.
Weight and handling
Dense hardwood mats are heavy. A single 1 × 5 m mat in 300 mm Azobe can weigh well over a tonne. Plan suitable lifting equipment and safe lifting points. Okan or Tali mats are a little lighter, which helps on sites that move mats frequently.
Hardwood vs steel vs composite mats
| Feature | Hardwood | Steel | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Higher |
| Grip when wet | Good | Lower | Varies |
| Repair | Replace single beams | Welding | Limited |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy | Lighter |
| End of life | Reusable timber or biomass | Recyclable | Often difficult |
Legality and sustainability
None of our crane mat species is CITES listed. We buy only from concessions with valid harvesting permits and send legality and chain-of-custody documents with every shipment, which many contractors need for EUDR, UK Timber Regulation or Lacey Act compliance. Read more on our sustainability page.
Where crane mats are used
Crane mats are used wherever heavy equipment must work on ground that cannot carry it directly. Common applications include wind farm construction, where large crawler cranes erect turbines on farmland; pipeline and power line projects across fields and wetlands; bridge and building construction on soft or made ground; port and shipyard work; and emergency recovery operations after storms or floods. Access mats made from the same timbers create temporary roads for trucks and plant, protecting soil and roots on sensitive sites.
Moisture and drying
Mat beams are large sections, so they are normally supplied fresh sawn or air dried rather than kiln dried. Kiln drying such thick, dense timber causes more checking than it prevents, and mats spend their lives outdoors anyway. Small surface checks are normal and rarely affect performance. Seal the ends of beams after cutting to reduce end splits, and drill bolt holes slightly oversize to allow for movement.
Building your own mats vs buying finished mats
Many crane hire companies and contractors build their own mats from imported beams, which lets them control the design and replace beams in-house. Others prefer finished mats from a mat fabricator. We supply beams cut to length and, on request, pre-drilled for bolting, so your workshop or fabricator can assemble mats quickly. For repeat users, keeping a small stock of spare beams in the same species and size makes repairs fast and keeps mats in service longer.
Quality checks before loading
We check every mat beam for size, straightness, splits, wane and heart, and record the piece count, volume and weight of each bundle. For pre-drilled beams, we check hole positions against your drawing. Photos are sent before loading so you can confirm the order.
How to order crane mat timber
- Send your mat design or the beam sizes and lengths you need.
- List accepted species.
- State quantities and whether you need pre-drilled holes.
- Give moisture condition, usually fresh sawn or air dried.
- Give the destination port and schedule.
Mat beams are heavy, so containers fill by weight. Our guide on how much timber fits in a 40ft container explains what to expect, and our export process page covers the rest.
Who buys crane mat timber from us?
Our mat customers include crane hire companies, mat fabricators, wind farm and pipeline contractors, civil engineering firms and equipment rental yards. Most order beams by the container, often in a single section size and a few lengths, with spare beams for repairs. Some combine mat beams with sleepers or bridge timbers in the same shipment.
Our honest recommendation
For the heaviest lifts and the longest mat life, Azobe remains the benchmark. For contractors who move mats often, Okan offers almost the same performance with a little less weight. For access mats and medium-duty work on a budget, Tali is excellent value. Whatever the species, insist on accurate beam sizes, sound timber and regular inspection.
Common mistakes
- Undersized mats: always follow engineering calculations.
- Using damaged mats: crushed or split beams reduce capacity.
- Loose bolts: mats lose stiffness and beams shift.
- Light, non-durable species: they crush and rot quickly.
- Storing mats on wet ground: keep them on bearers.
Sources
- Crane (machine) on Wikipedia
- CIRAD Tropix for technical data.
Related guides
- Okan vs azobe
- Hardwood railway sleepers
- Tali wood
- Heavy construction and marine timber
- African hardwood prices per m³
Frequently asked questions about hardwood crane mats
What wood is best for crane mats?
Dense, durable hardwoods such as Azobe, Okan, Tali and Mukulungu.
How thick are crane mats?
Commonly about 150–300 mm, depending on loads and ground conditions.
How long do hardwood crane mats last?
Many years with proper use, inspection and replacement of damaged beams.
Are hardwood mats better than steel?
They are usually cheaper, grip better when wet and are easier to repair; steel can be stiffer for some uses.
Get a quote for crane mat timber
Send your mat design, beam sizes and quantities through our quote form. We will reply with a firm price and lead time.