5 Benefits of Timberlite Light-Duty Timber Mats

Our Timberlite™ light-duty timber mats are a flexible, durable and lightweight solution for your next project requiring site access.

November 20, 2024

How to Choose

Article Updated on: November 03, 2026

Modern developments in ground protection mat solutions mean you have more options than just traditional timber mats. Although heavy-duty timber mats are sometimes the right choice for the job, in some cases, you may be able to use products that are lighter and less expensive to transport.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and 2-ply laminated timber mats are lighter options that have been on the scene for a while. Although they are excellent choices for certain applications, sometimes you need a more durable and flexible option.

United Rentals has another option for projects needing more durability and flexibility: Timberlite™ light-duty timber mats.

What are Timberlite™ light-duty timber mats?

Developed and tested over two years, United Rentals’ Timberlite light-duty timber mats are made from a combination of mixed hardwood timbers on the outside and pine timbers on the inside. This hybrid design creates an access mat that is 30% lighter than solid hardwood mats while maintaining high durability and ground-contouring flexibility for rubber-tired vehicles on uneven or semi-swampy ground.

What are the benefits of light-duty timber mats?

Every project has unique site access needs, which is one reason diverse matting options are essential. When choosing the right combination of mats for your next project, consider these benefits of Timberlite mats:

1. A lighter load

Traditional timber mats are heavy. When you have the option to use a lighter mat, it helps you save on freight costs. Timberlite light-duty timber mats are 30% lighter than heavy-duty timber mats, which means you can save money without compromising on safety or durability.

2. Durability at a lower cost

Although not as heavy-duty as a traditional timber mat, light-duty timber mats are more durable than CLT and 2-ply mats. When these alternatives to timber mats are not quite durable enough for the job but you don’t need the extreme strength (and higher cost) of a heavy-duty timber mat, Timberlite light-duty timber mats may be the perfect solution.

3. A flexible surface

Due to their unique design, Timberlite mats are flexible enough to contour to the ground below. This makes for a smoother and safer ride for vehicles because the mats don’t shift or lift during use.

4. Usable on versatile terrain

CLT and 2-ply mats are lightweight, cost-effective alternatives to timber mats, but they cannot be used on a wide variety of terrain. Like timber mats, Timberlite mats can be used in a broad range of conditions, including semi-swampy areas. The one exception is mountainous areas. Although Timberlite light-duty timber mats are great for uneven terrain, they are not ideal for steep, rocky conditions.

5. Equivalent environmental protection

Timberlite mats offer all of the same benefits as any other ground protection mat solution. This includes providing safe access for crews, supporting compliance with environmental regulations and reducing restoration costs after project completion.

When should you use Timberlite™ light-duty timber mats?

Timberlite light-duty timber mats are a good fit for projects in challenging terrain where rubber-tired equipment will primarily be used. Depending on the location, this often makes them an excellent choice for power line and construction projects.

When you can safely use a CLT or 2-ply timber mat for your project, they may be the most cost-effective option. However, when you need a more durable site access solution that also offers the benefit of a flexible temporary road surface, consider Timberlite light-duty timber mats.

Here’s how light-duty timber mats compare to heavy-duty timber mats, CLT mats and 2-ply timber mats.

Feature	Light-Duty Timber Mats	Heavy-Duty Timber Mats	CLT Mats	2-Ply Timber Mats
Weight	1,200 to 2,200 pounds	2,100 to 2,900 pounds	1,300 to 1,600 pounds	1,900 pounds
Durability	High	High	Lower	Lower
Flexibility	Contours to ground	Rigid	Rigid	Rigid
Terrain suitability	Semi-swampy ground, but not steep or rocky terrain	Level or uneven terrain	Flat surfaces, not swamps, wetlands or high slopes	Terrain with minimal ground saturation
Cost	Medium cost	Highest cost	Lower cost	Lower cost
Best for	Construction projects	Projects needing extreme strength	Cost-sensitive projects on stable ground	Projects that do not require heavy equipment
Primary Equipment Capability	Rubber-tired equipment, utility bucket trucks and mid-size excavators	Heavy tracked excavators, large cranes and pipelayers	Rubber-tired transport, utility vehicles and staging areas	Light utility trucks and temporary pedestrian access

Are light-duty timber mats right for your project?

Because the site conditions for every project are different, we recommend getting an expert assessment to determine the best combination of construction mats for the job. At United Rentals, our goal is to provide our customers with the safest, most sustainable and most cost-effective site access solutions. This is why we provide consultations in addition to renting mats.

We don’t want you to get the most expensive products; we want to ensure that you have the right mats for your project. With Timberlite light-duty timber mats in the mix, we are in a better position than ever before to help you provide safe access, protect the environment and stay in control of project costs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of light-duty timber mats?

Light-duty timber mats cost less to transport, flex to contour uneven ground and perform well across semi-swampy terrain. Timberlite mats specifically offer durability beyond CLT or 2-ply options while weighing 30% less than heavy-duty timber mats.

How much lighter are light-duty timber mats than heavy-duty timber mats?

Timberlite light-duty timber mats are 30% lighter than heavy-duty timber mats. This reduces freight costs without compromising on safety or durability for your teams.

Can light-duty timber mats be used on all terrain?

Light-duty timber mats work across a broad range of conditions including semi-swampy areas. They are not recommended for steep, rocky or mountainous terrain.

When should you choose light-duty timber mats over CLT or 2-ply mats?

Choose light-duty timber mats when CLT or 2-ply options are not durable enough, but a heavy-duty timber mat is more than your project requires. Timberlite mats also provide a flexible surface that contours to the ground for a smoother, safer ride.