Frequently Asked Questions

Matunion mats are made from virgin HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). HDPE is used for standard applications with static load ratings over 200 tons. UHMWPE is specified for extreme loads, tracked equipment, and abrasive/Arctic conditions. Both are 100% recyclable, waterproof, UV-stabilized, and resistant to chemicals and corrosion. See our Technical Guide for full ASTM/ISO test data.

HDPE mats are rated over 200 tons and UHMWPE mats over 600 tons static load. Capacity depends on mat thickness and ground conditions; contact us for a thickness recommendation. On soft, saturated, or unverified ground, the subgrade is usually the limiting factor. Use our load calculator for your specific equipment and ground conditions.

Standard: 1220×2440mm (4×8 ft), also 3×8ft, 3×6ft, 2×8ft, 2×6ft, 2×4ft and metric equivalents. Thickness: 10mm to 50mm. Custom sizes up to 6000×2000mm. Outrigger pads: 300×300mm to 2000×1000mm, square/round/rectangular. All custom. See Ground Mats and Outrigger Pads for full specs.

Molecular weight. HDPE: 100,000-500,000 AMU. UHMWPE: 3-9 million AMU — chains 90× longer. UHMWPE has 6-7× the wear resistance of steel, superior impact resistance (won't crack), and operates to -80°C. It costs 40-60% more. Use HDPE for general construction. Use UHMWPE for tracked equipment, Arctic conditions, mining, and chemical plants. See our material comparison.

Yes — straight-line travel on 12.7mm HDPE is fine. If tracked equipment needs to pivot or turn, upgrade to 20mm+ UHMWPE. The rotational shear of steel tracks gouges standard HDPE on the first turn. Rule: straight travel = HDPE; turning = UHMWPE. Lay rubber sheets over HDPE at turn points as a budget alternative.

10+ years with proper care. 1,000+ reuse cycles. HDPE mats retain 80-90% of their resale value after years of use. The limiting factors are UV exposure (cosmetic surface oxidation), edge damage at connector holes, and gouges from tracked equipment. See our maintenance guide for extending mat life.

Standard products: 30 pieces for 4×8 ft mats. Custom sizes/colors/logos: 50-100 pieces. Trial orders for new clients: 20-30 pieces (negotiable). Container-load orders (300+ mats) receive best pricing. MOQ is flexible — contact us with your requirements.

Bulk FOB pricing: approximately $50-80 per mat for standard 12.7mm HDPE, depending on quantity. UHMWPE mats: $80-130. Outrigger pads: $15-200 depending on size and thickness. Larger orders receive volume discounts. Shipping is additional — we provide FOB, CIF, and DDP quotes. Request a quote for your specific order.

Standard products: 15-20 days production. Custom orders: 20-30 days. Sea freight: 20-40 days depending on destination (Los Angeles ~15 days, Felixstowe UK ~45 days, Hamburg ~55 days, Sydney ~30 days). Total lead time from order to delivery: 5-10 weeks. In-stock items can ship within 7 days.

T/T (30% deposit, 70% before shipment or against B/L copy). L/C at sight. PayPal and Ali Trade Assurance for small orders. FOB, CIF, and DDP terms available. For first-time buyers, we recommend DDP on a small trial order to understand total landed costs.

Yes. Free 100×100mm samples — you pay freight only (typically $30-50 via express courier). Custom samples (specific size/color/logo): production cost + freight, 5-7 days. We refund sample freight on subsequent orders over 100 pieces.

20ft container: 300-320 mats (12.7mm). 40ft container: 550-580 mats. Covers approximately 900 m² and 1,650 m² respectively. Heavier/thicker mats reduce the count. We optimize loading for your order.

4 steps: (1) Clear and grade the route. (2) Lay mats in traffic direction with 50-100mm edge overlap. (3) Install connector pins at every joint. (4) Anchor uphill edges on slopes. Two workers, 30-60 seconds per mat. Full guide: Installation Guide.

Yes. Standard HDPE mats can stay on grass for up to 7 days without killing it. For longer coverage, translucent HDPE options allow sunlight through. Ventilated designs with raised substructures keep grass alive for extended periods. See our events page for stadium applications.

Technically no — on flat ground with light traffic, mats can sit unconnected. In practice, always use connectors. A truck braking or turning will shift unconnected mats. Pins take 10 seconds per joint. The alternative is stopping work to reposition separated mats. Use 2-way connectors for straight roads, 4-way for intersections.

Under 3 months: rent. 3-12 months: either. Over 12 months or multi-project: buy. The math: 50 HDPE mats at ~$70 = $3,500. Renting the same 50 for 6 months at $25/week = $6,000. After 13 weeks, you've paid for the purchase. See our buying guide.

Pressure wash (1,500-2,000 PSI) after each project. Dry completely before stacking. Stack flat, maximum 25 mats per stack. Use dunnage between every 5 mats. Store upside down. Full guide: Maintenance & Care.

OSHA 1926.1402 requires cranes to operate on firm, drained, graded ground. When ground conditions don't meet this naturally, supporting materials (mats, pads, cribbing) must be used. Outrigger pads are the industry-standard method of compliance. See our Safety & Compliance page for full regulatory details across US, UK, and EU.

Warranty terms are available on request. Contact us for the current warranty statement for your product and application.

SGS material testing (tensile, impact, UV aging 400h). RoHS and EN71.3 (hazardous substance compliance). ISPM-15 (international shipping, no fumigation). Certificates available for download on our About page.

Yes. Both HDPE and UHMWPE are 100% recyclable. We offer a buyback program — return end-of-life mats for 10-15% credit toward new orders. Mats are ground into regrind and blended with virgin resin for new production. See Maintenance & Care for recycling details.