How to Choose a Blasting Mat: What to Consider Before Buying

Blasting mats are available in different constructions, thicknesses, weights, dimensions and handling configurations. Those differences matter when determining which mat makes sense for a particular operation.

Rather than choosing a blasting mat based on dimensions alone, buyers should consider how the mat is constructed, how much it weighs, how it will be handled and transported, and what configuration is appropriate for their requirements.

Here are some of the key factors to consider before requesting a quote or ordering blasting mats.

Start With Blasting Mat Construction

Rubber blasting mats are commonly manufactured using recycled tire material reinforced with steel cable.

Ideal Blasting offers rubber mats in both tread-style and sidewall-style construction, and the difference goes beyond appearance.

For example, Ideal Blasting's 10' × 12' sidewall-style mat has an overall thickness of approximately 4 inches and weighs approximately 20 pounds per square foot. The 10' × 12' tread-style version is approximately 10 inches thick and weighs approximately 50 pounds per square foot.

That is a substantial difference in the physical characteristics of two mats with the same 10' × 12' dimensions.

Tread-Style vs. Sidewall-Style Blasting Mats

Sidewall-Style Mats

Ideal Blasting's sidewall-style rubber mats use tire sidewall material and are the lighter of these two designs.

The 10' × 12' sidewall mat is:

• Approximately 4" thick

• Approximately 20 lb. per square foot

• Constructed with 5/8" new steel-core cables

• Built with cables spaced approximately 12" apart

• Double clamped for handling

• Available with lifting rings upon request

• Made in the USA from 100% recycled rubber

The design also allows gases to escape through the mat rather than creating a completely solid covering.

Tread-Style Mats

Tread-style mats provide a considerably heavier construction.

Ideal Blasting's 10' × 12' tread-style mat is:

• Approximately 10" thick

• Approximately 50 lb. per square foot

• Constructed with 5/8" new steel-core cables

• Built with cables spaced approximately 12" apart

• Equipped with drop-forged cable clamps

• Double clamped for handling

• Available with lifting rings upon request

• Made in the USA from 100% recycled rubber

The heavier construction means handling and transportation requirements should be considered before ordering.

Size Is Only Part of the Decision

It can be tempting to start with a dimension—such as 10' × 12'—and treat that as the primary specification.

But two mats with identical dimensions can have dramatically different weights and physical characteristics.

Consider:

• Required dimensions

• Mat construction

• Thickness

• Approximate weight

• Available equipment for handling the mats

• Transportation requirements

• Storage space

• Lifting-ring requirements

The appropriate configuration should ultimately be determined by qualified personnel based on the specific application and applicable requirements.

Think About Handling Before You Order

Blasting mats are heavy industrial products.

For perspective, a 10' × 12' mat covers 120 square feet. Using the approximate weights published for Ideal Blasting's two styles, the difference between a 20 lb./sq. ft. sidewall mat and a 50 lb./sq. ft. tread mat becomes significant.

That affects much more than the mat itself.

Buyers should consider how the mats will be:

• Loaded and unloaded

• Moved around the jobsite

• Positioned

• Transported between projects

• Stored when not in use

Suitable mechanical handling equipment may be required depending on the mat configuration.

Consider Lifting-Ring Placement

Lifting rings are another specification worth addressing when ordering.

Ideal Blasting's custom rubber blasting mats can be configured with several lifting-ring arrangements, including rings positioned on the long sides, short sides, all four sides or at the corners.

The right arrangement depends on the customer's handling requirements and equipment.

This is worth determining before the mats are manufactured, rather than treating lifting points as an afterthought.

Standard Size or Custom Blasting Mat?

Not every operation needs the same dimensions.

Ideal Blasting offers specific mat configurations as well as custom rubber blasting mats. For a custom quote, customers can specify the required:

• Mat dimensions

• Tread or sidewall construction

• Quantity

• Number and location of lifting rings

• Shipping destination

This makes it possible to quote the mat itself and the freight requirements based on the actual configuration rather than forcing every application into one standard size.

Don't Forget Transportation and Freight

Freight is particularly important with blasting mats because their size and weight can make transportation a meaningful part of the purchase.

A buyer comparing mats should therefore look beyond the unit price.

Before requesting a quote, it helps to have the following information available:

1. Desired mat size

2. Tread or sidewall construction

3. Quantity

4. Required lifting-ring configuration

5. Delivery ZIP code

Those are also the primary pieces of information Ideal Blasting requests when preparing a custom blasting-mat quote.

Other Blasting Mat Options

Ideal Blasting also offers Monster Rubber Blasting Mats in multiple dimensions.

The currently listed sizes range from 10' × 13' through 10' × 32', with the 10' × 13' version listed as the stocked size. These mats use reinforced double-wire construction and steel cable loops at both ends for handling.

This provides another option for buyers whose requirements differ from the heavier tread- and sidewall-style configurations.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Blasting Mats

Before requesting a quote, consider these questions:

What size blasting mat do I need?

Dimensions should be determined based on the requirements of the particular operation rather than selecting a mat simply because it is a commonly stocked size.

Do I want tread-style or sidewall-style construction?

These designs have significant differences in thickness and weight. Compare the actual specifications and consider handling requirements as part of the decision.

How will the mats be handled?

Consider the equipment available for unloading, moving, positioning and storing the mats.

Where should the lifting rings be located?

If ordering custom mats, determine the lifting-ring arrangement that works with your handling equipment before the mats are manufactured.

How will the mats be delivered?

Provide the delivery ZIP code when requesting a quote so freight can be evaluated for the actual mat size, weight and quantity.

Find the Right Blasting Mat for Your Operation

There isn't one blasting mat configuration that is right for every operation.

Construction, dimensions, thickness, weight, lifting configuration, handling equipment and transportation requirements all deserve consideration before purchasing.

Ideal Blasting Supply offers sidewall-style, tread-style, Monster and custom rubber blasting mats, including configurations with optional lifting rings.

If you need help identifying available options, contact Ideal Blasting with your desired size, mat style, quantity, lifting-ring requirements and delivery ZIP code for a quote.