In Canada’s construction and energy sectors, reliable ground support is everything. From oilfields in Albert, forestry projects in British Columbia and remote projects along the Alaska Highway, contractors depend on rig mats and access mats to keep operations safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant. Between rig mats and access matting, it can be difficult to decide which system is best for your project. At Great Northern Bridgeworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the right matting solution can make or break a project. This guide explains the differences, benefits, and use cases of these essential systems so you can make the right choice for your site.
Rig Mats: The Foundation of Oilfield and Industrial Projects
When heavy equipment meets soft or unstable ground, rig mats provide the solid foundation needed to keep projects moving forward. Built with steel frames and durable timber or composite cores, rig mats are designed to handle extreme loads while distributing weight evenly, rig mats are built to perform where traditional ground support simply isn’t enough. Their steel-reinforced frames and durable timber or composite surfaces make them one of the most reliable solutions in Canada for heavy industrial work.
Key advantages of rig mats:
Heavy-duty load support: Rig mats are designed for large-scale equipment such as drilling rigs, cranes, and haul trucks, ensuring safe operations even in high-pressure environments.
Reliable access: Rig mats provide easy access to remote or difficult environments, including muskeg, wetlands, thawing permafrost, and forested regions where stable ground is hard to find.
Reduced environmental impact: Rig mats help to protect oil, waterways, and vegetation beneath, which is essential for compliance with Canadian environmental regulations.
Long-lasting performance: Rig mats can be reused across multiple job sites, making them a cost-effective investment compared to constant ground remediation.
For oil and gas operations, mining projects, bridge construction, and large-scale industrial work, rig mats remain a critical tool for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Whether used as oil rig mats, crane mats, or part of a larger mat system, they provide the foundation contractors need to keep projects on track.
Access Mats vs Rig Mats: Understanding the Key Differences
Although often grouped together, access mats and rig mats serve very different functions. Understanding these differences helps contractors avoid unnecessary costs, choose the right Canadian mat systems, and keep projects running smoothly.
Access Mats (Access Matting)
- Lightweight and easier to transport than rig mats, which makes them ideal for quick deployment.
- Commonly used to create temporary roads, pedestrian pathways, or work pads that allow vehicles and crews to move across soft or unstable terrain.
- Suitable for lighter equipment such as pickup trucks, service vehicles, or smaller machinery.
- Often rented for short-term projects where mobility and speed are the priority.
Rig Mats
- Built for heavy-duty machinery and demanding oilfield operations, including drilling rigs, cranes, and haul trucks.
- Reinforced with steel or composite materials to handle extreme weight and repeated use in rugged conditions.
- Essential in industries like oil and gas, mining, and bridge construction where equipment loads are too heavy for standard access matting.
In simple terms, access mats keep crews and vehicles moving safely across the job site, while rig mats provide the stability required for heavy machinery, oil rig mats, and crane mats. Choosing the right solution; whether wood mats, rig mats, or large-scale access matting, ensures projects stay efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible.
The distinction also impacts costs and timelines. For lighter-duty construction or municipal projects, access matting can often provide a quick and affordable option. On the other hand, heavy industries like oil and gas, mining, or bridge construction depend on the load-bearing capacity of rig mats to keep massive equipment secure. By selecting the right matting from the start, contractors can avoid delays, reduce environmental disturbance, and extend the lifespan of their worksite infrastructure.
Ultimately, the choice between rig mats and access mats comes down to the specific demands of your project. Working with an experienced supplier that offers rig mat rentals in Canada ensures that every project is supported with the right foundation from day one.
Rig Mat Rentals in Canada: Flexible and Cost-Effective Solutions
Purchasing rig mats outright is not always practical, especially for contractors handling short-term or seasonal projects. Rig mat rentals in Canada provide a cost-effective way to access the right equipment without long-term commitments.
Benefits of renting rig mats:
- Flexibility to scale matting supply up or down depending on project scope.
- Access to high-quality mats without the burden of ownership or maintenance.
- Savings on transportation by sourcing mats from regional suppliers.
- Assurance that all mats meet safety and compliance requirements.
Great Northern Bridgeworks offers rig mat rentals across British Columbia and Western Canada, delivering well-maintained and dependable mats for both remote and urban sites. Whether you need a small batch or large-scale deployment, our team provides solutions tailored to your project timeline.
Why Choose Great Northern Bridgeworks for Matting Solutions
With decades of experience in Western Canada, Great Northern Bridgeworks understands the challenges of operating in remote, rugged, and sensitive environments. Our team offers more than just rentals, we bring expertise, planning, and seamless execution to every project.
- One of the largest fleets of bridge rentals and rig mat rentals in Canada, ensuring availability when and where you need it
- Specialized knowledge across industries including oilfield operations, forestry access, mining developments, and civil construction projects
- A proven commitment to safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship, ensuring our rig mats, access mats, and Canadian mat systems meet strict industry standards
- Flexible rental programs, delivery, and on-site installation services designed to support projects of any size or duration
Whether you need rig mats for rent on a short-term oilfield job, or access matting to protect sensitive terrain, Great Northern Bridgeworks delivers dependable mat systems backed by decades of hands-on experience. We don’t just supply equipment, we provide the solutions that keep your crews safe, your projects efficient, and your operations environmentally responsible.
Conclusion
Selecting the right matting system is critical to the success of Canada’s largest construction and energy projects. Each type offers unique benefits, from supporting heavy drilling rigs to providing safe temporary roadways.
By working with an experienced partner like Great Northern Bridgeworks, you gain access to dependable equipment, expert installation, and tailored rental solutions that keep your project safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible. If your next project requires rig mats or other Canadian mat systems, contact Great Northern Bridgeworks today to learn more about our rental and installation services.