Choosing the Best Mat Thickness: .375" vs. .5" vs. 4"

When it comes to choosing the right ground protection mat, size and material matter—but so does thickness. At Blue Gator Pro, we offer ground mats in three key thicknesses: .375" (Lite), .5" (O.G.), and 4" (Heavy Duty). Each is engineered to meet specific job site requirements, equipment types, and load capacities.

In this guide, we’ll break down what each thickness level means, how it performs, and which is right for your ground protection needs.

1. Why Thickness Matters in Ground Mats

Mat thickness directly affects:

• Load-bearing capacity

• Mat flexibility and weight

• Durability over time

• Ease of transport and installation

Choosing the right thickness means balancing project demands, terrain type, and equipment weight for both performance and ROI.

2. .375" Thick Ground Mats – Lightweight & Versatile

Model: Blue Gator Lite
Thickness: .375" mat + .375" cleat
Weight: 61 lbs
Coverage: 4' x 8' = 32 sq ft
Load Capacity: Up to 50 tons

Best Use Cases:

• Landscaping and residential jobs

• Temporary walkways and turf protection

• Lightweight equipment (e.g., skid steers, mowers)

• Utility work or cable installation

Advantages:

• Easy to carry and deploy by hand

• Great for crews without lifting equipment

• Affordable and stackable for transport

Considerations:

• Not ideal for repeated heavy equipment use

• More flexible under load

👉 Choose .375" if you need portability and reliable performance on light to moderate-duty jobs.

3. .5" Thick Ground Mats – Balanced Strength and Mobility

Model: Blue Gator O.G.
Thickness: .5" mat + .375" cleat
Weight: 81 lbs
Coverage: 4' x 8' = 32 sq ft
Load Capacity: Up to 90 tons

Best Use Cases:

• General construction sites

• Moderate vehicle and equipment traffic

• Temporary access roads

• Support for small to medium tracked machines

Advantages:

• Offers more support and stability than Lite

• Still manageable by 2-person teams

• Ideal for repeat use across multiple jobs

Considerations:

• May require lifting assistance for frequent deployments

• Higher cost than Lite, but longer lifespan

👉 Choose .5" if you need a reliable, heavy-use mat that doesn’t require forklifts to install.

4. 4" Thick Ground Mats – Industrial Grade for Extreme Loads

Model: Blue Gator Heavy Duty
Thickness: 4" total (3.7" core + .3" overlap)
Weight: 793 lbs
Coverage: 13.1' x 6.5' = 73.75 sq ft
Load Capacity: Up to 730 tons

Best Use Cases:

• Oil and gas sites

• Crane operations and tracked dozers

• Industrial yards and staging zones

• Military, mining, or infrastructure applications

Advantages:

• Maximum load capacity on soft or uneven ground

• Uses Fast Four3™ connector system for added stability

• Designed to handle tracked equipment, extreme weights, and long-term site deployment

Considerations:

• Requires machinery (e.g., forklift or crane) to move and install

• Higher upfront investment, but unmatched ROI for high-demand operations

👉 Choose 4" if you’re operating heavy tracked machinery and need long-term, high-load surface reinforcement.

5. Quick Comparison Table

FAQs

Can I mix different mat thicknesses on one job site?
It’s possible, but it’s best to use consistent thickness in any given zone to avoid surface unevenness or misalignment.

Do thicker mats always last longer?
Yes, especially in high-load, high-traffic situations. Thicker mats are more durable and resist warping and fatigue better over time.

Are all thicknesses made of the same material?
Yes, all Blue Gator mats are made from high-performance HDPE, with added features like cleated or diamond traction and UV resistance.

What thickness is best for tracked machinery?
The 4" Heavy Duty mat is specifically engineered to handle extreme tracked loads and rough terrains.

Which thickness offers the best ROI?
It depends on your use. .5" offers great value for frequent, multi-site use, while 4" provides unmatched ROI on long-term or high-weight operations.

Conclusion: Match the Thickness to the Task

Choosing between .375", .5", and 4" thickness comes down to your equipment weight, project environment, and frequency of use. At Blue Gator Pro, we offer each option so you can get the exact solution your job requires—without overspending or compromising safety.

• Go Lite (.375") for light-duty, flexible setups

• Choose O.G. (.5") for daily site work with moderate weight

• Select Heavy Duty (4") for the most demanding industrial operations

No matter the thickness, every Blue Gator mat is engineered for durability, safety, and long-term performance.

Contact Us

Not sure which thickness is right for your next project?
📞 Call 628-800-6287
📩 Contact Blue Gator Pro for expert recommendations and volume pricing.