No matter what the outdoor event is that you’re hosting, a festival, a wedding or a corporate gathering, having secure and stable ground protection is a priority. Uneven and muddy surfaces become tripping hazards, slow down vehicles and can even cause long term damage to the venue itself. This is where our temporary outdoor flooring solution, timbermats, steps in to make sure your event runs smoothly from setup to teardown. Bog mats stand out as the best flooring for outdoor events compared to other events and are also a top choice for sustainability. 

Why Do Outdoor Events Need Temporary Flooring?

Outdoor venues are often grassy, uneven or susceptible to changing weather conditions. Rain can quickly turn a picturesque field into a muddy mess, making it unsafe for those attending and damaging the integrity of the site. Here’s why having heavy duty event flooring is crucial:

  • Protects the Ground: By distributing weight evenly, bog mats and similar flooring solutions minimise damage to the grass or soil underneath.

  • Enhances Safety: Slips and trips become far less likely when attendees walk on a stable surface rather than on wet or uneven ground.

  • Supports Equipment and Vehicles: Festivals, weddings, and large-scale gatherings often require vehicles for staging and logistics. Temporary flooring prevents vehicles from sinking into soft ground.

  • Upholds Site Reputation: Venues that remain intact and undamaged are more likely to host future events and attract repeat bookings.

Comparing Temporary Outdoor Flooring Options

So whether you’re organising an outdoor wedding, planning a summer festival, or hosting a corporate event, it’s best to know your choices. Let’s compare some common festival ground protection mats and other popular flooring types.

  1. Bog Mats

    • Pros: Exceptional durability, supports heavy vehicles, environmentally friendly when ethically sourced.
    • Cons: Requires correct installation to maximise benefits.

  2. Plastic Flooring

    • Pros: Lightweight, relatively quick to deploy.
    • Cons: Less durable under heavy foot traffic or vehicle loads; can be prone to cracking in extreme conditions.

  3. Carpet & Turf Coverings

    • Pros: Visually appealing for themed events.
    • Cons: Not heavy-duty; difficult to clean if conditions turn muddy.

  4. Rubber Mats

    • Pros: Slip-resistant and good for smaller walkways or entrances.
    • Cons: Often unsuitable for covering large event areas or supporting heavy equipment.

Why Are Bog Mats the Best Choice?

At Timbermat, we’ve found that bog mats, sourced from ethically managed forests, offer the ideal balance of sustainability, performance and ease of use. Over the years they have been increasingly seen as the best flooring for outdoor events thanks to their:

  • Durability & Reliability: Bog mats are built to handle heavy-duty event flooring needs, from foot traffic to vehicles hauling equipment. This resilience translates to fewer replacements and less maintenance.

  • Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Because they’re made from timber, bog mats are an eco-friendly event flooring choice. Ethically sourced mats can be reused many times, cutting down on waste and promoting greener event practices.

  • Weatherproof Performance: Rain-soaked fields, soft grounds, and unpredictable weather pose no problem when you have festival ground protection mats that are designed to stay stable underfoot.

  • Fast Installation & Removal: Contractors can quickly lay out temporary walkway mats for events, even over large expanses. After the event, removal is just as efficient, helping you return the site to its original state.

  • Versatility for Different Events: From wedding flooring for outdoor venues to robust ground protection for music festivals, bog mats adapt to varying scales and themes.

 

Renting vs. Buying Temporary Flooring

One big question for event planners is whether to rent or buy sustainable temporary flooring. Consider these factors:

Aspect Renting Buying
Cost Lower upfront expense, ideal for one-off or occasional events. Higher initial investment but can be cost-effective for frequent use.
Maintenance Maintenance often handled by the rental provider. Requires in-house storage, inspection, and repairs over time.
Flexibility Easier to scale up or down based on event size. Ownership means you always have flooring on hand, but scaling can be pricier.
Sustainability Reusable mats keep waste minimal; provider handles disposal. Enables long-term sustainability planning if used regularly.

 

How to Choose:

  • Event Frequency & Scale: If you regularly host events throughout the year, purchasing might be more cost-effective.
  • Budget Constraints: Renting is a practical option if you’re working with a tight or unpredictable budget.
  • Storage & Logistics: Owning mats requires space and resources for maintenance and transportation.

Going Green with Bog Mats

If being environmentally friendly and sustainable are must haves for your event then bog mats let you tick that box nicely. Made from timber, they’re an eco friendly event flooring option, especially when sourced from ethically managed forests. Plus, instead of throwing them after use, use them multiple times and cut down waste.

Protect The Ground at Your Next Event

Ready to protect your ground and deliver an unforgettable event experience? Contact Timbermat today to learn more about our outdoor event flooring hire or purchase solutions. Let us help you host smoother, safer, and more sustainable events.