Eucalyptus mats save money – was revised on January 15, 2026
Summary
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Eucalyptus timber mats are up to 200-300% bending stronger than mixed hardwood, so you can often use thinner, lighter mats that cost less upfront and last 5-7 years.
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Strength-adjusted Eucalyptus mats save you money on each mat purchased vs. mixed hardwoods. For example, a 5 inch Eucalyptus mat will be less expensive than an 8″ mixed hardwood mat but have the same strength characteristics. You’ll also get a large increase in freight savings. 30 mats/truck new vs. 18 mats/truck for 8″ mixed hardwood.
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For some heavy lift applications, one 12″ Eucalyptus mat replaces two mixed hardwood mats, cutting costs by up to 50% while improving safety and performance.
Eucalyptus mats save you money because they combine superior strength with lighter weight and longer lifespan. When contractors match mat thickness to actual project requirements, the savings add up fast. Additionally, stronger mats mean fewer breakages, less downtime, and safer jobsites.
Eucalyptus mats save money in three ways:
- longer lifespan (5-7 years) means fewer replacements,
- superior strength allows use of thinner mats, and
- lighter weight cuts freight costs.
Mixed hardwood mats force contractors to overspend. They are weaker, heavier, and less consistent. Therefore, contractors often buy thicker mats than they need or accept higher replacement rates. That approach drives up costs and creates unnecessary risk.
Why Eucalyptus Mats Save More: Total Cost of Ownership Is Lower
Eucalyptus timber mats total cost of ownership beats mixed hardwood in three key areas. First, Eucalyptus is up to 200-300% bending strength stronger than common mixed hardwood. As a result, a 5″ Eucalyptus mat delivers the same bending strength as an 8″ mixed hardwood mat. Contractors save money by buying less material while getting equal or better performance.
Second, Eucalyptus mats weigh about 20% less than comparable thickness hardwood. Lighter mats mean contractors can load roughly 20% more mats per truck. More mats per truck translates directly into lower freight costs, fewer truck moves, and reduced fuel expense. Consequently, Eucalyptus timber mats total cost of ownership improves through logistics savings alone.
Third, Eucalyptus mats last 5-7 years in typical utility and construction use with minimal attrition. Mixed hardwood mats often fail far sooner. Fewer replacements mean lower long-term costs and less disruption to ongoing projects.
Strength-Adjusted Eucalyptus Mats Save $50-$200 Per Mat
When contractors use strength-adjusted Eucalyptus mats, they can often substitute thinner Eucalyptus for thicker mixed hardwood. For example, a 5″ Eucalyptus mat has the same bending strength and is significantly harder than an 8″ mixed hardwood mat. That substitution saves money upfront and over the life of the mat.
In some cases, one 12″ Eucalyptus mat can replace two mixed hardwood mats. That substitution cuts costs by up to 50% while reducing the number of mats contractors need to move, store, and manage. Therefore, Eucalyptus timber mats total cost of ownership improves dramatically when contractors spec mats based on actual strength requirements rather than conventional assumptions.
Savings typically range from $50 to $200 per mat depending on size, application, and freight distance. Those savings compound across large projects and multi-year fleet ownership.
How to Match Eucalyptus Mat Thickness to Your Project
Matching mat thickness to project requirements is straightforward. First, estimate the strength you really need. In most cases, bending strength (Fb) is the most important factor, followed by shear strength (Fv). Eucalyptus is 200-300% stronger in bending and 32% stronger in shear than oak or mixed hardwoods.
Second, consider your application and load conditions. For example:
Transmission Work
Rubber-tired vehicles generally demand less of a mat. Depending on terrain and job specifications, contractors may use a 4″ or 5″ Eucalyptus timber mat to replace a thicker mixed hardwood mat. Alternatively, one 4″ Eucalyptus mats can replace traditional laminated mats at lower cost. The Total Cost of Ownership savings are staggering. Ask for a no-obligation TCO analysis.
Pipeline Work
A 6.75″ Eucalyptus mat has higher bending strength than mixed hardwood options. For grouser work and smaller pipe this can be a good fit. A thinner mat also reduces transport costs and lasts much longer in the field. The result is very compelling Eucalyptus timber mats total cost of ownership.
Heavy Civil
Depending on loads and terrain, anything from a 4″ to 6″ Eucalyptus mat could work. If heavy lift is involved, consider a 10″ Eucalyptus mat for maximum capacity.
Real-World Savings: One Eucalyptus Mat Replaces Two Mixed Hardwood Mats
For some 12″ applications, one Eucalyptus mat can replace two mixed hardwood mats. That substitution cuts costs by 50% or more. Additionally, contractors handle fewer mats, which reduces labor, equipment wear, and logistics complexity.
Field data supports these claims. Large utility and EPC contractors report essentially zero attrition on Eucalyptus fleets over multi-year periods. In contrast, mixed hardwood fleets often require continuous replacement due to breakage, rot, and inconsistent quality. Therefore, Eucalyptus timber mats total cost of ownership improves year after year as the fleet remains in service.
Lower Freight Costs Drive Additional Savings
Eucalyptus mats save money on freight costs. That’s because they weigh roughly 20% less than same thickness mixed hardwood. Contractors can load more mats per truck. For example, a truck that carries 18 mixed hardwood mats can carry roughly 19-23 Eucalyptus mats.
That 20% increase in load capacity reduces the number of truck trips required to mobilize a fleet. Fewer trips mean lower freight cost, less fuel consumption, and reduced carbon emissions per mat delivered. Consequently, Eucalyptus mats save money while also reducing environmental impact.
Why Mixed Hardwood Mats Cost More Over Time
Mixed hardwood mats are weaker, heavier, and less durable than Eucalyptus. Those disadvantages drive up costs in several ways. First, contractors often buy thicker mats than necessary to compensate for weaker material. That adds upfront cost and increases freight expense.
Second, mixed hardwood mats break more often. Frequent breakages create safety risks, equipment damage, and project delays. Replacements add cost and logistical headaches.
Third, mixed hardwood mats weigh more per mat. Heavier mats mean fewer mats per truck, which increases freight costs across every mobilization and demobilization.
For more information on the benefits of Eucalyptus timber mats for ground protection, visit our learning center.
Ready to see how Eucalyptus mats save money on your next project? Request a quote or contact World Forest Group to discuss strength-adjusted Eucalyptus timber mats for your next project. Ask for a no-obligation TCO analysis to see exactly how much you can save