We specialize in the manufacture of laminated, three-ply, bolted hardwood, mats. We manufacture both squared and fingered and pocketed mats. Our mats are manufactured from rough cut, full dimension, nominal size 2' x 8' hardwood lumber consisting of minimum 90% Oak with up to 10% class 5 dense hardwoods with a specific gravity equivalent to or in excess of Oak. We utilize 3/8" by 6" steel carriage bolts for fasteners using field tested proven bolt patterns which are designed to help prevent diamonding during application and handling. Bolts are torqued, recessed and countersunk in order to facilitate sliding during field installation. Bolts are rounded on top of mats to prevent exposure to any sharp edges. Standard mats are made with three 12" fingers and three corresponding 12" pockets to hold mats in place. All lumber is precision end trimmed on our K-20 Newman and end waxed and sealed prior to manufacture in our steel framed assembly stations. This type of mat is best suited for "hands-on" manufacturing for better placement of bolt patterns which must be adapted to variance in individual board sizes. We are currently making the following "stocking" sizes and types of three-ply mats:

Our "Standard" mat: (the most widely used industry mat)

Sizes: Available in 6" x 8' x 8', 12', 14', 16' ( most common size is 6" x 8' x 14') Species: 90% minimum Oak. Maximum 10% Class 5 hardwoods (i.e.: Hickory, Beech, Gum) specific gravity of Oak or better. Bolts: 3/8" x 6" Steel carriage bolts. Standard 148 pc bolt pattern for 14" mats. Custom bolt patterns also available. Board: Eleven top boards; eighteen center boards; eleven bottom boards. Composition: Available in either squared or fingered and pocketed. Trans: Available for truck or rail delivery.

Our "Premium" mat:

Sizes: Available in 6" x 8' x 14'. Species: 90% minimum Oak, maximum 10% class 5. Bolts: 3/8" x 6" steel carriage bolts. Composition: 160 pc bolt pattern; eleven top boards; 20 center boards (basically a solid center); eleven bottom boards. Available in either squared or fingered and pocketed. Trans: Available for truck or rail delivery.

Our new "Hybrid" mat:

Sizes: 5" prox x 8' W x 14' with three 12" fingers and corresponding three 12" pockets. Composition: Composite of KD or S-Dry Douglas Fir and AD Red Oak and White Oak fastened with 6" steel carriage bolts and self sealing flange nuts. Construction: Top boards consist of 9 @ 2x8x14 Dry Dimension Douglas Fir inside boards and 2 @ 2x8x14 full sawn air-dried Oak leading edge boards. The Bottom of the mat construction is the same as the top. The center consists of 20 @ 2x8x8 full sawn AD Oak which creates an essentially "solid Oak core". Weight: This mat will weigh on average about 1650 pounds per mat at the time of manufacturing and initial installation.

Special Notes on our Hybrid mat: This mat is constructed from a combination of Air-Dried Hardwoods and either Kiln Dried or S-Dry Douglas Fir. We decided to go with KD and PAD lumber because of the proven stability and strength properties inherent throughout the lumber industries in Dry lumber. Most of the destruction and instability in lumber occurs during the removal of "free water" which occurs during the air drying process. Free water is the moisture existing between the cells of lumber. We sticker the 8' Oak upon arrival from our sawmills and air-dry it before it is used in the construction of our mats. The Doug Fir is already dried upon assembly. This does a number of very good things for our hybrid mat. These mats will not shrink in the field like mats made from green lumber; thus the bolts are less likely to loosen and pop-up which is a major problem on sites and in mobilization regarding diamonding and the de-stabilization of used mats. Virtually all of the mechanical strength properties, i.e. (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, horizontal sheer, tension parallel to grain, fiber bending strength, etc.) which have to do with the strength of mats are increased with the use of seasoned and dried lumber.

Crane Mats:

Sizes: Standard size is 8" x 4' x 18' (other sizes available for special order). Species: timbers are 100% Oak. Fastening: 1" x 4' through bolts with offset exposed bolt for pick-up and handling. Trans: Available for truck or rail delivery.

Advantages of using NorWest bolted mats:

• Exclusive "Field tested and proven" bolt patterns.

• Lumber is P.E.T. and end coated & waxed to cut down on water absorption and end splits.

• Lumber is air-dried , prior to assembly, to help prevent pop-ups and loosening of bolts due to lumber shrinkage.

• Cross-laminated design creates unusual strength which ordinarily could only be achieved by much larger mats.

• Mats are stronger relative to weight than any other wood mats: they are much more mobile than larger, steel framed mats, and far superior to softwood mats in strength and durability.

• Mats are re-useable and easily repaired. Damaged boards can be easily replaced and simply re-bolted.

• Under ordinary use, our mats will last for years.

Typical Uses:

• Access roads and drilling pads in areas of unstable soils, tundra, muskeg, muddy or swampy areas.

• Camp sites or storage sites for remote storage or mobilization for equipment.

• Roads and turnarounds in environmentally sensitive areas.

• Logging projects for log pads and roads.

• Pipeline construction and storage.

• Winter camps and storage pads.

3-Ply Hardwood Bolted Mat   Double-click any picture to enlarge
Rounded carriage bolts help to assure no flat tires	We counter-sink nuts and bolts on mat bottom
NEW! Hybrid Doug Fir/Oak Mat	Solid Oak center - Leading Edge Oak Top & Bottom