Established in 1964

Choosing the right crane mat requires more than selecting a common length or thickness. Equipment loads, ground conditions, required bearing area, mat construction, and handling requirements can all affect the dimensions needed for a project.

This guide explains common crane mat sizes, estimated hardwood weights, timber mat terminology, and factors to consider when determining mat dimensions. Riephoff Sawmill manufactures custom hardwood crane mats and timber mats in a wide range of sizes at our sawmill in Allentown, New Jersey.

Important: The information below is intended for preliminary planning only. Final crane mat dimensions, thickness, construction, and placement should be based on the equipment manufacturer’s requirements, lift plan, site conditions, and applicable engineering specifications.

How Do You Determine What Size Crane Mat You Need?

To determine the minimum bearing area needed for a crane mat, divide the maximum verified outrigger or track load by the allowable ground bearing pressure at the job site. Then select a mat size that provides at least that contact area while also meeting the crane manufacturer’s requirements, equipment footprint, lift plan, and any project engineering specifications.

Required Mat Area = Maximum Outrigger Load ÷ Allowable Ground Bearing Pressure

For example, if the maximum load is expressed in pounds and the allowable ground pressure is expressed in pounds per square foot (PSF), the result is the minimum required bearing area in square feet.

This calculation determines minimum ground-contact area only. It does not determine the structural capacity, timber thickness, internal construction, or hardware required for the mat itself.

Crane Mat Sizing: What Information Do You Need?

1. Determine the maximum outrigger or track load. Use verified equipment specifications, load charts, or lift-planning information rather than estimating the load.
2. Determine the allowable ground bearing pressure. Ground conditions vary significantly, so this value should come from reliable site, geotechnical, or engineering information.
3. Calculate the minimum required bearing area. Divide the maximum load by the allowable ground bearing pressure using consistent units.
4. Match the required area to a practical mat size. The mat must also accommodate the equipment footprint, tracks, outriggers, and job-site configuration.
5. Confirm the required thickness and construction. Bearing area alone does not determine the necessary timber thickness, structural capacity, bolts, or other construction details.

Crane Mat Size Calculator

For preliminary planning, OutriggerPlan offers a free Crane Mat Size Calculator that can be used to estimate minimum ground-contact area from a verified maximum outrigger reaction and allowable ground pressure.

The calculator can help with the bearing-area calculation, but it does not determine whether a particular timber mat has sufficient structural capacity or thickness for the application. Final mat selection should account for the lift plan, equipment specifications, site conditions, and qualified engineering guidance when required.

What Are Common Crane Mat Sizes?

Crane mat dimensions vary considerably by equipment and project. Riephoff Sawmill’s production history includes mats in 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch thicknesses; widths including 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches; and lengths ranging from short custom pieces to approximately 30 feet.

A 12-inch-thick × 48-inch-wide timber mat is one common configuration, but it should not be assumed to be appropriate for every crane or job site. We manufacture other thicknesses, widths, and lengths when required.

When requesting a quote, provide the required thickness × width × length, quantity, material requirements, and intended equipment application whenever those specifications are available.

Estimated Weights for Common 12″ × 48″ Crane Mats

The following figures are Riephoff Sawmill planning estimates for common 12-inch-thick by 48-inch-wide hardwood crane mats. They are intended to help with transportation and handling planning rather than provide certified finished weights.

Weights are planning estimates based on mat dimensions and typical material weights. Actual weight can vary substantially based on hardwood species, moisture content, individual timbers, hardware, and other material characteristics.

Why Does Crane Mat Weight Vary?

Two crane mats with the same nominal dimensions can have different finished weights. Important factors include:

• Hardwood species: Different hardwood species have different densities.
• Moisture content: Green hardwood generally weighs more than the same lumber after drying.
• Individual timbers: Natural wood density varies from piece to piece.
• Mat dimensions: Thickness, width, and length directly affect the amount of wood in the mat.
• Hardware: Through-bolts, rods, cables, and other hardware add weight.
• Construction details: Notches and other modifications can slightly change the finished weight.

For this reason, published crane mat weights should generally be treated as estimates unless an individual finished mat has been weighed.

Mixed Hardwood vs. Oak Crane Mat Weight

Oak is generally denser and heavier than many of the species that may be included in a mixed-hardwood mat. As a result, an all-oak mat of the same dimensions may weigh considerably more than a mixed-hardwood mat.

Most Riephoff Sawmill crane mat customers choose mixed hardwood. Mixed hardwood is generally easier to source and can provide a more economical option for many applications. Oak mats can also be manufactured when the project specification requires oak or when that material is preferred.

Learn more about mixed hardwood, oak, and green lumber used at Riephoff Sawmill.

Are Crane Mats and Timber Mats the Same?

The terms crane mat and timber mat are often used interchangeably for heavy hardwood mats assembled from large timbers and used to create temporary working or travel surfaces for heavy equipment.

In practice, terminology can vary by contractor, industry, and application. A customer may refer to the same general type of heavy timber product as a crane mat, timber mat, hardwood mat, equipment mat, or construction mat.

When ordering, dimensions and construction specifications are more important than terminology. Provide the required thickness, width, length, quantity, and application so the mat can be manufactured to the project requirements.

How Thick Should a Crane Mat Be?

There is no single thickness that is appropriate for every crane or project. Riephoff Sawmill has historically manufactured mats in 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch thicknesses, but the required thickness depends on the equipment loads, mat span and support conditions, construction, site conditions, and project specifications.

The bearing-area calculation described above should not be used by itself to select timber thickness. Follow the crane manufacturer’s requirements, lift plan, engineering specifications, and other project documentation when determining the appropriate mat construction.

Lifting Notches, End Cables & Crane Mat Handling

Because hardwood crane mats can weigh several thousand pounds, handling requirements should be considered when specifying a mat.

Riephoff Sawmill can manufacture mats with lifting notches or without notches. Depending on the project, we can also provide cables on the ends when that handling configuration is preferred.

When requesting a quote, let us know whether you require lifting notches, end cables, both, or neither.

Custom Crane Mat Sizes

Riephoff Sawmill is not limited to one predetermined crane mat size. Our production history includes many combinations of thickness, width, and length, including sizes outside the common 12″ × 48″ configuration shown in the weight chart above.

If your lift plan, equipment manufacturer, contractor, or engineer specifies a particular timber mat dimension, send us those requirements. We can review the size, quantity, material, construction, and current lumber availability.

Crane Mat Size & Weight FAQ

How do I know what size crane mat I need?

Start by determining the maximum verified outrigger or track load and the allowable ground bearing pressure at the job site. Dividing the load by the allowable ground pressure provides the minimum required bearing area. Final mat dimensions, thickness, and construction must also account for the equipment footprint, manufacturer requirements, lift plan, site conditions, and any engineering specifications.

What is a common crane mat size?

A 12-inch-thick by 48-inch-wide mat is one common configuration, with lengths varying by project. Riephoff Sawmill has also produced mats in other thicknesses and widths, so the required size should be based on the application rather than assumed from a standard dimension.

How much does a 12″ × 48″ × 20′ crane mat weigh?

Riephoff Sawmill estimates a 12″ × 48″ × 20′ mat at approximately 3,840 pounds in mixed hardwood or approximately 5,280 pounds in oak. Actual weight can vary based on species, moisture content, individual timbers, hardware, and construction.

How much does a 12″ × 48″ × 16′ crane mat weigh?

Our planning estimate for a 12″ × 48″ × 16′ crane mat is approximately 3,072 pounds in mixed hardwood or approximately 4,224 pounds in oak.

Are oak crane mats heavier than mixed-hardwood mats?

Generally, yes. Oak is denser than many hardwood species that may be included in a mixed-hardwood mat, so an oak mat of the same dimensions can weigh substantially more.

What does a crane mat size such as 12″ × 48″ × 20′ mean?

The dimensions describe the nominal thickness × width × length. A 12″ × 48″ × 20′ mat is approximately 12 inches thick, 48 inches wide, and 20 feet long.

Can Riephoff Sawmill make custom crane mat sizes?

Yes. Riephoff Sawmill manufactures custom hardwood crane mats in a range of thicknesses, widths, and lengths based on customer and project requirements.

Can crane mats be made with lifting notches or cables?

Yes. Depending on the project, mats can be manufactured with lifting notches, end cables, both, or neither.

Are these weight figures exact finished weights?

No. The weights shown in this guide are planning estimates. Natural differences in hardwood species, moisture, individual timbers, hardware, and finished construction can change the actual weight.

Need Custom Hardwood Crane Mats?

Riephoff Sawmill manufactures custom hardwood crane mats and timber mats in Allentown, New Jersey. When requesting pricing, provide the required thickness, width, length, quantity, material preference, lifting configuration, equipment application, and required date whenever possible.

Request a Crane Mat Quote or call (609) 259-7265.

All orders are pickup only at our Allentown, New Jersey sawmill.