Hardwood Mats
Riephoff Sawmill manufactures hardwood crane mats and heavy timber mats in Allentown, New Jersey, for construction, crane operations, industrial projects, heavy equipment access, and other demanding applications. We produce standard and custom dimensions in mixed hardwood and oak, with all orders available for pickup at our sawmill.
Most of our crane mats are produced from mixed hardwood, which is often the most practical option for heavy-use applications. Oak is also available when required, but it can be more expensive and more difficult to source.
Request a crane mat quote or call (609) 259-7265 to discuss quantities, dimensions, material, lifting requirements, and required date.
What Is a Crane Mat?
A crane mat is a heavy-duty timber platform used beneath cranes, construction equipment, and other heavy machinery to provide a more stable working surface and help distribute equipment loads over the ground.
Timber crane mats are commonly used where equipment must operate on soft, uneven, temporary, or sensitive surfaces. Depending on the job, mats may also be used for equipment access, temporary work platforms, crossings, staging areas, and other industrial applications.
Common Uses for Crane Mats
- Crane setup and heavy-equipment support
- Temporary equipment access roads
- Construction and industrial work platforms
- Utility and infrastructure projects
- Equipment staging areas
- Temporary crossings and access over difficult ground
- Support for outriggers and heavy machinery
- Emergency, recovery, and time-sensitive industrial projects
Crane Mat Sizes and Dimensions
Riephoff Sawmill produces crane mats in a wide range of thicknesses, widths, and lengths. 12-inch-thick by 48-inch-wide mats are among our most commonly requested configurations, but we regularly produce other dimensions when a project requires them.
Our 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 30-foot mats.
Because crane mat requirements vary significantly by project, we recommend providing the required thickness, width, length, quantity, and equipment application when requesting a quote.
Estimated Weights for Common 12″ × 48″ Crane Mats
| Crane Mat Size | Estimated Mixed-Hardwood Weight | Estimated Oak Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ × 48″ × 8′ | 1,536 lb | 2,112 lb |
| 12″ × 48″ × 10′ | 1,920 lb | 2,640 lb |
| 12″ × 48″ × 12′ | 2,304 lb | 3,168 lb |
| 12″ × 48″ × 16′ | 3,072 lb | 4,224 lb |
| 12″ × 48″ × 20′ | 3,840 lb | 5,280 lb |
| 12″ × 48″ × 24′ | 4,608 lb | 6,336 lb |
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.
Need more detailed sizing and weight information? See our Crane Mat Size & Weight Guide for additional dimensions, estimated weights, and information about determining required bearing area.
Mixed Hardwood vs. Oak Crane Mats
Most Riephoff Sawmill crane mat customers choose mixed hardwood. For many heavy-equipment applications, mixed hardwood offers a practical balance of strength, availability, and cost.
Oak crane mats are also available when a project specification requires oak or when a customer specifically prefers it. However, oak can be more difficult to source, and it generally costs more than mixed hardwood.
Crane mats operate in demanding environments where substantial wear, checking, surface damage, and other signs of heavy use are expected regardless of species. For that reason, many customers choose mixed hardwood unless their project specifications call for oak.
Learn more about our oak, mixed hardwood, green lumber, and other hardwood materials.
Green, Untreated Hardwood Crane Mats
Our crane mats are generally manufactured from green, untreated hardwood unless otherwise specified. Green lumber has not been kiln-dried and still contains much of its natural moisture at the time it is sawn.
As green hardwood dries, natural shrinkage, checking, movement, and surface changes can occur. These characteristics are normal for heavy industrial timbers and should be considered when specifying mats for a particular application.
How Our Crane Mats Are Built
Riephoff Sawmill manufactures crane mats from large hardwood timbers assembled into heavy-duty mat sections. The timbers are secured together with through-bolts to create a substantial working platform for cranes and other heavy equipment.
Depending on the size and customer requirements, mats can be produced with lifting notches or without notches. We can also add cables on the ends when that handling configuration is preferred.
Because lifting and handling requirements vary by job, let us know whether you need notches, end cables, both, or neither when requesting a quote.
The number of bolts used varies with mat length and construction requirements. If your project has specific hardware, lifting, or configuration requirements, include them with your dimensions and quantity.
Custom Crane Mat Sizes
One of the advantages of working directly with a sawmill is the ability to produce dimensions that may not be readily available from a standard lumber supplier or mat distributor.
Riephoff Sawmill has produced crane mats in numerous custom thicknesses, widths, and lengths for industrial customers. If your project requires an unusual size, send us the dimensions and quantity you need so we can review material availability and production requirements.
Rush Orders and Time-Sensitive Projects
Riephoff Sawmill has a long history of responding to urgent industrial and emergency projects. When production capacity and material availability allow, we can work with customers who need crane mats or heavy timbers on a compressed schedule.
If timing is critical, include your required date when requesting a quote so we can determine what is possible.
Crane Mat Manufacturing Experience Since the 1960s
Crane mat production has been part of Riephoff Sawmill’s work since the company’s early years. Our mill has continually adapted its equipment and production methods to handle large timbers, custom dimensions, and demanding industrial work.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Riephoff Sawmill supplied 110 trailer-loads of crane mats for rescue, cleanup, and recovery operations at Ground Zero. The urgent demand also led the mill to develop equipment that increased crane mat production capacity.
Learn more about Riephoff Sawmill’s history, capabilities, and notable projects.
Crane Mat Pickup
All crane mat orders are pickup only at our sawmill in Allentown, New Jersey. Because crane mats can be extremely large and heavy, customers should plan appropriate transportation and handling equipment based on the dimensions, quantity, and estimated total load weight of the order.
Our Crane Mat Size & Weight Guide includes estimated weights for common mat dimensions to assist with preliminary transportation and handling planning.
Request a Crane Mat Quote
To help us quote your crane mats accurately, include as much of the following information as possible:
- Quantity
- Thickness
- Width
- Length
- Mixed hardwood, oak, or required species
- Lifting configuration: notches, end cables, both, or neither
- Any specific bolt, hardware, or construction requirements
- Equipment or project application
- Required date or project schedule
All orders are pickup only at our Allentown, New Jersey sawmill.
Request a Crane Mat Quote or contact Riephoff Sawmill to discuss your project.